Diaspora Diaries: Brooklyn to Brazil

Greetings -

Ilka Pinheiro/T.I.P here with a major - and somewhat time-sensitive - scheme for which I require your support. I am launching a multinational theological research project focused on African diasporic and Indigenous spiritual traditions in Latin America. Having spent the first half of 2023 doing preliminary research and networking, I'm happy to report that a primary relocation and foundational opportunity is in the offing - however - its arrival is far sooner than anticipated, which adds a layer of urgency to this campaign.

The short version: I'm raising 20k and hope to have 30% of the total amount by the autumnal equinox (i.e., late September) to secure the travel to and accommodations in Mexico, my origination point. If you've read enough and are ready to back this play, jump to the donate button - then slide it over your equally emphatic associates. Thank you!

Details for those who prefer a proper proposal: I will engage in an immersive cultural study of local spiritualist communities to chronicle healing and divination techniques, as permitted. I'll commence my journey in Mexico with an exploration of Curandismo, followed by a projected tenure in the Quet-zaltenango area in the Western highlands of Guatemala (the land of ajq'ijab) and conclude in my paternal homeland of Brazil to study Candomble. My mission is to honor and preserve these ancient wisdom paths and nurture greater understanding and cross-cultural dialogue through firsthand experiences, interviews, and dedicated study, including that of indigenous languages, such as Quechua and Yoruba, as crucial entry points to creating trust with these communities and foster undiluted cultural and knowledge acquisition, authentic appreciation, and non-extractive relationships.

Objectives:

Fieldwork and documentation: direct engagement with practitioners and community members via an immersive study of folkloric traditions: ceremonies, healing practices, and spiritual technologies.

Elevation and education: my research aims to contribute to the conservancy and upliftment of these sacred pathways for the benefit of populations unable to access them.

Bridging spirituality and academia: as a professional medium and student of mysticism, I am uniquely positioned as a conduit of metaphysics and academia in this manner. By combining esoteric techniques and rigorous analysis, I intend to offer inclusive, holistic perspectives on these traditions, fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue and understanding.

Professional development: acute refinement of my pre-existing healing modalities, deepened receptivity to the holistic and energetic needs of my community and clientele, and ethical integration of these lessons into my work to enhance the well-being of those I serve.

To embark on this quest, I am raising $20,000 - allocated as follows:

Travel and accommodation: $10,000

Travel expenses to Mexico, Guatemala, and Brazil.

Accommodation and transportation during fieldwork.

Cultural immersion and engagement with local communities.

Research materials and equipment: $5,000

Translation and transcription services for interviews and field notes.

Books, academic publications, and reference materials.

Documentation equipment.

Community engagement and outreach: $5,000

Creation of written and/or oral records (medium as informed by advising elders).

Design and marketing of resource materials, e.g., manuals and perpetual digital seminars.

Organization of lectures, workshops, and exhibitions.

Your financing of this expedition will be instrumental in elevating African diasporic and Indigenous spiritual traditions in Latin America, amplifying their narratives, filling historical gaps, challenging misconceptions and stereotypes, and promoting innovation and accessibility aimed at community care, justice, equity, and sustainability.

Thank you for sponsoring me on this transformative journey and distributing this enterprise amongst your networks. Your contribution, no matter the amount, is well-appreciated.

Siempre ligera. Stay dope and prosper,

Ilka Pinheiro

TheIlkaPinheiro, Incorporated