Interview with SINNERS Hoodoo film consultant Dr. Yvonne Chireau
Explore my interview with film consultant and author of Black Magic, Dr. Chireau (2021) to learn more about the sacred tradition of Hoodoo and why we loved the Hoodoo aspect of SINNERS so much!
Everybodyyyy has been asking me for my take on the newish Ryan Coogler film Sinners, a southern gothic lore that follows two twins, Smoke and Stack as they bring a new juke joint to their hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi. What was set out to be a night of passion, blues singin’ and gyrating was quickly met with gore and Irish vampires willing to go violent lengths to stop the show. In short, I liked it! And we have been discussing it on my patreon Discord chat, but that’s not what this is about!
The Hoodoo aspect within the film primarily showcased through Annie, the local conjure woman who in my opinion saves the day (AS WE BE DOIN), has done what many have called “opened the portal” to Hoodoo and other Africana spiritual systems in our current times. Now although these have been real living + breathing traditions before this film, SINNERS has done something for Africana spiritualities and traditions that I haven’t seen since Beyonce referenced the Yoruba deity of Osun in Lemonade. And in some ways SINNERS still might have shook us up even more.
Hoodoo scholar and author of Black Magic Yvonne Chireau, was the film consultant for Sinners, that ensured that the Hoodoo tradition was accurately portrayed. She’s a gem and a big part of why we felt so connected to the spiritual aspects of this movie (outside of the stellar acting and gorgeous shots!) In light of this, I wanted to share my interview with Chireau from 2021 on A Little Juju Podcast entitled “To Study Hoodoo, Study History”, where we talked about storytelling, harming, and healing within the Hoodoo tradition. You’ll quickly see that this is a woman who has the RANGEEE to accurately represent Hoodoo, hence the film’s care towards this beloved practice. We thank you Dr. Chireau!
In the spirit of gratitude (and Hoodoo) I must give a tremendous thanks to Cohort 1 of the Hoodoo with Juju Course series. When I tell you that we had a timeee, together! The conversations, the eldership, and the healing that happened for those 4 weeks was miraculous and I’m excited to share the wisdom that we learned together, with YOU!
If you weren’t able to join the course in March (and need some eldership from Hoodoo elders Mama Koko + Arthur Flowers) this course series is for you. From the history of Hoodoo rebellions to everyday ritual, the Hoodoo with Juju course has something for every person of the African Diaspora to gain.
Sign up, inquire, and learn more, here
“This live course was everything I’d hoped to receive and so much more! I was left with plenty of resources and topics to continue my hoodoo learning and working practice after the course. The content and Juju’s delivery were phenomenal.” - Hoodoo w/ Juju Course testimonial
Thank you all so much for reading! Being a full time spiritual practitioner and working ancestral healer is not for the weak, but knowing that I have so much support from you makes every reading, every ritual, and every prayer worth it! To keep up with me and support my work, join my patreon, for discounted reading slots, monthly card divination workshops, early access, and more! And thank you to those who send coins my way on Substack even though my offerings here are all currently, free. I love you big!
Juju Bae is Osun Priestess, ancestral healer, writer, and self proclaimed bad bitch witch from Baltimore. She is the author of The Book of Juju: Africana Spirituality for Healing Liberation and Self-Discovery and host of award winning show A Little Juju Podcast. Her interests include deciphering ancestral wisdoms, Black spiritual tradition, and the mundane magic in the everyday . Her writing and mystical musings can be found…on Substack.