Hoodoo Heritage is the echo of ancestral whispers carried across oceans, woven through the soul of the Southern United States by the resilient spirits of enslaved African ancestors. Rooted in the sacred traditions of Central and West Africa, it flourished in the fertile soil of the New World, infused with indigenous wisdom and the enduring power of the Earth’s botanical gifts. Hoodoo is more than a collection of spiritual practices—it is the living memory of a people who, despite unimaginable suffering, preserved their connection to the unseen, to the roots, and to the spirits of those who walked before them.
At the heart of Hoodoo lies reverence for ancestors, the keepers of wisdom and justice, who guide the hands of rootworkers, conjure doctors, and root doctors. These practitioners channel the forces of nature to heal, protect, and seek justice through the sacred art of rootwork. Their work is an act of defiance and survival, an unbroken link to the spiritual power that flows through bloodlines, binding the past to the present.
The gathering of roots, herbs, and plants is a ritual of survival, a testament to the knowledge passed down through generations, where every leaf and root holds a story of resilience.
As African Americans journeyed northward during the Great Migration, Hoodoo traveled with them, spreading its roots across the nation. It remains a sacred tradition, a living testament to the strength, ingenuity, and unyielding spirit of African ancestors, whose legacy of healing, justice, and spiritual power endures in every whispered prayer, every gathered root, and every sacred ritual.
As a Virgo, I’ve always yearned to deepen my understanding of spiritual practices, but I've often found it challenging to discover spaces that offer consistent workshops and study circles. Too often, these opportunities were located in other cities or even across the globe, making them hard to access. With the current challenges of inflation and other barriers, I was fortunate to find a room in my South Side neighborhood of Washington Park. After completing a residency at the University of Chicago in 2023, I realized others sought the same sense of community and connection. Last year’s Hoodoo Heritage Month series was intimate and, unfortunately, not open to the public due to capacity limits. This year, I wanted to expand this idea, fostering growth and inclusivity year by year. I hope this small room will evolve into something much bigger as we come together to learn and create. Chicago is home to many gifted healers, and it’s time for us to unite and celebrate our shared heritage.
HOODOO HERITAGE MONTH SERIES
- Fri, Oct 04ChicagoOct 04, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- Tue, Oct 08ChicagoOct 08, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USAOct 08, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USAStep into the world of Hoodoo like never before in this immersive course, inspired by the magic of learning you’d find at Hogwarts! Bring your laptops and notebooks for an academic-style deep dive into the powerful practice of Rootwork.
- Wed, Oct 09ChicagoOct 09, 2024, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- Sat, Oct 12ChicagoOct 12, 2024, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- Tue, Oct 15ChicagoOct 15, 2024, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USAOct 15, 2024, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USAJoin us for an insightful Film + Talk event during Hoodoo Heritage Month, where we’ll delve into the rich world of African Traditional Religions (ATRs), focusing on Ifa-Isese + Lucumi, and how they differ from Haitian Vodou.
- Fri, Oct 18ChicagoOct 18, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- Sat, Oct 19ChicagoOct 19, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- Sun, Oct 20ChicagoOct 20, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USAOct 20, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USAStep into the world of Hoodoo like never before in this immersive course, inspired by the magic of learning you’d find at Hogwarts! Bring your laptops and notebooks for an academic-style deep dive into the powerful practice of Hoodoo
- Tue, Oct 22ChicagoOct 22, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USAOct 22, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USAImmerse yourself in the world of Hoodoo altar work with this in-depth, lecture-style course reminiscent of a Hogwarts classroom! Bring your laptops and notebooks as we dive into the practical and spiritual elements of creating and working with altars.
- Wed, Oct 23ChicagoOct 23, 2024, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- Sun, Oct 27ChicagoOct 27, 2024, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- Tue, Oct 29ChicagoOct 29, 2024, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- Wed, Oct 30ChicagoOct 30, 2024, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDTChicago, Washington Park, Chicago, IL, USA