ABOUT ADODI

WHAT IS ADODI?

[pronounced ah-DOH-dee]

Adodi National is an intergenerational Brotherhood of Black Same Gender Loving (gay) Men across the African Diaspora.

Founded in 1986 by Ibaye (Ancestor) Clifford Rawlins in Philadelphia, PA, Adodi was formed as a mutual support and educational space for gay, Black men infected and affected by HIV and AIDS during the height of the epidemic.

Ibaye Rawlins, a licensed creative arts therapist, incorporated his professional training and practice of African Ifa traditions to engage participants.

He integrated African ancestral culture to create a non-judgmental village, encouraging and empowering Brothers to be their full, authentic selves and exchange information concerning all areas of health, healing, self-love and respect.

Continuing the connection with African culture, Ibaye Rawlins chose the name Adodi from the Yoruba language.

Adodi is the plural of the word Ado, which denotes a man who loves another man, embodies both male and female natures, and is revered as shamans, sages, and leaders.

Adodi traditions are sustained through annual summer and numerous local chapter retreats and events designed to uplift and empower Black Same Gender Loving Men across the African Diaspora. 

Adodi has expanded to include chapters in several regions of the United States; these chapters enable Brothers to gather on a more frequent basis within their local communities.

Consistent with Adodi’s Six Principles, we are a spiritually-guided Brotherhood that cultivates authenticity through honesty, openness and clarity; sensitivity to feelings; carefronting; resolution. 

The Five A’s - acknowledge, appreciate, affirm, accept, Aché - is the language with which we act and speak the other principles into practice.

ADODI currently has chapters in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, New York, Washington, DC, Dallas, TX, and ADODI Southern Region (ASR) serving brothers in the Southern States.

QUESTION: How do I join or become a member of ADODI?

To become an ADODI brother/member, please consider joining us at our Summer retreats. The IN-PERSON Summer retreat provides an initiation experience that fully welcomes you into the brotherhood of ADODI!