HISTORY

CLBA Resume 1974-1999

Santeria-Orisha-Lukumi-Cuba

1974

Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye was founded in the State of Florida by; Iyalosha Carmen Pla, Babalosha Raul Rodriguez, Oba Ernesto Pichardo, Babalosha Fernando Pichardo, Attorney Gino Negretti. CLBA was created according to the spiritual guidance and mandates of Encarnacion De La Caridad y Rodriguez, an oshun spirit, and confirmations were established through divination with the orishas.

1978

First three day conference with scholars, Catholic, and Lukumi priests. Sponsored by Florida Endowment for the Humanities, the University of Miami, and Dr. O. R. Dathorne director of African American Studies. The first ordination to the patron orisha Babalu Aye was performed at Oyo-Tunji African Village, founding of Babalu Aye site, and the introduction of the orisha Oba.

1979-82

Dedicated to academic research & presentations, thesis assistance, and development of Church structure.

1983-84

Established the first academic and religious group called Institute for New World Studies. The group acquired funding through the Florida Endowment for the Humanities, to carryout workshops on Afro-Caribbean religions for Law enforcement, hospitals, mental health professionals, and cultural organizations. Implemented the first local ABC news series on Afro-Cuban forms of worship. Our first film contract came through Soto Productions of California. This was a PBS national documentary on Miami, which included Santeria. CLBA and Dade County School Board representatives met, and established religious exemptions for newly ordained students, during a school calendar year.

1985

CLBA developed and established the first courses on Afro-Caribbean religions offered through Miami Dade Community College. The first book titled Oduduwa, and a Lukumi Divination educational video, were produced. Universal Studios producer of the series Miami Vice, contracted our representatives as consultants for a pilot episode. As did Tri-Star motion pictures on a film titled Band on the Hand. CLBA intervention delivered victory on cruelty to animal charges of thirteen Ifa priests.

1986

A presentation for the State of Florida Folklife Festival was done. Mental Health Association of Dade County began as sponsors in conjunction with CLBA to provide accredited Law Enforcement training. Our first organizational committee of sixteen members was formed, for the purpose of development and implementation of a community church, and educational center. CLBA offered its first courses on Bata Drums, divination, and Yoruba history. CLBA began its first general support campaign for the purpose of recruiting members and officers among senior priests and priestesses of Dade County.

1987

CLBA celebrated its pre-opening as an established Lukumi community Church. A general educational curriculum was implemented. After several months of political controversy, the order to Florida Power & Light, and Department of Water and Sewer to stop services, came from the city officials. CLBA had its victory and officially opened as the first Lukumi Church in the United States. The controversy, heated by the enactment of three city ordinances banning ritual animal sacrifices, caused CLBA to sue the City of Hialeah claiming the ordinances violated First Amendment rights. National and international media took intense interest on this landmark case. During the Papal visit to Miami, ABC world news presented CLBA as the authentic competitor of the Catholic Church, among Hispanics. The editorial board of the Miami Herald published its first support on behalf of CLBA pertaining to its legal rights.

1988

CLBA re-located to a storefront across from Hialeah City Hall. Pending litigation in Federal Court, this location was vandalized numerous times. Law Enforcement entered Church premises daily. Members were stopped leaving the Church. Christian denominations protested frequently, and its activists implemented a hate campaign, joined by several animal rights organizations.

1989

Joined by the support of American Civil Liberties Union, and Attorney Jorge Duarte, CLBA went to trial at the US Federal District Court. In support of City interest Attorney Michael J. Neimand, office of the Attorney General, for the State of Florida, joined with Amicus Curiae. Followed in support as witnesses by Michael Fox and Mark Paulhus, from the United States Humane Society.

1993

United States Supreme Court in a unanimous landmark ruling overturned the lower courts, in favor of CLBA. The decision established that Hialeah laws were unconstitutional, and religious animal sacrifices of the Lukumi faith are constitutionally protected. This ruling is applicable in all States. For research purposes; net search under "Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye" or "Animal Sacrifice". There are many sites available that present the documentation.  In a settlement agreement, Hialeah agreed to pay approximately five- hundred thousand dollars for CLBA legal fees. CLBA never sued for compensation on damages. A one-dollar compensation was paid to CLBA by acting Mayor Julio Martinez as a symbol of re-conciliation. Nationwide all pending cruelty to animal cases related to our faith were dismissed.

1995

The first historic group of forty senior Ifa, Oriate, Iyalosha, and Babalosha, priests and priestesses became officially certified as "Clergy" members of the Lukumi/Ayoba religion through CLBA.

1996

CLBA established the first Lukumi radio program, with weekly transmissions for adherents in Cuba, through La Voz Del Cid.

1997-98

CLBA re-located to one block south of Hialeah City Hall. Performed our first Lukumi marriages in Miami and Washington; newborn naming ceremony, and re-established an extensive educational & cultural curriculum. CLBA has become the only established Lukumi Church in the US, with the largest membership of adherents, priests and priestesses of all ranks, in this hemisphere. Performed several religious services for adherents in the Federal Correctional Institution. Established our internet site.

1998-99

CLBA fiscal calendar ends in June. As customary, the President will address the membership with a report of accomplishments, pending business, and the new goals.

Home Page| Services for members| Table of Contents|