Name: Goddess Oya

Hometowns: Windy City, Chicago

PhD (specialty): Images, pop culture, education, media manipulation, and essentially everything.

Biggest Dislikes: Ignorance and reveling in ignorance, racism, hatin' on women, elitism, and genocide.

Quote: "I'm never mystical, divinity is real". -- X-Clan, To the East Blackwards (sissseeeeyy!)

Oya is a twenty-something goddess who likes lightin' fires, spinnin' the winds of change, bringing destruction and creating a safe space upon which creation can begin anew. For this, she is misunderstood. Oya promotes literacy, critical thinking and is in love with the word "resistance". Y'all know why hurricanes have names and traverse many lands? Cuz Oya's got a lot to say and there's a whole lot of mess that needs changin'.

This goddess likes all kinds of music but old school hip hop and a skilled dj will save her threatened life any day. Rakim, Public Enemy, X-Clan (especially black boot stompin'), Salt n Pepa and Monie Love hold a special place in Oya's heart, when she ponders her earthly wares. Oya also likes the theatre, reading, dancing and kickin' it with friends. Above all, Oya enjoys freedom and wants all of us to take bigger sips of it.

Oya loves mixing Ebonics with depth of thought so don't let the smooth taste fool ya. If you ever need a more formal translation, Oya can bring the noise. Don't be afraid to get tossed like Toto or get wet. Don't worry, she's only trying to get you back home where you should be!