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This work is the product of the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of numerous artists, academics, spiritualists, and gentle mentors. Because the seeds for this book germinated long ago in the most ancient Earthen Pot, I give honor to Ìyánlá Odùduwà, the Womb of Origins; Èsù, who led me stumbling through the crossroads; and Òrìsà mi, Oya. I give most high praise to the architects of my existence, Àwon Ìyá Mi: Ìyánlá Ann Wade Sullivan, Donnie Harris, Mat Harris , Lenell Harris, Betty Washington-Patterson, Mattie Harris, Vivian Washington, Irma L. Young-Washington, Aunt Ann, and Aunt Candy. Every time I gaze in a mirror, I see you! I give greatest thanks to Cornelius Washington, Sr.; Cornelius Washington, Jr.; and Cornelius Washington III; Unka Johnny Crow; Unka Robert Lee; Unka Lenny (you a man and a half!); and Leonard Crooks III (Len-Len). I pay the highest homage to my Ancestors, who laid the foundation for this work by introducing me to my Selves: Vircy Dickey, Elvester Owens, and Rufus Owens. I acknowledge the guidance of the Leslie, Harris, Washington, Cockerham, Wade, Dickey, and Sullivan families and all my kinfolks, without whom neither this work nor I would exist. My Continental African spiritual and academic guides deserve more appreciation than words can express. I give high thanks and praise to the most honorable wisdom-keepers and knowledge-sharers: Oyin Ogunba, Roger Makanjuola, Samuel Modupeola Opeola, and Yèyé mi àti Ìyá-Ìwé, Madame Oyeronke Igbinola, the world is richer because of your existence. I am also profoundly blessed to have known and been enriched by the wisdom of Mary E. Modupe Kolawole, A. Nasiru, O. O. Olatunji, Benedict Ibitokun, Adebayo Faleti, Akinwumi Isola, Adebayo Ogundijo, Bidemi Okanlawon, Adiyi M. Bestman, Bade Ajuwon , Ayo Opefeyitimi, Egbe I¤e, J. R. O. Ojo, ’Biodun Adediran, Niyi Osundare, Moses A. Makinde, V. O. Morakinyo, Ola “Giver of Life” Rotimi, Chief-o! Charles Uji, Chief-o! Uko Atai, The Right Reverend Father T. Ilesanmi, Ade and Yemisi Amusa, Chris Manus, O. Olorode, Kolawole Ositola, Ganiyu Oyetibo, Abdul-Rasheed Abudu, and Kasim Oladipo. To the entire family of Obafemi Awolowo University—I kúnle to you. Esf un gan an ni! Most sincere thanks to Kujerako Arshungbo, Fofo Lamota, The Old Man, and The Old Lady—my Ghanaian family who makes me feel ten feet tall! Thanks to all the students and scholars A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S of the University of Ghana-Legon. Thanks also to Strong Man Chris, who saved my life! Thanks to Hervé Dieudonne, Rene Nia, Isa Usman (Dan Fo), Orando Yanque, and Aboubacar Mamane. For support and encouragement, I thank Carlotta Abrams, my serious, steady, and ever-ready S. O. S., Charlie R. Braxton, J. Janice Coleman, Ousseynou Traore, Ann Fisher-Wirth, Jay Watson, Kevin Powell, David Popkin, James Quirin, James Robinson, Ntozake Shange, and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. For all my unrecognized and disrespected thug, blood, and love kin who keep the ancient ways all day er’ day, keep Shining: I see you. x l acknowledgments ...

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