Meet Osundamisi Fafunke of Southwest Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Osundamisi Fafunke

Osundamisi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am an educator for over 20 years. I began my career working with African American children at a local Afro-centered private school in the city (Imhotep Center of Education). After serving in this unique community, I was inspired to further my collegiate studies in pedagogy specifically catering to urban scholars. I earned my Masters in Urban Teacher Leadership at Georgia State University where I encountered a West African traditional priest and educator named Ajisafe Jones. During a presentation, he mentioned the importance of utilizing principles of African centered education in our communities and classrooms. It wasn’t long before I found myself engulfed in studying the ancient ways of my African ancestors for mentoring and guiding both youth and adults. I am currently an initiated priest in the West African religious tradition. My training as a spiritual guide and educator has equipped me with both knowledge and skills to provide a plethora of healing tactics for people from all walks of life. I am especially concerned with helping individuals’ personal growth and development. My organization, Odunjo, LLC provides spiritual guidance and services very similar to life coaching in order to help people reach their destined goals in life. My work in the community has afford me a recent honor of being coronated as a chief in Nigeria. My title, Erelu Osun, requires that I provide mentorship and leadership for young women. This is why I am committed to doing service work in the areas of women empowerment. We are proud of our philosophy which harbors the belief that in order to level up, one must be given the tools necessary to lead their own destiny. Odunjo also offers other healing devices such as candles and spiritual herbs which manifest specific outcomes. In essence, we carry the torch of our ancestors and shed light on human potential with love and enlightenment.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has experienced its own challenges. However, the road has been mostly smooth and a blessing in many ways. One of the most troubling encounters have been with Black men between the ages of 25 to 35. I have found that many of them who I have crossed paths with have dealt with depression and displacement in society. There have been times when I felt incapable of providing the proper guidance to help them find their way. Nothing is more heartbreaking than listening to a man explain with tears in his eyes that he does not know his purpose in life. I learned that my instinct to nurture and provide what I believed to be solutions was not effective or was not enough. I realized that these men didn’t require a mother figure. Instead they benefited the most from having someone life myself to listen, and lead with love and compassion. The lesson I learned through trails any tribulations-witnessing some successes and some failure, helped me to develop me into a stronger teacher, mentor and spiritual guide. It has been a blessing and a learning experience for me. Because of the times I was tested, I became more elevated mentally and spiritually.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As I stated, I am an educator. I have taught private, charter, and public-school scholars in grades 4-11. I have taught English, History and Special education and Gifted Education. I am a respected educator in my community due to my strong capacity to build and sustain relationships. When I started working as a priest within my community, I recognized the need for spiritual education among community members seeking guidance with practice African traditional religions. I was able to use the pedagogy that I was trained to facilitate and master in various school settings in order to teach West African culture, spiritual practices and protocols to interested devotees. The Atlanta community in general is experiencing a rapid growth of individuals showing interest in West African spirituality. I have been serving the community for over 15 years providing spiritual education. I believe that knowledge and understanding is a prerequisite before practicing any religion. I am inspired by the late Minister Malcom X who profoundly dedicated his life to teaching his followers. In December of 2020, it was confirmed that I am doing the good work when I was coronated as a West African Yoruba Chief. Respectively, I pay homage to my spiritual leader and teacher, Baba Agbongbon Fakayode Faniyi of Osogbo Nigeria.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite Book, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, was introduced to me in junior college. It was the best narrative that I have ever read. I extracted so many values from that book. Loyalty, perseverance, and commitment were top themes that evolved from the pages. Many people do not know that I gave birth in the 11th and 12th grades of high school. I failed 11th grade and often thought about quitting, but I had dreams of becoming a school teacher. With a 1.8 grade point average, I was not eligible to attend any college upon graduation. I decided to join the military and earn my path to college in an alternative fashion. I was lost in some ways, yet I had a plan. After reading AMX in junior college I knew like father Malcolm, I could not give in to my shortcomings. I worked extremely hard in junior college, and advanced to a 4-year university where I earned my Bachelors in Middle Grades Education. I don’t ever think about giving up anymore, but when I feel overwhelmed, I think of father Malcolm. I must never stop the work even if my life became a target, I must never stop.

Pricing:

• 15.oo Level Up Candles

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.odunjo.com
• Instagram: @odunjollc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celebrateelevation/