Conference Speakers & Bios
Mama Ayanna Iyi
Ayana Iyi is a modern day witch with ancient sensibilities, utilizing entheogenic plants in her work as a Psychic and Medium. Ayana has an intimate relationship to spirit going back to early childhood. Sharing many decades of experience working as a healer of immense knowledge and power. Incorporating teaching fungi into her work was the perfect complement to accessing the ancient worlds of the divine feminine. Many testify to the fullness, depth and passion that Ayana brings to the Psychedelic community.
Ayana Iyi Detroit native has realized that her journey as Warrior High Priestess is a journey of wisdom, innerstanding and truth. As a visionary in her communities and throughout the US, she inspires women to reclaim their Birthright(s) as Goddess, Warrior and Mother through counsel, tarot and entheogenic ceremony. Most importantly, by divine example. Wife, Elder and Mother to many, Ayana works effortlessly to provide spiritual guidance for all of her sisters and daughters. Showing that total acceptance, love and knowledge of self is her code of life through Profundity, Intelligence, Silence and Truth.
Ayana Iyi Detroit native has realized that her journey as Warrior High Priestess is a journey of wisdom, innerstanding and truth. As a visionary in her communities and throughout the US, she inspires women to reclaim their Birthright(s) as Goddess, Warrior and Mother through counsel, tarot and entheogenic ceremony. Most importantly, by divine example. Wife, Elder and Mother to many, Ayana works effortlessly to provide spiritual guidance for all of her sisters and daughters. Showing that total acceptance, love and knowledge of self is her code of life through Profundity, Intelligence, Silence and Truth.
Baba Moudou Baqui M. Ed.
Is a lifelong citizen of Highland Park. He has been a student in the origins of human consciousness since an early age. Moudou is a third generation metaphysican. His introduction to the esoteric came from his father, former Grand Master of a local chapter of an international mystical order (following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who began his studies in the early 1900's). Moudou's early studies came from “borrowed” rare mystical texts from his father's library. At his father's urging, he continued his studies of ancient knowledge without the formality of known institutions. He has further continued his studies of shamanism, metaphysics and ethnogenics via travel on several continents and tutelage under different intellectual traditions. A student and practitioner of both ethnobotany and the martial sciences, he is an activist, Certified Level II Reiki healer, urban shaman, behavioral specialist and educator.
Acacea
Acacea is is the daughter of a master esoteric mathematician who originally shared with her what he considered to be the oldest mathematical languages of the universe. Acacea has studied quantum physics and performed upper level undergraduate research in physics from a very early age; though she has found ways to apply this knowledge as an explorer of novel states of consciousness, sanatana
consciousness, and in forming deeper understanding of the esoteric science of the vedas, somatic texts, the Ifa texts and some texts related to early christianity. Acacea is also a plant medicine alchemist, mycologist and history buff who through experience in realms of quantum consciousness and spiritual awakening, has merged the education of her early development in quantum numerical analysis and quasi energetic states to develop a solid understanding of the infraparticle world as experienced through her ancestors eyes and share it with accuracy through modern terms so that others can understand what it can mean for our day-to-day conciousness. Acacea specializes in copper and electromagnetic sculptures, has an affinity for martial arts and Orisha dance and crystal alchemy. Sis Acacea is currently working towards continuing research of shipibo icaro song, the practice of the vajrakilaya mantra and is currently completing research of her original path in antediluvian vibrational arts of language and quantum communication.
consciousness, and in forming deeper understanding of the esoteric science of the vedas, somatic texts, the Ifa texts and some texts related to early christianity. Acacea is also a plant medicine alchemist, mycologist and history buff who through experience in realms of quantum consciousness and spiritual awakening, has merged the education of her early development in quantum numerical analysis and quasi energetic states to develop a solid understanding of the infraparticle world as experienced through her ancestors eyes and share it with accuracy through modern terms so that others can understand what it can mean for our day-to-day conciousness. Acacea specializes in copper and electromagnetic sculptures, has an affinity for martial arts and Orisha dance and crystal alchemy. Sis Acacea is currently working towards continuing research of shipibo icaro song, the practice of the vajrakilaya mantra and is currently completing research of her original path in antediluvian vibrational arts of language and quantum communication.
Darren Le Baron is a teacher, researcher and event organizer based in London. He’s the Director of Ancient Future, Convenor of the Psychedelia Railway Gatherings and curator at Earth Tone Arts and Soul & Sound. He is part of the Breaking Convention committee and works closely with Funzing, organising thought provoking talks and workshops in the capital.
After setting up Ancient Future in 2006 — a charitable organisation — he has continued to develop projects geared around creative arts, personal-development and African-Caribbean history, culture and spirituality in his community.
Collectively his work aims to inform and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to cope with social challenges and contribute to community development as well as self-improvement in an innovative, creative, culturally-aware style.
Darren is a qualified organic horticulturist and by day teaches organic gardening and food enterprise to “so called” hard to reach young people, in particular those who have been temporarily or permanently excluded from main stream school. He works with them as a mentor and develops youth led sustainable food enterprise, so the young people can generate a financial income as a tangible alternative to some of the reasons why they got into trouble in the first place.
Darren is also a qualified Permaculture teacher and facilitator. Permaculture is an innovative framework for creating sustainable ways of living. It is a practical method of developing ecologically harmonious, efficient and productive systems that can be used by anyone, anywhere. His interactive workshops look at the fundamental ethics and principles of permaculture, while sharing practical tips for personalising and implementing the tools in our busy daily urban settings. Darren has worked with CRCLR in Berlin and LUSH in the UK supporting both to create sustainable working systems and environments using permaculture.
Presenter at the psychedelic conference Breaking Convention (London), the Entheogenic Conference (Detroit), Ozora (Hungary), Beyond Psychedelics (Prague), 920 (Amsterdam) and numerous consciousness gatherings around the world. Darren is a knowledgeable and dynamic speaker who is passionate about sharing his research on African entheogenic plants, their history, the mythology and their various applications. He has spoken in the UK, Europe, Africa, and the US sharing his extensive research on Entheogenic plants and their various applications and how they can help humanity in the here and now.
After setting up Ancient Future in 2006 — a charitable organisation — he has continued to develop projects geared around creative arts, personal-development and African-Caribbean history, culture and spirituality in his community.
Collectively his work aims to inform and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to cope with social challenges and contribute to community development as well as self-improvement in an innovative, creative, culturally-aware style.
Darren is a qualified organic horticulturist and by day teaches organic gardening and food enterprise to “so called” hard to reach young people, in particular those who have been temporarily or permanently excluded from main stream school. He works with them as a mentor and develops youth led sustainable food enterprise, so the young people can generate a financial income as a tangible alternative to some of the reasons why they got into trouble in the first place.
Darren is also a qualified Permaculture teacher and facilitator. Permaculture is an innovative framework for creating sustainable ways of living. It is a practical method of developing ecologically harmonious, efficient and productive systems that can be used by anyone, anywhere. His interactive workshops look at the fundamental ethics and principles of permaculture, while sharing practical tips for personalising and implementing the tools in our busy daily urban settings. Darren has worked with CRCLR in Berlin and LUSH in the UK supporting both to create sustainable working systems and environments using permaculture.
Presenter at the psychedelic conference Breaking Convention (London), the Entheogenic Conference (Detroit), Ozora (Hungary), Beyond Psychedelics (Prague), 920 (Amsterdam) and numerous consciousness gatherings around the world. Darren is a knowledgeable and dynamic speaker who is passionate about sharing his research on African entheogenic plants, their history, the mythology and their various applications. He has spoken in the UK, Europe, Africa, and the US sharing his extensive research on Entheogenic plants and their various applications and how they can help humanity in the here and now.
Peter Andraes
Peter Andraes (9Dragons) is the author of YeMingZhu: Celestial Energy Gems (2015), The Secret of the Inner-Swing (2004) and the '2008 World Qi-Gong Sports Master of the Year'. Raised in Highland Park (during its 'Golden Age') in a family of doctors, teachers, researchers, writers & artists, he has travelled worldwide for 60 years, and explored the wonders of Asia while residing there for the past 30. As one born with 'Second Sight' in the 'Hour & Year of the Dragon', interesting stories & unique experiences always seem to find him. As a 'Treasure Finder' like his Father before him, he has a knack for making new discoveries, and enjoys sharing them with others through his art, pictures & words.
His first book on YeMingZhu explored its ancient myths, legends, history, and unraveled the modern geology, chemistry, physics & alchemy behind its mysterious 'Living Light'. His upcoming book, YeMingZhu StarGate is a step-by-step guide to 'Activating' the Crystal in YeMingZhu, an features the epic discoveries the great scientist/genius/inventor, Dr. Marcel Vogel, the legendary scientist/genius/inventor Dr. Patrick Flanagan (considered the reincarnation of Nikola Tesla), Peter's lifelong friend, the great Ahati Kilindi Iyi, and Peter's mentor, the 'Sage' Chairman John T. Liu, the world's leading authority on YeMingZhu.
His first book on YeMingZhu explored its ancient myths, legends, history, and unraveled the modern geology, chemistry, physics & alchemy behind its mysterious 'Living Light'. His upcoming book, YeMingZhu StarGate is a step-by-step guide to 'Activating' the Crystal in YeMingZhu, an features the epic discoveries the great scientist/genius/inventor, Dr. Marcel Vogel, the legendary scientist/genius/inventor Dr. Patrick Flanagan (considered the reincarnation of Nikola Tesla), Peter's lifelong friend, the great Ahati Kilindi Iyi, and Peter's mentor, the 'Sage' Chairman John T. Liu, the world's leading authority on YeMingZhu.
Paul Stamets
Paul Stamets, speaker, author, mycologist, medical researcher and entrepreneur, is considered an intellectual and industry leader in fungi: habitat, medicinal use, and production. He lectures extensively to deepen the understanding and respect
for the organisms that literally exist under every footstep taken on this path of life. His presentations cover a range of mushroom species and research showing how mushrooms can help the health of people and planet. His central premise is that habitats have immune systems, just like people, and mushrooms are cellular bridges between the two. Our close evolutionary relationship to fungi can be the basis for novel pairings in the microbiome that lead to greater sustainability and immune enhancement.
Paul’s philosophy is that “MycoDiversity is BioSecurity.” He sees the ancient Old Growth forests of the Pacific Northwest as a resource of incalculable value, especially in terms of its fungal genome. A dedicated hiker and explorer, his passion is to preserve and protect as many ancestral strains of mushrooms as possible from these pristine woodlands. His research is considered breakthrough by thought leaders for creating a paradigm shift for helping ecosystems worldwide.
Paul is the author of six books (including Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World, Growing Gourmet & Medicinal Mushrooms, and Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World), he has discovered and named numerous new species of psilocybin mushrooms.
He has received numerous awards, including: Invention Ambassador (2014-2015) for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the National Mycologist Award (2014) from the North American Mycological Association (NAMA), and the Gordon & Tina Wasson Award (2015) from the Mycological Society of America (MSA).
His work has entered into the mainstream of popular culture. In the new Star Trek: Discovery series on CBS, the Science Officer is portrayed by an Astromycologist.... a Lt. Paul Stamets. Paul's work with mycelium is a central theme of this series.
Paul funds research to save rare strains of mushrooms that dwell within the old growth forests. He is a collaborator with numerous scientific organizations and research institutes. Currently he is testing extracts of these rare strains at the NIH (National Institutes of Health/Virology) and with Washington State University/United States Department of
Agriculture against a wide panel of viruses pathogenic to humans, animals and bees.
“We are now fully engaged in the sixth Major Extinction (“6 X”) on planet Earth. Our biosphere is quickly changing, eroding the life support systems that have allowed humans to ascend. Unless we put into action policies and technologies that can cause a course correction in the very near future, species diversity will continue to plummet, with humans not only being the primary cause, but one of the victims. What can we do? Fungi, particularly mushrooms, offer some powerful, practical solutions, which can be put into practice now.”
for the organisms that literally exist under every footstep taken on this path of life. His presentations cover a range of mushroom species and research showing how mushrooms can help the health of people and planet. His central premise is that habitats have immune systems, just like people, and mushrooms are cellular bridges between the two. Our close evolutionary relationship to fungi can be the basis for novel pairings in the microbiome that lead to greater sustainability and immune enhancement.
Paul’s philosophy is that “MycoDiversity is BioSecurity.” He sees the ancient Old Growth forests of the Pacific Northwest as a resource of incalculable value, especially in terms of its fungal genome. A dedicated hiker and explorer, his passion is to preserve and protect as many ancestral strains of mushrooms as possible from these pristine woodlands. His research is considered breakthrough by thought leaders for creating a paradigm shift for helping ecosystems worldwide.
Paul is the author of six books (including Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World, Growing Gourmet & Medicinal Mushrooms, and Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World), he has discovered and named numerous new species of psilocybin mushrooms.
He has received numerous awards, including: Invention Ambassador (2014-2015) for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the National Mycologist Award (2014) from the North American Mycological Association (NAMA), and the Gordon & Tina Wasson Award (2015) from the Mycological Society of America (MSA).
His work has entered into the mainstream of popular culture. In the new Star Trek: Discovery series on CBS, the Science Officer is portrayed by an Astromycologist.... a Lt. Paul Stamets. Paul's work with mycelium is a central theme of this series.
Paul funds research to save rare strains of mushrooms that dwell within the old growth forests. He is a collaborator with numerous scientific organizations and research institutes. Currently he is testing extracts of these rare strains at the NIH (National Institutes of Health/Virology) and with Washington State University/United States Department of
Agriculture against a wide panel of viruses pathogenic to humans, animals and bees.
“We are now fully engaged in the sixth Major Extinction (“6 X”) on planet Earth. Our biosphere is quickly changing, eroding the life support systems that have allowed humans to ascend. Unless we put into action policies and technologies that can cause a course correction in the very near future, species diversity will continue to plummet, with humans not only being the primary cause, but one of the victims. What can we do? Fungi, particularly mushrooms, offer some powerful, practical solutions, which can be put into practice now.”
Sophia L. Buggs
Sophia L. Buggs, also known as Lady Buggs or Mama Sophia, is the owner and operator of Lady Buggs Farm, a 1.3 acre urban farm located on the South Side of Youngstown, Ohio. She is reclaiming the sacred roots of farming through sustainable spiritual living. A few of her areas of expertise include specialty crop farming, wildcrafting and fermenting traditional foods. Her mission is to revitalize her community by offering wellbeing from seed to table all while creating a loving urban homestead with her daughter, Passion. Sophia shares her urban wellness and farming insight through plant medicine wisdom, farmers markets, oracle readings, cooking and gardening classes and serving as The MahoningValley Food Access Coordinator.
Sophia holds a Masters of Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from American InterContinentalUniversity and a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from Bethune Cookman University. She also has earned a number of accreditations, which includes a year of OJT Specialty Crop Apprenticeship through Goodness Grows, an organization that promotes food, faith and sustainable farming for all. A Market Garden Certificate with Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation and a Certificate of Intuitive Plant Medicine with One Willow Apothecaries.
Sophia holds a Masters of Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from American InterContinentalUniversity and a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from Bethune Cookman University. She also has earned a number of accreditations, which includes a year of OJT Specialty Crop Apprenticeship through Goodness Grows, an organization that promotes food, faith and sustainable farming for all. A Market Garden Certificate with Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation and a Certificate of Intuitive Plant Medicine with One Willow Apothecaries.
Abdul "Duli" Wilkins
"The Beantown Ghetto Shaman" is a visual artist, certified Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, Yoga Teacher and intuitive healer from Boston. He grew up in the inner city of Roxbury and was influenced by his father and mother from a very young age to value the study of metaphysics, mysticism, occult information and spirituality. In college at Northeastern University Duli was introduced to psilocybin mushrooms which had a very life changing affect on him and ever since has been exploring the benefits of "Teaching Plants and Fungi". Through personal experience he advocates the use of entheogens in a sacred manner. Duli strongly believes that "Urban Shamanism" can help heal trauma based issues, bring people together from various backgrounds/races and bring a new found awareness of self and connection to the earth and Great Spirit!
Spirit Traveler
Spirit Traveler considers herself an eternal Student. Her studies and work are in her passion of Spiritual Midwifery, home birth and Doula service. As a Spiritual Intuitive Guide she also shares her gifts and training in Tapology, Dianetics, Personality Typing, Numerology, Aromatherapy and a host of other Alternative Healing Modalities. Spirits mission is not only to be the GateKeeper of the new arrivals to our future, it is to "remind" us of our True Essence as Self Masters.
Bro Omari Miles-El
is a Native Detroiter and the founder of Third Eye Open, A Historical and Metaphysical research Organization. He is also the founder of R.Y.D.E. (Rolemodels for Youth Development and Enlightment), a youth oriented motivational consulting firm. Bro Omari Miles-El has studied and traveled under the tutor ledge of the renowned Egyptologist Dr. Benjamin Jochannan, A well-known Professor of Egyptian Antiquity and founder of Craft Amen-Ra a Masonic order founded on the spiritual principles of ancient Kemet .
Bro Omari Miles-El has spent the last 25 years studying and traveling throughout America and the Diaspora to uncover hidden truths about the contribution of people of Color have given to Humanity as a whole. Bro Omari Miles-El has several Lectures, Sacredness of the Black Woman, Secret Science of the Bible, Black America B.C. to A.D.-Land of the Moors, Ancient Pyramids in America, Psychological Destruction of the Black Civilization, Moors and Free Masonry, and Know Thyself.
Bro Omari Miles-El has spent the last 25 years studying and traveling throughout America and the Diaspora to uncover hidden truths about the contribution of people of Color have given to Humanity as a whole. Bro Omari Miles-El has several Lectures, Sacredness of the Black Woman, Secret Science of the Bible, Black America B.C. to A.D.-Land of the Moors, Ancient Pyramids in America, Psychological Destruction of the Black Civilization, Moors and Free Masonry, and Know Thyself.
Julie Barron, M. A.
Julie is a local therapist who focuses her work on psychedelic medicines and building psychedelic community. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan and Masters Degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology & Music Therapy from Naropa University. For over 20 years Julie has done extensive research and training in the benefits and use of entheogens, and she is devoted to helping clients grow and heal as they incorporate these alternative practices into wellness.
Julie is President of The Michigan Psychedelic Society, Executive Director of Decriminalize Nature Ann Arbor, Psychedelic Integration Therapist at Transpersonal Michigan, Cannabis Counselor at Blue Sage Health, and Clinical Ketamine Therapist at Michigan Progressive Health.
Julie is President of The Michigan Psychedelic Society, Executive Director of Decriminalize Nature Ann Arbor, Psychedelic Integration Therapist at Transpersonal Michigan, Cannabis Counselor at Blue Sage Health, and Clinical Ketamine Therapist at Michigan Progressive Health.
Oyi Sun
“Growth is the purpose, everything else is the result. PERIOD!!! ANYTHING before Growth is hustling backwards.”
Teacher * Historian * Martial Artist * Metaphysician * Entrepreneur * Traveler * #LiveFree Activist * Purpose Finder * Celebrity Clarity Coach
Oyi, formerly known as Coach Khayr, is the founder and Chief Strategy Officer of The Jupiter Group Systems, LLC.
As a personal, executive and business development Coach, Oyi spends most of his time nowadays helping business owners Divinely Align with their true purpose. Then he gets them into their “ZONE OF GENIUS” and then monetizes that purpose internationally. Oyi personally believes that entheogens, under the right circumstances, can help a person on that personal spiritual development path.
Some say Oyi is half good and half hood and that’s actually not far off. Having personally mastered a certain set of conflict resolution and emotional intelligence skills in his own life, that experience blends in perfectly with his wide range of healing modalities and esoteric knowledge that he affectionately calls “Drip Alchemy”. More Love, More Abundance, More Wisdom. That’s the Creed Oyi lives by and that’s the Oyi Promise.
Teacher * Historian * Martial Artist * Metaphysician * Entrepreneur * Traveler * #LiveFree Activist * Purpose Finder * Celebrity Clarity Coach
Oyi, formerly known as Coach Khayr, is the founder and Chief Strategy Officer of The Jupiter Group Systems, LLC.
As a personal, executive and business development Coach, Oyi spends most of his time nowadays helping business owners Divinely Align with their true purpose. Then he gets them into their “ZONE OF GENIUS” and then monetizes that purpose internationally. Oyi personally believes that entheogens, under the right circumstances, can help a person on that personal spiritual development path.
Some say Oyi is half good and half hood and that’s actually not far off. Having personally mastered a certain set of conflict resolution and emotional intelligence skills in his own life, that experience blends in perfectly with his wide range of healing modalities and esoteric knowledge that he affectionately calls “Drip Alchemy”. More Love, More Abundance, More Wisdom. That’s the Creed Oyi lives by and that’s the Oyi Promise.
Marshall Whitley aka Ankhara Akeru
is a Crystal Cannabis healer, cultivator, and solventless extract scientist. He has background in outdoor education and non profit environmental work as well as world travel, indeginous outreach, esoteric studies and the healing arts. He has been working in the California cannabis cultivation movement since 2007. His body of work is focused on combining the diverse fields of cutting edge scientific research in the area of the endocannabinoid system and the curative effects of cannabinoids along with ancient healing modalities such as crystal grids and layouts, copper pyramids, sound baths, and electromagnetics. He is also a certified Reiki Master and Theta facilitator. Ankhara is currently developing new methods based on ancient principles, accomplishing his work inside of a copper pyramid chamber. In addition, he is utilizing crystal grids, as well as sound healing frequencies, prayer and sacred symbology during seed propagation and solventless concentrate extractions to raise vitality levels and amplify bioresanace through the synergistic effects maintained in the process. His techniques encode and infuze the plant and it's concentrates with awarness of geometry, sound, and light. He is also offering presentations and interactive workshops covering the topic of the synergistic effects of cannabis and crystals and the utilization of Ancient Future technologies to achieve optimum vitality for people and plants. Additionally, he is a solventless extraction consultant.
The Cannabis Fairy (Jay)
The Cannabis Fairy (Jay) is an Entheogenic Plant Minister who works within the community to advocate for the open and equal access and freedom for those affected by the war on its healing properties .
Jay knows that Cannabis, Psilocybin and all other Entheogenic plants have healing properties that can save our communities and rehabilitate them from depression, anxiety, cancer and thousands of other illnesses that plague us today.
Jay has trained countless hours to learn to cultivate medications used in the communities and was trained in mycology by The Honorable Baba Kilindi Iyi.
Amongst many training, degrees and certifications, Jay is an Ordained Minister, Master of Art in English, an Education Specialist, DIY Mycologist, Cannabis Product developer, and an Active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
Jay knows that Cannabis, Psilocybin and all other Entheogenic plants have healing properties that can save our communities and rehabilitate them from depression, anxiety, cancer and thousands of other illnesses that plague us today.
Jay has trained countless hours to learn to cultivate medications used in the communities and was trained in mycology by The Honorable Baba Kilindi Iyi.
Amongst many training, degrees and certifications, Jay is an Ordained Minister, Master of Art in English, an Education Specialist, DIY Mycologist, Cannabis Product developer, and an Active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
Dr Amsu Bey El
Dr. Amsu Bey El, owner of Sustaining Life Wellness Center in Winston Salem, North Carolina, is the leading Health & Wellness provider that you’ve never heard of. With over 20 years of experience in Wellness Coaching, Acupuncture, Asian Medicine, Symptometry, Nourishment & Nutrition, Healing At Every Level, all rolled into a complete Wellness Program, this is the man you want to come see when nothing else is working. Well, actually, he’s the guy you want to see BEFORE things stop working.
Dr Amsu earned his Oriental Medicine Degree from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in 1998 and founded the Sustaining Life Wellness Center in January 1999. Since then, he has become one of the most sought after Acupuncturists, Natural Health providers and healers in the world. And the brother’s methods are proven by his caseload. Many individuals who trusted in traditional medicine have quickly & passionately switched over to Dr Amsu’s natural Health & Wellness Programs. His level of success is simply unmatched.
Dr Amsu continues to transform the vision of traditional Acupuncture Services, often a misunderstood concept rooted in the fear of needling, to a more care convenient, friendly and affordable modality. Dr Amsu has achieved this by years of properly educating the public about all the easy solutions that Acupuncture and other alternative health modalities provide. He’s one hell of a teacher and one hell of a healer.
Dr Amsu earned his Oriental Medicine Degree from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in 1998 and founded the Sustaining Life Wellness Center in January 1999. Since then, he has become one of the most sought after Acupuncturists, Natural Health providers and healers in the world. And the brother’s methods are proven by his caseload. Many individuals who trusted in traditional medicine have quickly & passionately switched over to Dr Amsu’s natural Health & Wellness Programs. His level of success is simply unmatched.
Dr Amsu continues to transform the vision of traditional Acupuncture Services, often a misunderstood concept rooted in the fear of needling, to a more care convenient, friendly and affordable modality. Dr Amsu has achieved this by years of properly educating the public about all the easy solutions that Acupuncture and other alternative health modalities provide. He’s one hell of a teacher and one hell of a healer.
Sizwe Andrews – Abakah
Sizwe is an Educator, Radical Healer and Mentor and has worked throughout the Bay Area. He has supported African American Wellness through the National Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Oakland Freedom School, Flourish Agenda's Camp Akili, Oakland Unified School District's Manhood Development Program, and Determination Black Men's Group at United Roots to name a few. He approaches the work with passion and insight. Sizwe believes that contentedness is our currency and building authentic intimacy is key in our relationships. The practice of being vulnerable with each other can helps us get to a place of transformation and liberation.
Sizwe utilizes his skills as performer to build awareness, connection and open doors to self-mastery. Sizwe, also known as Spear of the Nation, is an MC and producer. Spear has released 2 joint albums with Lunar Heights, 3 solo projects and has been featured on a host of songs over the past 20 years of his career. Sizwe is the lead actor in two films produced by 393 films: “Tent City” which highlights the impact of unprocessed grief on mental health in America, the toll that gentrification has taken on the city of Oakland and ignites a call to action to reclaim our humanity in the midst of our ever-changing world. “So Beautiful” is a docudrama that was shot in South Africa, in the land of Sizwe (Eastern Cape).
Sizwe is currently supporting the efforts of the Oakland City Healing Initiative with Decriminalize Nature Oakland, sharing the message of plant power to the people to the world.
Sizwe utilizes his skills as performer to build awareness, connection and open doors to self-mastery. Sizwe, also known as Spear of the Nation, is an MC and producer. Spear has released 2 joint albums with Lunar Heights, 3 solo projects and has been featured on a host of songs over the past 20 years of his career. Sizwe is the lead actor in two films produced by 393 films: “Tent City” which highlights the impact of unprocessed grief on mental health in America, the toll that gentrification has taken on the city of Oakland and ignites a call to action to reclaim our humanity in the midst of our ever-changing world. “So Beautiful” is a docudrama that was shot in South Africa, in the land of Sizwe (Eastern Cape).
Sizwe is currently supporting the efforts of the Oakland City Healing Initiative with Decriminalize Nature Oakland, sharing the message of plant power to the people to the world.
Tim Reed
The Magicinal Explorer - Heartland native of Lincoln, Nebraska and courageous explorer of consciousness. He’s more than meets the eye, bestowing the power of magick, enabling sovereignty in the cultivation of the entheogenic psilocybin mushroom.
A family member of Kilindi Iyi’s Tamerrian Warrior Society, Tim generates the opportunity for the world to bring forth the explorer within.
A family member of Kilindi Iyi’s Tamerrian Warrior Society, Tim generates the opportunity for the world to bring forth the explorer within.
Carlos Plazola
At an early age, I became confounded by the concept of the infinite and the end-of-life after learning about the death of a loved one. This obsession with understanding the existential questions carried me through various forms of childhood trauma that profoundly impacted those around me. Based on my desire to understand the nature of life, I self-funded my way through college, working long hours, while also attending UCLA--where I received a BS degree in Biology and Anthropology. Seeking further growth, I lived with the Achuar of Ecuador for several months, where I saw, first-hand, the destruction of the rainforest and impact on ancient traditions. I then obtained a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science from Yale University.
Upon graduating, I sought the tools to create global change at the local level, organizing with the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, ACORN, and the Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice. I then spent 8 years learning the tools of political organizing, eventually becoming a field director for a mayoral campaign, and chief of staff to the Oakland Council President. My latest efforts since 2006 have been in manifesting creativity through the built environment, becoming a real estate developer, completing over 30 projects, including two mid-rises, and winning three Historic Preservation Awards, while also exploring and advancing methods of sustainable development.
Upon the passing of my mother in 2013, I realized that the healing from my childhood trauma was not complete, despite years of effort, and I immersed myself in seeking greater understanding by studying physics and participating in yoga and meditation. While these were helpful, they failed to reveal the answers I sought. I then engaged in two powerful and transformative journeys using psilocybin mushrooms and Ayahuasca. These journeys finally provided me the answers to the existential questions I’d sought my entire life and brought me the inner peace I’d sought.
Due to the power of this experience, I have become an advocate for the decriminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi in a just and equitable way, ensuring they become accessible to all communities, especially to low-income communities which experience the highest levels of life-inhibiting trauma. To support this intention, I am currently building a financially self-sustaining healing center called The Haven Community, a co-living, co-working consciousness community in Oakland, CA.
Upon graduating, I sought the tools to create global change at the local level, organizing with the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, ACORN, and the Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice. I then spent 8 years learning the tools of political organizing, eventually becoming a field director for a mayoral campaign, and chief of staff to the Oakland Council President. My latest efforts since 2006 have been in manifesting creativity through the built environment, becoming a real estate developer, completing over 30 projects, including two mid-rises, and winning three Historic Preservation Awards, while also exploring and advancing methods of sustainable development.
Upon the passing of my mother in 2013, I realized that the healing from my childhood trauma was not complete, despite years of effort, and I immersed myself in seeking greater understanding by studying physics and participating in yoga and meditation. While these were helpful, they failed to reveal the answers I sought. I then engaged in two powerful and transformative journeys using psilocybin mushrooms and Ayahuasca. These journeys finally provided me the answers to the existential questions I’d sought my entire life and brought me the inner peace I’d sought.
Due to the power of this experience, I have become an advocate for the decriminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi in a just and equitable way, ensuring they become accessible to all communities, especially to low-income communities which experience the highest levels of life-inhibiting trauma. To support this intention, I am currently building a financially self-sustaining healing center called The Haven Community, a co-living, co-working consciousness community in Oakland, CA.
Larry Norris, Ph.D
Larry Norris, Ph.D., studied biopsychology and cognitive science as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and recently defended his doctoral dissertation at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco. His thesis reviewed archived ayahuasca experience reports to identify archetypes of transformation and insights to help develop integration models. Larry previously presented at the First Detroit Entheogenic Conference in 2014, and he is excited to return. Larry is the co-founder and executive director of Entheogenic Research, Integration, and Education (ERIE), 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Oakland, CA. ERIE focuses on the development of community education, research, and integration models related to entheogens. Larry is also a co-founder and board member of Decriminalize Nature (DN), which sprouted from Oakland in 2019 and has already received unanimous decisions in both Oakland (June 4, 2019) and Santa Cruz (January 28, 2020). DN advocates for the unalienable right to develop one’s relationship with Nature and supports efforts to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi (e.g., ayahuasca, iboga, cacti, mushrooms) at the city level. Larry is the co-lead for DN’s national outreach and supports communities in cities across the USA (including Ann Arbor and Detroit) seeking to propose similar legislation. In Oakland, he is also helping to support the Oakland Community Healing Initiative, a pilot program under development to provide grassroots, community-driven, bottom-up approaches to entheogenic healing. Larry is a dedicated activist and proponent of consciousness-justice and liberty and emphasizes the sacred potential of entheogens given the appropriate set, setting, and intention.
Tellis Dee
Tellis Dee is an entheogenist. He utilized sacred plant medicines such as rapé, psilocybin and other
psychedelic plants for divine healing and enlightenment, and ritualistic purposes.
Tellis is an licensed cosmetologist by trade for 17years, reiki master, ceremonial prayer fan and headdress’
maker and devoted father. His unique skill set has allowed his work with the community for the last 12 years in many ways. Looking to heal his own trauma and past drug addiction lead Tellis to encounter sacred plants some 8 years ago.
These experiences of purging his body and spirit set a profound precedent of change and expansion. He eventually was lead to help others through scared plant communion. Tellis matured to be a Didanawasgi (medicine man). He facilitates ceremonial retreats and private journeys for others to enhance their lives. As a practioner he is able to incorporate his talents of music and energy work to complement sacred plant use.
Humanity is at the precipice of a great shift and awakening. It is his mission and aim to help humanity begin the process of healing and awareness. Tellis is committed to being an integral part of this transition by using pyschedelics and his natural talents to assist those who are seeking to expand just as he had the privilage to do.
psychedelic plants for divine healing and enlightenment, and ritualistic purposes.
Tellis is an licensed cosmetologist by trade for 17years, reiki master, ceremonial prayer fan and headdress’
maker and devoted father. His unique skill set has allowed his work with the community for the last 12 years in many ways. Looking to heal his own trauma and past drug addiction lead Tellis to encounter sacred plants some 8 years ago.
These experiences of purging his body and spirit set a profound precedent of change and expansion. He eventually was lead to help others through scared plant communion. Tellis matured to be a Didanawasgi (medicine man). He facilitates ceremonial retreats and private journeys for others to enhance their lives. As a practioner he is able to incorporate his talents of music and energy work to complement sacred plant use.
Humanity is at the precipice of a great shift and awakening. It is his mission and aim to help humanity begin the process of healing and awareness. Tellis is committed to being an integral part of this transition by using pyschedelics and his natural talents to assist those who are seeking to expand just as he had the privilage to do.
Onyx Ashanti
Onyx Ashanti explores novelty in the age of absurdity.
Kevin Matthews
Executive Director, SPORE; President, Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel and also a Denver native, Kevin attended the United States Military Academy from 2005-2008 where he was diagnosed with Major Depression and, subsequently, received a medical retirement from the US Army. Between 2008-2011 he initiated a journey of self-exploration to find relief from his symptoms by exploring meditation, yoga, Jungian Psychology, and other spiritual & embodiment practices. In 2011 he was transformed by a single experience of psilocybin mushrooms that cleared the fog of depression for months and enabled him to take control of his heath and mindset. After learning about the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and their tremendous work treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, Kevin was catapulted into study and personal research about other psychedelics and their potential to address a full-spectrum of mental and behavioral health disorders. In 2018 he formed Decriminalize Denver and worked with others to lead the campaign that decriminalized the personal possession, personal use, and personal cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms in Denver in May 2019. Kevin believes that everyone deserves safe and responsible access to psychedelic plants and fungi to transform their lives and their communities. As a professional speaker and advocate for psychedelics he is committed to educating the public and being a steward of the psychedelic renaissance. As the Executive Director, Kevin believes that SPORE is a vehicle to organize the psychedelic constituency into a unified community to create the foundation for equitable psychedelic reform in the United States and globally, starting in Colorado. He currently calls Arvada, CO home, where he lives with his wife and 5-year-old son.
Ifechi Abeo
Peace and love family my name is Ifechi Abeo and I am a holder of many titles. My favorite of all positions I hold is being a mother, but I am also a healer, teacher, counselor, and mentor. This life was definitely written in the stars because I couldn’t have imagined playing such an important role in the lives of many. I have been practicing different healing modalities for some years now. I started with herbs and that opened my world to a world of healing. I then began with other modalities such as psychedelics, sound therapy, reiki and crystal healing to expand and go deeper into what my community needed. The works I do bring me so much joy and it’s such a pleasure to be able to lift my people in any way I can. I am that I am so I can be who is necessary for all. Peace
Dakota Wint
Dakota Wint is a writer, videographer and amateur anthropologist from Detroit, MI - with a focus on psychedelics in the context of cultural and spiritual use. Dakota is a direct student of the psychedelic pioneer, Harvard psychologist, and author of best-selling book 'Be Here Now', Baba Ram Dass. Dakota is directly carrying on the legacy of bridging the worlds between Yoga and visionary plant shamanism that Timothy Leary and Ram Dass began many years ago. Dakota has worked extensively with the Shipibo community in the jungles of Peru, learning about their shamanic methods and traditions using Ayahuasca and other medicines. He also spent time learning Mazatec shamanism, in Mexico, directly with the family of the famous mushroom healer Maria Sabina. Dakota is a leading voice on social media in the psychedelic community, helping guide people toward invoking the spiritual and mystical aspects of the psychedelic experience. You can see a catalog of his work on his self-titled YouTube channel 'Dakota Wint'.
Kufikiri Imara
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Kufikiri Hiari Imara grew up in a version of Oakland very different from the one we see today. It was an Oakland with a broader and more embodied sense of community. He grew up in a home and a community environment that strongly emphasized social awareness and social responsibility. His path led him to many places such as volunteer work with Green Earth Poets Society bringing poetry to incarcerated African-American youth in NYC, and being one of the early members of the Entheogen Integration Circle, a support group in NYC with a focus on marginalized communities within the psychedelic community. One of the reasons he became involved with the Decriminalize Nature Oakland (DNO) initiative was to support effective and equitable access. As the former head of the DNO committee focused on Outreach, Education, Access, & Integration he worked to encourage broad access to education and opportunity for self agency to profoundly change one’s life for the better through working with entheogens. Paying special attention to Oakland’s ethnically diverse and marginalized communities he is actively working with individuals and organizations doing the work in its communities for them to have a better tomorrow. With efforts like facilitating a BIPOC Entheogen Integration Circle, he continues to work towards accessible choices for ethnically diverse and marginalized communities in their ability to heal themselves.
Sabrina Frometa
Director of Equity, Operations, and Culture @ Spore. Sabrina Frometa, daughter of Calixto Frometa and Ana Rita Ventura, who both migrated from the Ayiti/Dominican Republic is the Founder of YAYA. Sabrina has been working to help build inclusive, joyous and just organizations that are rooted in the communities they serve. YAYA is an ecosystem of creators, organizers, facilitators and dreamers committed to the liberation. With wonder and responsibility at our core, we empower organizations to better integrate social awareness, equity and justice into every facet of their reach, operations, services, and DNA.
Currently, Sabrina serves as Director of Equity, Operations and Culture for SPORE, the Society for Psychedelic Outreach, Reform and Education. Sabrina is called to action by ancestral wisdoms of communities of color, which brings her to this work of building towards psychedelic justice.
While working with organizations she takes into account the complex dynamics of systems of oppression and the matrix of domination, honoring race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, nationality, neurodiversity, and other aspects of our identity that influence social location and marginalization. She also engages an interdisciplinary approach, utilizing dialogue, operations-building, storytelling, trauma sensitivity and somatic healing, mindfulness, and a general slowing-down philosophy.
Committed to ecological justice, leadership and joy, among other things, Sabrina is also writing this bio as an emerging healer, modern dancer, laughing queen and recovering, latch-key kid from Bushwick, Brooklyn.
Currently, Sabrina serves as Director of Equity, Operations and Culture for SPORE, the Society for Psychedelic Outreach, Reform and Education. Sabrina is called to action by ancestral wisdoms of communities of color, which brings her to this work of building towards psychedelic justice.
While working with organizations she takes into account the complex dynamics of systems of oppression and the matrix of domination, honoring race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, nationality, neurodiversity, and other aspects of our identity that influence social location and marginalization. She also engages an interdisciplinary approach, utilizing dialogue, operations-building, storytelling, trauma sensitivity and somatic healing, mindfulness, and a general slowing-down philosophy.
Committed to ecological justice, leadership and joy, among other things, Sabrina is also writing this bio as an emerging healer, modern dancer, laughing queen and recovering, latch-key kid from Bushwick, Brooklyn.
Matthew Duffy
CHAIRPERSON & CO-FOUNDER @ SPORE. A lifelong nomad of sorts, Duffy is a queer ecofuturist organizer, playful poet, Tauresian teamplayer, and aspiring alchemist. With a background in ecological design and community organizing, Duffy teamed with Kevin and Decriminalize Denver as a core sporeganizer for the Denver Psilocybin Initiative in November, 2018.
After the success of that landmark campaign, Duffy enrolled in the Resilient Leadership MA at Naropa University to receive the education and initiation he needed to best serve the psychedelic ecosystem. He believes there is no liberation but co-liberation and that the psychedelic movement can help us compost oppressive systems towards life-affirming, regenerative patterns. Duffy approaches movement building from ecocentric perspectives, emergent strategy, pleasure activism, and postactivism.
With this foundation, Duffy is here to help foster the psychedelic movement in crafting resilience through diversity, decolonizing with every step, and moving at the speed of trust. In serving our liberation movement ecosystem through SPORE, he aims to co-create psychedelic justice in our collective set, setting, and integration process. Did you know, etymologically, ‘justice’ means “sacred formula”?
After the success of that landmark campaign, Duffy enrolled in the Resilient Leadership MA at Naropa University to receive the education and initiation he needed to best serve the psychedelic ecosystem. He believes there is no liberation but co-liberation and that the psychedelic movement can help us compost oppressive systems towards life-affirming, regenerative patterns. Duffy approaches movement building from ecocentric perspectives, emergent strategy, pleasure activism, and postactivism.
With this foundation, Duffy is here to help foster the psychedelic movement in crafting resilience through diversity, decolonizing with every step, and moving at the speed of trust. In serving our liberation movement ecosystem through SPORE, he aims to co-create psychedelic justice in our collective set, setting, and integration process. Did you know, etymologically, ‘justice’ means “sacred formula”?
KT the Arch Degree
With 30 years of intense study, Kamani Tait excels in the knowledge of alchemy, physiology, biochemistry, metaphysics and nutrition including its effects on the human body. Through constant practice and counsel, Kamani lectures at various venues throughout the Atlanta area and across the United States; spreading information on health, medicine and nutrition with the mission to take people back to nature. Currently, Kamani is focused on providing life-changing experiences to clients and fans through proper education and application. He is also highly focused on his series Hollywood Decoded where he breaks down the metaphysics of your favorite movies. Through his decoding he has found a fresh way to connect with the youth in regards to their beliefs and their health.
Thank you all for coming to this years conference.
Kilindi Iyi
Kilindi Iyi