The Kingdom of Oyotunji African Village
The Oyotunji Village was founded in Sheldon, South Carolina in 1970 and it is still running today. According to the village’s website, it is “North America’s Oldest Authentic African Village” and the slogan is “The Freedom You Can Feel” (“Oyotunji”). The mission of this group is “to remain a crucible for the study of African culture, and we want to research and restore our culture” (SouthCarolinaETV). The residents are interested in preserving African heritage, and they are particularly focused on the Yoruba and Dahomey cultures, which are traditionally from West Africa. The Oyotunji Village is very interested in sharing their culture with people, and they offer tours, provide educational opportunities, and host festivals that outsiders are welcome to.
A noteworthy member was Ofuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi and he was the founder and first king, or “oba,” of the Oyotunji Village. Oba Adefunmi was known for his desire to educate people and to create buildings and monuments that resemble ones found in the homeland.
This community resembles other communes we’ve read about in that they had a desire to go back-to-the-land and wanted to preserve old values. In addition, they want to get away from mainstream society. This particular commune is noteworthy because its residents are black and their goal is to highlight their history and culture rather than get away from it. More information can be found at https://www.oyotunji.org/
Sources
“Oba Oseijeman Bio.” Oyotunji, www.oyotunji.org/oba-oseijeman-bio.html.
“Oyotunji.” Oyotunji, www.oyotunji.org/.
SouthCarolinaETV. “Oyotunji African Village.” YouTube, YouTube, 10 Aug. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbb4SeX6f-g.