I just saw a quote from Black Elk, and it made me reflect on the significance of what we are building in our own circle. We have the opportunity to create a sacred ecosystem that addresses real-world concerns. We can do this by showing up with who we are and with our gifts. The journey of creating this circle has already taught me so much—especially about the power of partnership. It’s shown me, again and again, that we can’t get very far alone. We need each other. "You have noticed that everything a Native American does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round. The Sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours. Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.” — Black Elk I’m curious—what does a circle mean to you, and how do you experience its power in your own life?

Before my mentor, Baba Epega, passed away, he shared a teaching that has stayed with me. He said that among the Yoruba, death is not feared the way it is in the West. Death is seen as an obligation of life. What dies is the body — the soul lives on forever. Baba taught me the sacred art of Ifa divination. When I do Ifa readings and spiritual work for clients, I still call on him. His guidance continues through my work. I think of my mom too. When I think of her, I also think of our land — the land she bought through a susu, an African Caribbean savings circle. That land reminds me of her vision, her discipline, and the future she was building. Who do you think of in Spirit and why? How are they guiding your life today? How do you feel about your own mortality? Is this something you think about? Has your view of death changed over time? If so, what experience shifted it?

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Of all the sacred sites I explored with Chief Aikula, Michelle, Hadiya, and Alicia, Erin Ijesha Waterfalls moved me the most. There are no words to describe it. Michelle says the waters of Erin Ijesha healed her. I believe her. I’ve been to Nigeria five times, but this was my first visit to Erin Ijesha. That newness made it especially powerful. There is nothing like standing on the lands of your ancestors, surrounded by ancient spirits who are not symbolic or distant, but present—reminding you of who you are and what you carry. If you feel the pull, listen to it. I’ll be returning to Nigeria in December, and Alicia and I are planning a journey to Ethiopia in September. ✨ King’s Circle members receive priority access to all retreats, along with private discounts not available to the public. You are helping build a sacred ecosystem with your membership and YOU come first.

King’s Circle is growing. In time, we’ll explore cuisine as culture. We’ll explore African, African American, African Caribbean, and African Latino culinary traditions. We’re building toward a living classroom in King’s Circle. It will include shared recipes, conversations with chefs, and stories rooted in history, migration, and creativity. This is just the beginning. There’s so much more to come. In this clip, my friend Orphee from Benin is preparing a dish for me in my kitchen. He made this dish when he visited me with his partner in Oakland last year. It’s a moment filled with memory, generosity, and connection. Orphee teaches traditional dance from Benin. His work is deeply tied to culture, rhythm, and spiritual life. Soon, you’ll get to meet Orphee in King’s Circle. He’ll share his thoughts on Vodun, cuisine, and dance. I began studying the Fon language, one of the major languages of Benin. I started studying Fon in preparation for shooting the film Becoming Light Again with Akua. The film will take place mostly in Benin. Learning the language has been part of my commitment to meet cultures with care and respect. I’ll be sharing my Fon language-learning journey with you in King’s Circle as well. This is the kind of learning we’re cultivating in King’s Circle. Lived culture. Shared openly. Carried forward together.