Dòwòti Désir

Dr. Dòwòti Désir, also known as Queen Mother Sêmévo I (sometimes written Séminvo), is an interfaith leader, academic, human rights advocate, and Manbo Asogwe (female high priest) in Haitian Vodou. [1] She is a member of the High Council of Kings of Benin[2] and holds the position of Queen Mother of the African Diaspora in the Republic of Benin. [3] She is the founder of The Royal Palace of the African Diaspora, an initiative that seeks to create a symbolic presence of royalty that represents the global African Diaspora, focusing on cultural preservation and heritage.

Background and education

Désir was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to Cuban and Haitian parents.

She is a graduate of Barnard College at Columbia University in New York City and earned a Master of Arts degree in contemporary art and critical theory from the Bard College Center for Curatorial Studies in Annandale-on-Hudson. [4] She holds a Doctorate of Ministry from The New Seminary in Interfaith Studies.

Enthronement and Titles

Désir was enthroned as Queen in 2020.[5]

On February 19, 2022, Désir was formally admitted as Queen Mother Sêmévo I to the High Council of Kings of Benin (Haut Conseil des Rois du Bénin).[6] In this role she is also an Ambassador-at-Large,[7] working to strengthen connections between Benin and the diaspora.[8]

Advocacy and career

In her role as Queen Mother, Désir has supported initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between the African continent and its diaspora. She is the founder of the Imperial Corps Agoodjié of the African Diaspora (ICAAD)—described as a women's leadership and education program[9] and has been involved in fundraising for constructing the Royal Palace of the African Diaspora.

She holds the traditional Fongbe title of Kpodjito (Mother of the Leopard). As Kpodjito, she has participated in partnerships for the development of public education programs, scholarships, and other initiatives related to the Royal Palace of the African Diaspora.[9]

Her work also includes cultural advocacy and arts administration, particularly concerning African American and African Diaspora cultural preservation. In 2005, Désir became the first executive director of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial Educational and Cultural Center in New York.[10] Her affiliations include the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the Studio Museum in Harlem.

In addition to her cultural and spiritual roles, Désir has held various academic positions within institutions such as Dutchess Community College, Brooklyn College, and City University of New York (CUNY). Her academic work focuses on human rights, Afro-Atlantic religious systems, and social justice. Her writings address topics such as reparations, African heritage, and Afro-Atlantic spiritual practices.[2]

Désir is the author of some books and essays on Afro-Atlantic spirituality, human rights, and the African Diaspora. Her published works include Essays in Human Rights: A Vodou Priest's Perspective, Réparations: Une exigence urgente pour l'Humanité, and Wanga: Haitian Hoodoo (2022).

References

  1. ^ Bongiorno, Rachael (2014-12-18). "Beyond a Religion: Vodou Connects Haitians to their African Roots". Feet in 2 Worlds. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
  2. ^ a b "HM Queen Mother Dòwòti". HRM Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir. Retrieved 2025-01-26.
  3. ^ "HRM Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir". HRM Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
  4. ^ "Demystifying Haitian Spirituality and Religion Symposium". as.nyu.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  5. ^ Moise, Marcia (2025-03-02). "À la découverte : Sa Majesté Reine Docteure Dowòti Désir" (in French). Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  6. ^ "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.
  7. ^ "Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti (Sa Majesté Kpodjtio Séminvo 1st) Désir – Festival Of The Diaspora". Retrieved 2025-02-26.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ a b "Our Story". Imperial Corps Agoodjie of the African Diaspora. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
  10. ^ "The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center". 2009-04-20. Archived from the original on 20 April 2009. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
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