Adodi In The News

Adodi Proclamation Honoring the Life and Legacy of Ibaye Maxa Smith

To the Adodi Nation, 

I am writing to acknowledge that Brother Maxsonn Smith has been welcomed into the arms of the ancestors.  Ibaye Max was a lifelong cultural and political activist.  His legacy includes serving as the founder of the National Coalition of Black Gays, Treasurer of the Illinois Gay Rights Task Force, Organizer for United Faith Affinitas Church, and being a columnist for BLACKlines Magazine.  His memberships included the Illinois Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Good Shepherd Parish, the Third World Gay and Lesbian Christian Conference, the Committee to Increase Black Gay Awareness, the National Black Gay Leadership Forum, and the Chicago Coalition of Black Lesbian and Gays.  Ado Alden Bell proudly laments Ibaye Max’s induction into the LGBT Chicago Hall of Fame, a public tribute to his local and global service.  However, Ado Max blessed our lives most dearly as a member of Adodi.  

An early 1990’s initiate to the Tribe of Adodi, Max served as the Facilitator of Adodi Chicago for many years.  The chapter’s current facilitator, Centu Charles Nelson, recalls memories of Ibaye Max protesting White gay clubs for their disparate treatment of Black patrons.  Adodi Chicago enjoyed many potluck dinners at Max’s home.  He reliably welcomed brothers to his house for Thanksgiving dinner, committed to ensuring that no one spent the holiday alone.  

A spirit of hospitality was embedded in Ibaye Max’s DNA.  Ado Uche Onwa gratefully acknowledges that Ibaye Max provided him with a place of respite, culminating his long journey from the horrific treatment of the LGBT community in Nigeria.  With only a Facebook introduction, Ibaye Max offered his home as a sojourn for Ado Uche - a testament to Ibaye Max’s kindness and commitment to liberating LGBT Africans from the often fatal homophobia of many African countries.  

A graduate of Michigan State University and an accomplished writer, Ibaye Max is the author of African America’s 3rd Rail: SGL.  He is also a contributing author in Joseph Beam’s book, In the Life: A Black Gay Anthology.  A man of faith, Ibaye Max enjoyed hosting Bible study at his home to discuss his interpretation of what the Bible says about gay and lesbian people.  

Last week, I and several members of Adodi were blessed to have a final zoom call with Ibaye Max and his extended family.  I sang, “We Will Cherish Adodi Where We Go,” with Ibaye Max’s gentle acknowledgement from his hospital bed.  He now rests in sweet, eternal peace. 

Our beloved brother has taken his rightful place among the celestial council of the Ibaye.  We will formally acknowledge him this summer at our Annual Tribute to the Ancestors Ceremony.  We will forever remember his passionate spirit, intellectual genius, his inviting smile, and loving heart.  Rest well, dear brother.  Job well done!  

Sincerely, 

Ado Dr. Kahan Sablo, Adodi National Facilitator

Max Smith