Ojú Imọlẹ
Media Foundation
Eye of Light
Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future
Rooted in Vision, Rising in Purpose
About The Foundation
Ojú Imọlẹ Media Foundation is a Trinidad and Tobago based nonprofit cultural media foundation with an international vision rooted in Isese traditions, cultural preservation, media storytelling, education, youth empowerment, humanitarian outreach, and spiritual heritage documentation.
Our name, meaning “Eye of Light” in the Yoruba language, embodies our commitment to illuminating culture, preserving sacred knowledge, and shining light on untold stories that deserve to be shared with the world.
The foundation welcomes people of all backgrounds who genuinely support cultural awareness, education, humanitarian development, and the preservation of sacred traditions and community history globally.
2025
Founded
T&T
Based
Global
Vision
Mission and Vision
Our Mission
Ojú Imọlẹ Media Foundation is committed to preserving cultural heritage, spiritual wisdom, oral traditions, and community stories through media, documentation, education, humanitarian outreach, and global cultural archiving.
Rooted in Isese traditions and guided by the vision of unity, empowerment, and enlightenment, the foundation exists to honor ancestral knowledge, uplift communities, inspire future generations, and create lasting impact through storytelling, creativity, service, and cultural preservation.
Our Vision
To become a globally respected cultural media foundation dedicated to preserving heritage, documenting untold stories, empowering communities, supporting humanitarian work, uplifting youth, and inspiring future generations through media, education, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
Our Core Pillars
Cultural Preservation
Documenting and protecting sacred traditions
Media Storytelling
Creating powerful documentary content
Youth Empowerment
Inspiring the next generation of leaders
Humanitarian Service
Uplifting communities through action
A Message of Purpose
Our foundation was born from a deep reverence for cultural heritage and a burning desire to preserve the sacred traditions that connect us to our ancestors. Every story we document, every community we serve, and every young person we inspire brings us closer to fulfilling our mission of illuminating culture and empowering generations.
In Trinidad and Tobago, we have witnessed the beauty of diverse traditions coming together. It is this spirit of unity and cultural pride that drives our work. Through media, education, and humanitarian service, we are building bridges between the past and the future.
Ifagbejami Jolene Smart
Founder and Executive Director
Leadership Team
Dedicated individuals committed to preserving heritage and empowering communities
Ifagbejami Jolene Smart
Founder and Executive Director
Leads the overall vision and direction of Ojú Imọlẹ Media Foundation. Oversees media production, storytelling, and cultural documentation, ensuring the foundation remains aligned with its mission of illuminating culture and empowering communities.
Olumbe Diaz
Director of Cultural Affairs and Strategic Development
Responsible for cultural preservation, strategic planning, and organizational development. Brings extensive experience in cultural work and supports the foundation in building strong cultural programs and long term growth.
Keisha Smart Ellis
Director of Charity and Community Outreach
Leads all humanitarian and charity initiatives. Oversees community outreach programs, support services, and initiatives focused on assisting families, youth, and vulnerable members of the community.
Ọmọlẹ̀yẹ Afiya Diaz
Director of Education, Culture, and Media Support
An educator and cultural advocate responsible for educational programs, cultural development initiatives, and supporting media production efforts within the foundation. Plays an active role in storytelling and creative documentation.
Yannick Finch
Director of Youth Development and Empowerment
Responsible for youth engagement, mentorship, empowerment initiatives, and community development programs within the foundation. Supports activities focused on inspiring young people through culture, education, leadership, creativity, media, and positive community involvement while helping to build the next generation of empowered leaders.
Our Programs
From cultural preservation to humanitarian service, our programs create meaningful impact
Cultural Preservation
Documenting and archiving sacred traditions, oral histories, and cultural practices for future generations.
Humanitarian Outreach
Supporting families, youth, and vulnerable community members through charitable initiatives and direct assistance.
Education and Youth Development
Empowering young people through cultural education, leadership programs, and creative development opportunities.
Media and Documentary
Professional media production capturing cultural stories, community voices, and heritage documentation.
Events and Community Programs
Join us for cultural celebrations, educational workshops, community gatherings, and service events throughout the year.
Rooted in Tradition
Spiritual Heritage
Ojú Imọlẹ Media Foundation honors and documents the sacred traditions of Ifá and Isese, preserving ancestral wisdom for future generations through education, media, and community engagement.
The Sacred Tradition
Understanding Ifá
Ifá is an ancient system of divination and spiritual philosophy originating from the Yorùbá people. It encompasses a vast body of wisdom, poetry, and teachings known as Odù Ifá, which provides guidance on ethics, morality, history, and the nature of existence.
At its core, Ifá teaches the importance of developing good character (ìwà rere), living in harmony with nature, honoring ancestors, and maintaining balance between the spiritual and physical worlds. The tradition emphasizes personal responsibility, community welfare, and the pursuit of wisdom.
Through Ifá, practitioners seek guidance from Ọ̀rúnmìlà, the deity of wisdom and divination, to navigate life's challenges by aligning with their inner consciousness (orí) to fulfill their destiny (àyànmọ́).
Living Tradition
Isese: The Original Way
Isese (meaning "the source" or "the original way") refers to the traditional and cultural practices of the Isese community. It encompasses the study, practice, and wisdom of Ifá, alignment with the Òrìṣà (deities), veneration of ancestors, and adherence to ancient customs that have been passed down through generations.
In Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the Caribbean diaspora, Isese traditions have been preserved and adapted, creating vibrant communities that maintain connections to their African ancestral roots while developing unique expressions of the tradition.
Isese practitioners gather for ceremonies, festivals, educational programs, and community celebrations that honor ancestral traditions, celebrate life passages, strengthen community bonds, and preserve sacred cultural knowledge through shared spiritual and cultural practices.
Foundations of Wisdom
Core Teachings and Values
Ìwà Rere
Good Character
Ìwà Rere means "good character" and is one of the most important principles in Yorùbá tradition. It refers to living with honesty, integrity, kindness, humility, respect, patience, and moral discipline. It teaches that true success and blessings come not only from knowledge or spiritual practice, but from cultivating good character and treating others with dignity and respect.
Orí
Inner Consciousness & Spiritual Essence
Each person carries a sacred inner consciousness that guides their journey through life. Through wisdom, self awareness, and right character, one aligns with their Orí to walk in purpose, fulfill destiny, and live in harmony with their highest potential.
Àyànmọ́
Destiny
In Yorùbá tradition, destiny is understood as the sacred path and purpose a person chooses before coming into the world. It represents the journey, lessons, experiences, and responsibilities connected to one's life. Through wisdom, right character, self awareness, and alignment with one's inner consciousness (Orí), a person moves closer toward fulfilling their destiny and living in harmony with their highest purpose and potential.
Àṣẹ
Divine Power
The life force and authority that flows through all creation, empowering words, actions, and intentions with spiritual efficacy.
Ẹbọ Riru
Sacrifice and Offering
A traditional spiritual practice of making prescribed offerings to promote balance, gratitude, harmony, and positive transformation in one's life and community.
Learning and Growth
Educational Resources
We are committed to providing accessible education about Ifá and Isese traditions through various media and community programs.
Documentary Series
In-depth video documentaries exploring the history, practices, and living traditions of Ifá and Isese in the Caribbean diaspora.
Coming SoonEducational Articles
Written resources covering topics from basic concepts to deeper philosophical teachings, suitable for all levels of understanding.
Coming SoonCommunity Workshops
Interactive learning sessions led by elders and practitioners, offering hands-on cultural education and spiritual guidance.
Coming Soon"We approach these sacred traditions with deep respect and humility, recognizing that true understanding comes through patient study, guidance from elders, and sincere spiritual practice. Our mission is to document and share these teachings authentically, honoring those who have preserved them across generations."
Honoring Our Elders
We believe the wisdom of our elders carries the light of history, culture, spirituality, and community memory. Through storytelling, documentation, and preservation, we honor the voices that continue to guide future generations.
Community Wisdom Gathering
Elders and community members united in traditional ceremony
Elder Interview Coming Soon
Documenting wisdom from community elders
Cultural Archive Documentation
Preserving oral traditions for future generations
Community Wisdom Series
Traditional drumming and ceremonial gatherings
Voices of Heritage
Intergenerational knowledge transfer
Traditional Knowledge Preservation
Sacred traditions and community blessings
Elder Portrait Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Oral History Archive
Coming Soon
Sacred Traditions Documentation
Coming Soon
“The wisdom of our ancestors is not meant to be locked away, but to flow through generations like a river of light, nourishing all who seek its guidance.”
Media and Documentary Projects
Through cinematic storytelling, we preserve and share cultural heritage with the world
Documentary Clip To Be Added
Cultural Heritage Documentary Series
Documentary Films
Long-form cultural documentaries
Interview Series
Conversations with elders and leaders
Photo Archives
Visual heritage documentation
Audio Archives
Oral history recordings
Articles and News
Image To Be Added
New Article Coming Soon
Stories, updates, and news from our community will be featured here.
Image To Be Added
New Article Coming Soon
Stories, updates, and news from our community will be featured here.
Image To Be Added
New Article Coming Soon
Stories, updates, and news from our community will be featured here.
Community Gallery
Capturing moments of culture, community, and celebration
Cultural Performance
Isese traditions celebration
Charity Outreach
Media Production
Community Event
Youth Education
Volunteer Work
Gallery To Be Added
Video Gallery
Video To Be Added
Documentary Excerpt
Video To Be Added
Community Event
Video To Be Added
Interview Highlight
Future Expansion Vision
As we grow, Ojú Imọlẹ Media Foundation envisions expanding our reach to serve communities across the Caribbean and throughout the diaspora. Our future plans include establishing cultural centers, developing comprehensive educational curricula, and building a global network of cultural preservation advocates.
Cultural Archive Center
A dedicated facility for preserving and showcasing cultural artifacts, documents, and media
International Partnerships
Collaborations with cultural organizations across the Caribbean, Africa, and global diaspora
Youth Leadership Academy
Comprehensive programs to develop the next generation of cultural leaders and media professionals
Support Our Mission
Your support helps us preserve cultural heritage, document sacred traditions, empower communities, support humanitarian outreach, and inspire future generations through media, education, and cultural preservation.
For donation inquiries, contact us at ojuimolefoundation@gmail.com
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about our work or discuss partnership opportunities.
Send Us a Message
Fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Phone
+1 (868) 254-2540Location
6th Company Village, New Grant, Trinidad and TobagoResponse Time
We typically respond to inquiries within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent matters, please call us directly.