Malcolm X
as Aganju
Fought injustice against black people, relentlessly, until his demise. He had to first overcome his own demons – but quickly became a leader of the civil rights movement. His enemies grew in number and might but Malcolm refused to back down. He chose to fight for the freedom of everyone.
Harriet Tubman
as Yemoja
Cared so deeply that freedom meant nothing without family. There are few with the strength and willpower of Harriet. One of the greatest train conductors ever, her destination was elusive and her path dangerous. At least nineteen times she risked certain death (or worse) to bring her family to safety and freedom.
Henrietta Lacks as Ọbalúayé
Saved the world with only the slightest effort. Henrietta’s cells became the infamous Hela cells that would come to be at the center of multiple medical breakthroughs. She left behind a medical miracle and her legacy continues through the awareness about patients’ rights and privacy.
George Washington Carver
as Oko
Shaped a world where the poor black farmer could thrive. Carver is known for his many inventions and advancements in farming. He pushed for alternative crops that could substitute cotton as a way to prevent soil depletion. His work in environmentalism would come to be recognized by not only the black community, but also the whole world.
Rosa Parks
as Nana Buluku
Birthed a movement that would help free her people. She was the face of the civil rights movement in Alabama. Her willingness to be at the forefront of resistance against racial segregation made her “the mother of the freedom movement”.
Ida B Wells
as
Olóòkun
Brought international attention to the oppression of black people in America. Ida was an activist and investigative journalist with perhaps the toughest beat in the world. It was her job to make sure that lynchings and other atrocities in America were documented as proof for the world to see. She became an advocate for the afflicted and a defender of justice.
Maya Angelou
as Òshun
Reminded us of the beauty and richness of the black skin. Even though she experienced tremendous trauma, she never let it weigh her down. Maya found a way to shine – and gave us reason to shine as well. She embraced her truth and history as she carved space for the future.
Muhammad Ali
as Ògún
Showed the greatness that lives within all black people. Even when he had his back to the ropes, Ali showed the spirit of a champion. He stood tall in the boxing ring and really did back up his words with action. He helped make greatness recognizable and achievable for every black person in America.
Toni Morrison
as Ọrunmila
Mastered the written word, creating a world that inspired freedom in every form. Toni wrote about the black experience within the black community. Despite initial criticism of her chosen topics, she became one of the most prolific black female writers in the world. Her intense love and appreciation of black culture shines through in her work, inspiring others to also let their love shine.
Martin Luther King Jr. as Ṣàngó
Changed the world with his words and was a king in many ways. He is famous for the nonviolent tactics he employed during the civil rights movement. His voice would come to define modern America. His dream is everyone’s vision, til this day.
W. E. B. Du Bois
as Ob
à
t
á
l
á
Dedicated his life’s work to creating a safe space for the African American community. One of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) he fought against lynching, educational discrimination and Jim Crow laws.
Illustrator: Martin Okonkwo
See which African god lives in you. Visit our Instagram page to try out the AR filter.
Obatala is the father of all orisha. He is believed to be the sky father and the creator of human bodies. He also created the first Yoruba city of Ife. He is known as a compassionate god.
Yemoja is the African goddess of the ocean. Yemoja is motherly and strongly protective, and cares deeply for all her children. She is the protector of women.
Ogun is the African god of iron. He is a warrior and powerful spirit of metal work and rum making. He is a primordial “orisha” who first appeared as a hunter named “Tobe Ode” He is said to have cleared the path for other gods to enter Earth.