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ABOUT CROSSROADS UNIVERSITY
Crossroads University was developed for the
purpose of sharing the ancient wisdom and cultural traditions
that have supported indigenous people for thousands of years.
Specifically, we are dedicated to the preservation of indigenous
healing systems, herbal pharmacopoeia, and the folk magic
traditions found in the Southern United States with African and
Native American roots. Collectively, these traditions are
referred to as Hoodoo, Rootwork, and Conjure.
Our curriculum does not focus on Christian
aspects of Hoodoo and conjure; rather, we focus on the spiritual
and healing technologies of our ancestors as they were prior to
Christian influences. Christianity is explored in its
appropriate cultural context as a mechanism of colonization and
cultural genocide. The adaptation of Christian precepts to
Southern conjure is a phenomenon that occurred as a direct
result of colonization, a process deserving of much needed
attention. To teach indigenous spiritual and healing
technologies without examining the historical contexts in which
they are situated is tantamount to cultural appropriation,
evidence of ongoing institutionalization and the perpetuation of
a current narrative that is defined by nonindigenous people.
We reject the notion that Hoodoo is not Hoodoo without the
Bible. On the contrary, it is much, much more.
The relationship between
Africans and Native Americans is a unique one. Initially
introduced to each other in the chains of slavery, significant
sharing of information occurred and a melding of
healing, religious and spiritual practices emerged in what is
now referred to as the Southern Rootworking tradition. In a day
and age where people are feeling less in control of their lives
than ever, more and more people are turning to African and
Indigenous cultural traditions for healing, empowerment and
solutions to the problems of daily living.
We use the cooperative learning model along
with oral tradition and oral history for course delivery.
Cooperative learning is a
successful teaching strategy in which
students of different levels of ability use a variety of
learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject.
Each student is responsible not only for learning what
is taught but also for helping other students learn; thus, creating
an atmosphere of achievement. Students work through the course
material until all group members successfully understand and
complete it.*
We do not focus on
the commercial aspects of Hoodoo and rootwork - we focus on
traditional aspects. There is a course option for developing a
business but not until after the foundation courses are
satisfied. There is eventual certification
(Certified Professional Rootworker - C.P.R.) which is a credential
that is earned after 2 years of intensive study and a hands on
internship with an actual rootworker or folk healer, learning in the
traditional fashion.
Email
info@crossroadsuniversity.com or call us at (928)533-3794
for more information.
* http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/intech/cooperativelearning.htm |
