Dòwòti Désir
Her Royal Majesty Dr. Dòwòti Désir | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Other names | Queen Mother Sêmévo I (Séminvo) |
| Education | Barnard College, Columbia University; Bard College (MA); The New Seminary (Doctor of Ministry) |
| Occupations | Interfaith leader, academic, human rights advocate |
| Organisation | High Council of Kings of Benin |
| Known for | Leadership in Afro-Atlantic spirituality; Queen Mother of the African diaspora in Benin |
| Title | Queen Mother of the African Diaspora |
| Website | Official website |
Dr. Dòwòti Désir, also known as Queen Mother Sêmévo I (sometimes written Séminvo), is an interfaith leader, academic, and advocate for human rights. She is a prominent figure in Afro-Atlantic spirituality, serving as a Manbo Asogwe in Haitian Vodou.[1] She is a member of the High Council of Kings of Benin[2] and holds the ceremonial office of Queen Mother of the African diaspora in the Republic of Benin.[3] She founded the Royal Palace of the African Diaspora, a symbolic institution designed to represent the global African diaspora and to advance the preservation of its cultural heritage.
Background and education
Désir was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to a Cuban mother who practised Catholicism and a Haitian father who identified as an atheist.[1]
She is a graduate of Barnard College, Columbia University. She subsequently obtained a Master of Arts in Contemporary Art and Critical Theory from the Bard College Center for Curatorial Studies in Annandale-on-Hudson.[4] She later earned a Doctor of Ministry in Interfaith Studies from The New Seminary.
Enthronement and titles
In 2020, Désir was enthroned as Queen of the African diaspora in the Republic of Benin.[5]
On 19 February 2022, she was formally admitted to the High Council of Kings of Benin as Queen Mother Sêmévo I.[6] In this role, she also serves as Ambassador-at-Large,[7] working to strengthen ties between the Republic of Benin and its diaspora communities.[8]
Advocacy and career
As Queen Mother, Désir established the Imperial Corps Agoodjié of the African Diaspora (ICAAD), an organisation dedicated to cultural and historical preservation. She also holds the traditional Fongbe title of Kpodjito (Mother of the Leopard).[9]
In 2005, she became the first executive director of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial Educational and Cultural Center in New York.
She has also held teaching and research appointments at institutions including Dutchess Community College, Brooklyn College, and the City University of New York (CUNY). Her academic and professional work addresses human rights, Afro-Atlantic religions, social justice, reparations, African heritage, and Afro-Atlantic spiritual practices.[2]
Bibliography
- Reparations, Reconnaissance, Justice (essay, published in *Essays in Human Rights: A Vodou Priest’s Perspective*)[10]
- Wanga: Haitian Hoodoo (2022)
References
- ^ a b Bongiorno, Rachael (2014-12-18). "Beyond a Religion: Vodou Connects Haitians to their African Roots". Feet in 2 Worlds. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ a b "HM Queen Mother Dòwòti". HRM Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir. Retrieved 2025-01-26.
- ^ "HRM Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir". HRM Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "Demystifying Haitian Spirituality and Religion Symposium". as.nyu.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Moise, Marcia (2025-03-02). "À la découverte : Sa Majesté Reine Docteure Dowòti Désir" (in French). Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ "Chefferie traditionnelle : La reine Sèminvo Dowoti Désir reçue dans le Hcrb". Le Matinal (in French). 2022-02-21. Archived from the original on 2022-08-28. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti (Sa Majesté Kpodjtio Séminvo 1st) Désir – Festival Of The Diaspora". Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ Queen Mother Dòwòti Désir (2022-03-10). "Queen Mother Dowoti Desir Speaks On Building A Bridge Between Africa and the Diaspora" (Video). Interviewed by Prince Dynast Amir. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ "Our Story". Imperial Corps Agoodjie of the African Diaspora. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ Hulo, Mame; Malsa, Garcin; Malsa, Myriam; MIR (Mouvement International des Réparations), eds. (2020). Réparations: une exigence urgente pour l'humanité$dlivre collectif international: marquant le 20ème Konvwa Ba Reparasyon Mai 2020 en Martinique. Collection Racines. Dakar: Diasporas Noires. ISBN 978-2-490931-09-5.