Errol Gerson

Errol Gerson

Errol Gerson is a Strategic Management consultant, professional coach and mentor, and has been a professor at the renowned Art Center College of Design in Pasadena for the past 53 years. He just authored a new book called “50.” 

Errol was raised in South Africa where his Jewish father, South African mother, and their family endured and fought against the cruelty and oppression of Apartheid. He brings this life experience to his coaching and teaching, drawing from his own deep spirituality and faith.

Gerson came to the United States at age 20 to escape the danger is South Africa and attend college. After graduating from USC with an undergraduate Degree in Accounting and an MBA in Finance of Taxation, he worked in public accounting and consulting. In 1978 he founded a business management and accounting company focusing on creatives and music industry performers. He sold the company in 1992 to his partners, and then co-founded ‘cow’, the first Interactive Design firm in the US. He subsequently sold the company in 1999. Gerson then joined Creative Artists Agency as Director of New Media until he was recruited to become the COO of the National Lampoon Television network in 2005. After completing his duties and leaving the Lampoon in 2010, he became a Principal in the Gerson Group Financial and Management Consultants. 

Errol has served on many Boards, and currently is the Treasurer of the Corita Art Center and the AIGA.

Speaker: Take Heart Series

Fodé Camara

Fodé Camara

 

Fodé Camara, a member of the Susu ethnic group, offers a unique and engaging perspective in his presentations and performances by sharing the rich culture and spiritual traditions of his people, as well as his reflections of growing up in West Africa.

Raised in a small village under impoverished conditions, Fodé’s formative years were deeply influenced by his grandmother, a revered healer. With her blessing, he has dedicated his life to continuing the wisdom of his lineage by helping his people thrive through initiatives focused on education, music, and essential humanitarian efforts.

The Susu people, descendants of their Manding ancestors from the Mali-Guinea border region, are believed to have originally been a clan of blacksmiths who resisted converting to Islam. Traditionally animist, the Susu culture has evolved over time, and today, over 99% of Susu are Muslim, with Islam integrated into their religious practices.

Fodé draws on both the ancient traditions of his people and the Islamic faith. Fodé is celebrated for his warm, easygoing, and approachable style, encouraging participants of all ages to fully engage with the traditional music and songs of Guinea.

 

Helen Bond

Helen Bond

Helen Bond is a dynamic percussionist, educator, and storyteller who captivates audiences with the joy, energy, and healing power of traditional West African hand drumming and songs.

Born to an Iranian father and an American mother, Helen’s lifelong passion for music drew her to Guinea, West Africa, where she immersed herself in the rich musical and spiritual traditions of the Malinke and Susu people and undertook intensive study with master drummers as well as with dancers and griots.

 

 

Bikbaye Inejnema

Bikbaye Inejnema

Bikbaye Inejnema is a transformational facilitator, sociologist, philosopher, cultural activist, healer, spoken word artist, writer, producer, director, recording artist and teacher of Kemetic (ancient Egyptian) knowledge. Upon completing 6 of 10 years of traditional African initiation and receiving the ancient teachings, Bikbaye was sent by his elders to establish and open traditional schools of healing, philosophy and spirituality in several U.S. states and abroad, where he has taught and lectured extensively.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with over ten years of experience in social work, case management, youth counseling, writing and teaching and working as a Cultural Humility facilitator/trainer for Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles, Art Director for City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and Executive Director of Conscious Youth Global Network.

Speaker: Take Heart Now Series

A Spiritual Experience

A Spiritual Experience

 by Christine Budzowski, The Guibord Center

Working as a part of The Guibord Center since its inception in 2010, I have been exposed to many ways people of faith in Los Angeles share experiences that deepen their faith.  Until I experienced prayer in a sacred space that was not my own, in a different form and with various movements, perhaps in another language, I found it hard to conceive of those around me having unique and personal moments of spiritual connection.

I have been taught there is no one set way to pray or talk to God. God shows up for me in many unexpected places, sometimes when I am actively searching and occasionally when I don’t plan an encounter. I am sure we have all had moments when we have felt the Spirit present in unexpected places. These moments make me stop what I’m doing and pay attention. Moments that make me want to freeze time and stay right where I am, soaking it all in. Moments that leave me changed in some small way or even profoundly.

I love spiritual experiences, and I try to be on the lookout for the next opportunity to connect with another person, experience God’s creation in nature, or meditate in the company of my cats. Some of my genuinely memorable spiritual experiences have come through events and concerts offered by The Guibord Center, “aha!” moments when I discovered the palpable presence of the Holy. One such experience happened when I attended “Out of Darkness Into Light,” an interfaith concert with Yuval Ron and his many talented friends.

I had seen pictures of “Whirling Dervishes,” those exotic-looking men in white skirts who spin round and round, making me wonder how they manage to walk a straight line afterward. I was looking forward to seeing my first live performance by a dervish. It was a highly-anticipated part of the concert. But I was not prepared for the experience of watching the spinning dervish, with a backdrop of music and chanting and being transported out of the physical space and into a purely spiritual space.

I have watched the video of that performance, and it doesn’t have the same effect. Being present is the key for me. This is why I look forward to the upcoming event “Every Child’s Life is Sacred, a Concert for Humanity” with The Yuval Ron Ensemble. I am told the dervish will be a surprise. I will not be surprised by an evening filled with spiritual encounters and another fantastic Spiritual Experience.

Here is a link to Out of Darkness Into Light: https://theguibordcenter.org/video-gallery-2/?vimeography_gallery=12&vimeography_video=84613445

Watch the Dervish: https://theguibordcenter.org/video-gallery-2/?vimeography_gallery=12&vimeography_video=563479182