SAN FRANCISCO – The African American Center of the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL), in collaboration with Sistah Scifi and Brother-Story, hosts “Divine Forces: Exploring the Power of the Orishas” on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the Main Library. This transformative event blends the power of Yoruba spirituality with cultural exploration and collective healing and features Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author Tomi Adeyemi, author of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling Legacy of Orïsha series.

“’Divine Forces’ is more than just an event. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity and spiritual heritage. We’re honored to bring together visionary authors and scholars to explore the Orishas’ enduring influence and their power to guide healing and transformation across the African diaspora,” said Naomi Jelks, Main Library Manager and event organizer.

The program is anchored by a keynote address by acclaimed author and Yoruba Priestess Luisah Teish, and esteemed writers and scholars such as Sakena Young-Scaggs, Ayize Jama-Everett and Clarence A. Haynes. Discussions will focus on the enduring influence of divine forces in African spirituality across the diaspora and their roles as cultural anchors and guides for healing and transformation. Isis Asare, founder of Black-owned fantasy and science fiction bookstore Sistah Scifi, will be in discussion with author Tomi Adeyemi about the roles of Orishas in contemporary literature, particularly in YA.

Event Schedule:

12:15 – 12:45 p.m.: Registration, Marketplace and Welcome

12:45 – 1:30 p.m.: "Black Diasporic Religions" – Sakena Young-Scaggs converses with Ayize Jama-Everett and Luisah Teish, moderated by Dr. Stanford Carpenter. This panel examines the evolution of Black Diasporic Religions, emphasizing cultural continuity, folk traditions, media representation and transformation.

1:45 – 2:30 p.m.: "Orishas Reborn: West African YA Fantasy" – A discussion with Tomi Adeyemi, author of the Legacy of Orïsha series, on the role of Orishas in contemporary young adult literature and their potential for personal and community healing. Moderated by Isis Asare.

2:30 – 3:15 p.m.: Book Signing with Tomi Adeyemi

2:45 – 3:30 p.m.: "Post Colonial Traditions in Contemporary Literature”

 – A conversation between Clarence A. Haynes, author of The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery, and Kemi Ashing-Giwa, author of The King Must Die.

3:30 – 4:15 p.m.: Keynote: "The Orishas: Guardians of Culture and Spirit" – Luisah Teish explores the origins of the Orishas in Yoruba spirituality and their significance in African diasporic cultures.

A marketplace will be available in the Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room from 12:30 to 5 p.m., offering attendees the opportunity to engage with vendors and community organizations.

About the African American Center at San Francisco Public Library

The African American Center, located on the third floor of the Main Library, welcomes those studying the historical, political, and cultural experiences of African Americans in California and beyond. The Center houses a collection of circulating and reference materials and partners with other library departments and community organizations to sponsor free public exhibits and programs.