Season 2, Episode 2
The Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye
The Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah
May 14th, 2024
In 1987, the City of Hialeah, Florida passed local ordinances that prohibited animal sacrifice for religious purposes. The laws targeted one group in particular – the Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye. The City was taken to court, and the case eventually made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices ruled against the city and called the ordinances "religious gerrymandering.” Almost 40 years later, African Diaspora Religions like Lucumí still face legal discrimination over core practices. These challenges reveal a long history of bias against African Diaspora practices, beliefs, and worldviews.
Featuring Dr. Danielle Boaz, Frank Burgos, Silver Daniels, and Mindy Marqués.
FEATURING
Associate Professor of Africana Studies, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Danielle N. Boaz is a Professor of Africana Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she offers courses on human rights, social justice, and the law. Dr. Boaz is the author of Banning Black Gods: Law and Religions of the African Diaspora and Voodoo: The History of a Racial Slur. She is also Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Africana Religions. Her website, www.religiousracism.org, provides resources about discrimination and violence against African diaspora religious communities.
Former staff writer for the Miami Herald and retired journalist.
Burgos was a general assignment reporter in Dade and Broward Counties specializing in local government coverage, news features, and trend pieces from 1986-1989. He also worked for the Chicago Sun-Times, The Philadelphia Daily News, and several other media groups.
Author, Gardnerian HP, and Lukumi practitioner
Silver Daniels is a multifaceted luminary within the spiritual realm, as a Gardnerian High Priest, Lukumi practitioner, and contributing author of Aquarius Witch: Unlock the Magic of Your Sun Sign. With a captivating presence, Silver is a guiding force in the spiritual community, blending ancient traditions with modern insights. His expertise spans the esoteric spectrum, from occult herbalism to divination and communion with spirits.
Former reporter and Senior Vice President/News and Executive Editor of the Miami Herald Media Company
Aminda (Mindy) Marqués González is Senior Vice President/News and Executive Editor of the Miami Herald Media Company. Her career has included assignments as a metro reporter, assistant city editor and deputy metro editor, directing the Miami Herald’s local, state and community news operations. She also was Miami bureau chief for People magazine, overseeing coverage for the southeast U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America.
CREDITS
Host: Heather Freeman; Producer: Amber Walker; Editor: Lucy Perkins; Associate Producer: Noor Gill; Sound Design: Jennie Cataldo; Fact Checker: Dania Suleman; Executive Producer for PRX Productions: Jocelyn Gonzales; Music: APM Music and Epidemic Sound; Project Managers: Edwin Ochoa and Morgan Church; Advisors: Danielle Boaz, Yvonne Chireau, Sabina Magliocco, and Meg Walen; Guests Danielle Boaz, Frank Burgos, Silver Daniels, and Mindy Marqués; Funding and Support: The National Endowment for the Humanities and The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
TRANSCRIPT
LEARN MORE
Boaz, D. (2021) Banning Black Gods Law and Religions of the African Diaspora. Penn State University Press.
Sweet, J. (2018, June 5). “Animal Sacrifices In A Hialeah Church Played A Key Role In The Colorado Wedding Cake Case.” WLRN.org
Longoria, J. (Host) (2023, May 11). The Supreme Court v. Peyote. [Audio podcast episode] in More Perfect. WYNC Studios.