Despite their depth and complexity, hoodoo and voodoo/vodou are often misunderstood.

In mass, it was often said that God was beside you at all times. Instead of comfort, I felt a certain pressure to be good, or almost perfect, at all times, in fear that I was always being watched.

New York City voters have chosen Zohran Mamdani as their next mayor, concluding a closely watched race that centered on affordable living, public safety, and city reform.  At 34-years-old, Mamdani will become the youngest mayor in over a century and the city’s first Muslim mayor, succeeding Eric Adams. His campaign emphasized policies aimed at improving public transit, expanding access to social services, and addressing the high cost of living. The race drew attention not only for its...