Oshun-mini / Omo-Orisha Ochun Curriculum Vital Overview Delma Jackson-Rodriguez, was born in Oriente Cuba (southern part of Cuba). From a Cuban-Jamaican Father, Ferdinand “Son” Jackson and a Cuban-Philipino/Puerto Rican Mother Aracelia Turatiz. Aracelia’s mother Hortencia Hernandez, was a natural child of Chango and on occasions, she would be posses with this Orisha. Aracelia, and most of her sibling (two brothers and two sisters out of 9 children), they were crowned various Osha. When they all became adults in Cuba; they all have now cross-over. Aracelia, was crowned Osha in Cuban (as Omo- Obatala), from one of the oldest Omo-Orisha daughters in Cuba, called Misterio (Mystery) Garbay, Omo-Oshun. Misterio, was once of the most respectful Omo-Orisha in southern Cuba. She inherited various secretes and spiritual strengths from her African-Cuban parents. Her daughter Mirtha Garby, who was also crowned, with the Orisha Elegua and was best friend with Aracelia. Later in life, she became the Christian godmother for Delma’s second daughter Hotencia. Years, later When Mirtha came the United States, she became so well know within the Yuruba community for posing Elegua, so beautifully, that she was nickname: “Mirtha Elegua”. Delma’s has a brother, Mr. Hector Jackson (Baba), who is the oldest, has received his Omo-Orula: Ifa- status title from Nigeria back in the early 2000. Delma at the sweet age of 17 married Abel Rodriguez, son of Clara Duane Rodriguez, the daughter of an Africwho wasan slave. Later, Abel and Delma were blessed with two beautiful little girls, Lorna and Hortencia. When the Cuban revolution was establish in Cuba by Fedel Castro and his arm forces, Abel migrated to the United States through Guantanomo Bay, while also help others to escape the wrap that was above to consume and destroy his beloved country. Years later, through hard work and perseverance, he was able to bring over Delma and their two little girls. Nine months later (smile), they welcome into their loving home another little girl named Clara, after Abel’s mother, who became Delma’s second mother when Abel came to America. They own their home and live in Little Havana for two years, with Delma’s father and stepmother Louise, loving known as “Mami to all”. Later, Delma was able to bring over her Mother Aracelia and younger sister from Cuba, following afterwards, the rest of her stepsibling and other family members. Two, years later, Abel decided, that he really wanted to raise his family in a more diversified neighborhood. One night in a dream, Oshun came to Delma in a dream in the image of the Carida del Cobre (Our Lady of Copper, or as she is known around the world as “Our Lady of Charity”). Oshun, then told her not to worry, that she will grant them their wish and that she had the house and the area where she wanted them to live and establish their life and young family. One of the most important reason that force Able to move from Little Havana, to the inner –city was to be among people that also resemble his heritage and culture traits. In order to provide his children, with the opportunity to identify with their African heritage and realistically cultural values. One day, they found their new home within the Little River Community. One can only wonder how direct and magnificent Ochun is, to bring us into one of the oldest community in south Florida, which gives tribute to her own home and likeness. Eventually, caring her name as well. Delma , was eventually hired by Dade county school Board as one of the first Afro-Latina Social Worker within North Central Dade. Representing the Liberty City and the Little River areas at large, this was due to her ability to speak both English and Spanish, when the Cuban and Porto Rican population was growing at a rapid stage in central north Dade. She was hire to work for the Federally funded social service program. “Follow-Through”, provided free health care services and awareness, within the schools to low to moderate income inner-city elementary children, within the local public school system. Further, social services and various local and out of town fieldtrips for both the students and their families. Later, when the program close Delma, became a Para-professional and work in various schools until her retirement in 2004 from Santa Clara Elemantry. During those years, Delma establish her life passion, to help and educate others, to reach their spiritual and health potential, by guiding those that came to her by way of word of mouth, through the aspects of the Yoruba norms or as it is called in Cuba, the Lucumi religion. In partnership with her husband Abel, God Mother, Laura Masferre', Juvenal Ortega, Willy Ramos and with the beloved and unforgettable African-American Yoruba Chief Ayamu, and other brothers, sisters and associates Omo-Orishas world –wide. She establish her own mini kingdom and was known as very dedicated and respectable spiritual medium, healer and Godmother to many. Delma has helped several people from different walks of life in her life time. To understand and appreciate the historical and healing powers of the Yoruba Culture within the new world. She has also, attended and participated in several private and public functions, that has help to cultivate and demonstrate the rich values and artifacts, that the Yoruba religion has to offer to all in concern. Most recently, Professor and Chief Nathaniel Styles, has engage in seeking out the cultural values of local elders in south Florida and Delma was honoring to become one of his recognize elder within the local south Florida community; she feels proud she is involve with such a project, which no one else has done before, the way he has. Various people in the community believe she so rightfully deserves to be acknowledge by her peers and remember by future generations as well. Delma has and is still raising the Diaspora awareness, spiritual consciousness and mentoring the new wave of intellectual young Yorubian generation. That is searching and assuming their responsibility to acquire knowledge from the Yoruba culture of Bane. To help bridge the gap between the Latin and Afro-American communities through her organization, Ile de Ogun Y Ochun and now in association with Prof./Chief Nathaniel Styles and Denton Hardwood ‘s the Osun Village project in Central Miami-Dade County. So that in the process we can all live positively and benefit from each other honestly and strength, become blessed as intellectual and progressive healthy children of Olofin-Olo-dumare. Ache’. Today, Delma stands strong, wiser, justified and extremely respected within the Yoruba religious community in south Florida and be on. Alafia to all, good health and Ache’.