The ADRSA looks forward to its 13th conference, “My Sibling’s Keeper” coming Friday, April 11th. Such an event takes support from many directions and we are thankful to the sponsors who are contributing to its success.
Among the sponsors are the Congress of Santa Barbara (KOSANBA), a scholarly association dedicated to the study of Haitian Vodou and other diasporic traditions. Founded at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1997, KOSANBA has been at the forefront of scholarship and advocacy around Vodou, Haiti, and Haitian culture, Acknowledging that “the presence, role and importance of Vodou in Haitian history, society and culture are inarguable, and recognizably a part of the national ethos” the scholars who founded the organization pledged to create a space where scholarship on Vodou can be encouraged and celebrated. KOSANBA is a sister organization to the ADRSA and has been a steady sponsor since our inaugural conference in 2013.
Back for their second year as a sponsor, the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) is legendary in New York City and beyond. Founded by Iya Dr. Marta Moreno Vega in 1976 and now led by Executive Director, Melody Capote, and Director of Programs, Sabine Blaizin, the center has been dedicated to serving children/youth, families, young professionals, elders, local and international artists, and practitioners of African-based spiritual traditions for more than 40 years. CCCADI will sponsor a screening of Dr. Vega’s classic film When the Spirits Dance Mambo as a part of the conference weekend.
The Department of Social Work at Johnson C. Smith University. Operating under the adage that “social workers make the world a better place,” the department is a perfect partner for this year’s conference theme of care and community. The vision and leadership of Dr. Latoya Brooks sparked this momentous collaboration with the support of the Social Work Department Chairs Dr. Melvin Herring and Kareema Gray. Prof. Latoya Brooks will offer greetings from the department and will speak on a conference panel sharing some of her personal journey, the department joins ADRSA as a sponsor for the first time this year.
WaWaWa Diaspora Centre and Ase Ire round out the sponsors for 2025. WaWaWa, the brainchild of Haitian anthropologist and artist, Regine Romain, is an arts and cultural heritage organization that creates programs and media to nurture and support the Black diaspora to actively heal historic and systemic wounds and trauma related to, and derived from the TransAtlantic Slave Trade. Ase Ire is an orisa temple and spiritual community where people of African descent are invited to learn, grow, and connect with spirit! Founded by Iya Funlayo E. Wood, their mission is to help people of African descent and improve their lives using African spiritual principles.
We are grateful to all of our sponsors and look forward to a transformative time together on Friday, April 11! If you are not already registered, click here to register and join us!
ADRSA 