For over 50 years now has been committed to the education, empowerment and upliftment of people of color. He has been a beacon of light for countless young people who otherwise would have been lost in darkness. As a champion for the oppressed and a serious student of war; Elder Don is a third-Degree Black Belt Shotokan, Mfundi Kupi Gana Ngumi, Life Member Omega Psi Phi, Inc., U.S. Army Veteran, Asiago and holds a Doctorate in Education.

A former Adjunct Professor and Student of Nile Valley African Civilizations, and an initiated Elder in West Afrikan Spirituality. Currently he works with the AKF-FOS ISEA UN ECOSOC Federation, under the leadership of HIM Empress Shebah Kasambu ‘Ra III, the Reigning Queen of Sheba, with a program designed to end poverty and hunger in all 55 African nations.

An initiated diviner in the society of Ifa diviners who practice the traditional religion of Yoruba culture. He has received initiations in Ogboni, Egungun, Orisa, Ebora and Iyaami. Based on these initiations he has written many books based on his training that occurred during six of his visits to Nigeria on the metaphysical principles coded into the initiation process. He believes that the key to understanding the Mystery of Creation is through an understanding of the mystery of self.

Instrumental in the opening of the National Underground Railroad Museum on West Fourth Street in Maysville, located in the Bierbower house, which was owned by slavery opponents. "When he retired, he wanted to build a platform to tell the story of slavery.  He dressed the part and spoke the part. "He was proud he could tell the story and he always said, “We can learn from the past.”

The Ancient ones understood the rhythm and cycles of life and sought to live in harmony with it. Living in harmony with these cycles of life ensured a successful and peaceful life, which culminated in the fulfillment of one’s purpose for living.

The life cycle of birth, puberty, marriage, eldership, and death were all welcomed as a Rite of Passage within the community with specific rituals and ceremonies that physically and spiritually mark the various stages in one’s life and brings them into alignment with the natural universal rhythm of life.

The elders were considered to be the “Wisdom Keepers”; they were the gurus, shamans, seers, and sages. They were the ones who addressed the wrongdoing within the community and did not fear speaking the truth or wasting energy in idol conversation. Yet when they spoke everyone listened, for they spoke from experience not theory. We listen to you and appreciate your Ancient Wisdom.

Peace,

Priest King Babaji Koleoso

It gives us great pleasure to share with all of you the marking of the “Eldership” Rite of Passage as we ceremoniously close the door on adulthood and open the door to the revered eldership. Unlike most indigenous cultures who revere their elders, we in the west run from our elders and seek to warehouse them in nursing homes. In ancient cultures, one looked forward to the eldership, which is a time when the door to the past is closed, and a new door is being opened – to a greater level of fulfillment in life. This is the door that opens to the inner journey toward Self Mastery and Self Realization.

Beloved Elder Wisdom Keepers,

It is said that our women keep our skies from falling and yet you are the wind beneath our wings. Beloved you are the divine compliment to us and thus you mean the whole world to us. You see our wise Ancient Ancestors understood that the feminine and the masculine are a perfect reflection of the essence of the ONE. These energies are represented in the yin-yang symbol. This symbol recognizes that both energies are essential and hold an equal role in creating the whole, the “One”, the wholeness of life and the Divine.

Please know that we value the refined and dignified masculine energy you carry. Your divine essence is embodied as Heru – the Will of God, illuminated as the Sun – which fuels all of life. As an Elder Wisdom Keeper you are lit from within and all in your presence will shine by your grace.

We recognize and honor you. For you have been our fathers, brothers, and our sons. You have been the problem solvers, the conquerors, the builders, the warriors, the providers, the protectors, the hunters, the intellectuals, and our rational minds. You have summoned the courage to go beyond your limits, to accomplish great deeds, to focus your energy, tune into your life purpose, climb mountains, and dance through the fire. Now it’s time to let spirit come through you as the – Elder Wisdom Keepers.

As the Sacred Feminine we offer you our sincere gratitude for your contributions. What a gift you are to the world – to us.

In the Spirit,

Queen Mother Osunnike