Title: '74-1st African-American Akan Priests "Gradua Post by: OlOrisa_Olokun on July 03, 2004, 09:01:51 PM Original Photo (http://onipaabusia.org/images/graduation.jpg)
"The first priest that I initiated in the late sixties was Adzua D. Opare, priestess to Nana Oyeni. She is a young woman for whom I have a great deal of respect, and depend a great deal on like my left hand. Shortly following Adzua's initiation came that of Nkobeahene Ajaibo. There are many other people who helped in the development of the Akan religion here in America. According to the wisdom of the elders, one head cannot go into council, therefore, one person cannot do anything alone. Without aid, without people helping you, you will just flounder. You may see someone and say this is a great man, but he could not be great unless the people behind him helped. The first person to possess Asuo Gyebi in America was Okomfo Baakan. The first person to possess Nana Kumi and regenerate that shrine which had lain dormant for over two hundred years was Okomfo Nyo. You see, in 1972 I had a vision that I had to go to Kubease-Larteh and also to Nsaba to bring something back from my great-grandparents. Nana Oparebea tried to discourage me, but I insisted that they take me back to the Nsaba village site of the 1500's. Trees were so high that sunlight could not even penetrate. Under a big tree that had fallen was a hole, and I said., "I want what is in there." They brought out the Nana Kumi shrine. Nana Kumi&'s shrine was given to me and I brought it to America. I own the parent shrine of Nana Kumi, and Okomfo Nyo was the first to possess him." - Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu |