The spiritual community that founded Ile Omode and continues to nurture its mission.
Wo’se Community
Wo’se is a spiritual community of the Sacred African Way, founded 1981 and rooted in the spiritual tradition of Kemet. Wo’se members began Ile Omode to serve all African-American children.
Wo'se Community is a community of the Sacred African Way. Beginning in 1981 it didn't take long for the members of Wo'se to recognize the need for an educational institution.
Wo'se holds service every Sunday and regularly offers classes on Sundays. Services are held at 8924 Holly Street, in the same building as the school, Ile Omode. Along with Oakland, there is also a sister community in Sacramento.
Wo'se is a spiritual community rooted in the spiritual tradition of Kemet, or ancient Egyptian people. The spiritual practice is based on Maat (an idea encompassing truth, righteousness, and balance), but borrows heavily from other influences.
Wo'se members began Ile Omode to serve all African-American children, and while the school is based on a recognition in the importance of spirit, it is not a religious school, and it is open to children from all families.
Ile Omode's staff includes teachers with different religious affiliations, including Wo'se members, Christians, Muslims, and agnostics. We are more interested in the common strands that bind African people together, and less about specific differences in religious practices.
Visit the Wo'se Community website to learn more about service times, classes, and special events.
A Wo'se Institution since 1986
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Wo'se mean?
The word Wo'se (pronounced “Wo-say”) comes from Waset, the name of a capital city in Ancient Egypt (referred to herein as Kemet). The city was called Thebes by the Greeks. Our version of the name comes from the classic book, The Destruction of Black Civilization written by the great scholar, Dr. Chancellor Williams, who called it “the most important single city in the entire history of the Black people.” By choosing it, we have attempted to resurrect the name of this great city and many of its ancient traditions.
What is the Sacred African Way?
The Sacred African Way is a way of life that is based on a wholesome relationship with The Most High, nature and each other as viewed from an African communal perspective. It is rooted in our ancient and on-going desire to know and grow in a manner that provides the greatest good for the greatest number at every level of family, community and nation. We believe it is an antidote for the genocide and self-destruction that plagues our current existence. This is why we have adopted it as a framework for our theology.
While The Sacred African Way was founded on, grounded in, and includes spirituality and traditions from across Africa and the Diaspora, the primary source of inspiration for it has developed into the spiritual tradition of Ancient Kemet. Our Remetch (Ancient Egyptian) ancestors have been acclaimed by scholars as the most spiritually profound and intellectually gifted people of the ancient world. They created in The Nile Valley a civilization that was based on the understanding that all life is sacred and all human endeavors must proceed from that first understanding.
What is the essential ethos of the Community?
Essential to our tradition is the concept and practice of Ma'at. We believe it is good and right to practice truth, righteousness, reciprocity, harmony, balance and right order in all we say and do. Our teachings inform us that Ma'at expresses that which was in the heart of The Creator from the beginning of time.
Does Wo'se offer opportunities to study?
Our New Life Seminary classes offer weekly opportunities for studying the long history and traditions of our people, particularly, but not solely, those related to Kemet. Classes are facilitated by excellent instructors who encourage us to ask questions, engage in debate and share resources that help us learn and grow together.
How do I get further information?
Visit the Wo'se website at wosecommunity.org, or visit us on any Sunday for service at 8924 Holly Street in Oakland, CA 94621, or visit our sister community in Sacramento.
Audio Samples
Enjoy a sampling of sermons, tributes, and music from Wo'se Sunday service.
Minister Greg Sermon
“Giving Yourself to the Most High”
Wo'se Service
“We are the Small Axe”
Service in the Park
A video from one of Wo'se's services in the park — fall equinox celebration.
Visit Wo'se Community
Join us for Sunday service at 8924 Holly Street, Oakland, CA 94621.
Wo'se is a community of the Sacred African Way. Beginning in 1981, Wo'se Community Church has been integral to the Ile Omode family since the school's founding. The name "Wo'se" comes from Waset, the ancient Egyptian capital known to the Greeks as Thebes.
Wo'se holds service every Sunday and regularly offers classes. Services are held at 8924 Holly Street, in the same building as the school, Ile Omode. Along with Oakland, there is also a sister community in Sacramento.
Ile Omode staff includes teachers with different religious affiliations: Wo'se members, Christians, Muslims, and agnostics. What unites us is our commitment to the education and upliftment of our children.
A Service in the Park
A video from one of Wo'se's services in the park during the fall equinox celebration.
Sermons & Music
Enjoy a sampling of sermons, tributes and music from Wo'se Sunday service.
Minister Greg Sermon: Giving Yourself to the Most High
We are the Small Axe
New Life Seminary
Wo'se offers theological education rooted in African traditions through the New Life Seminary, preparing community leaders and ministers in the study of the Sacred African Way.
Connect With Us
Visit the Wo'se Community website, or visit us on any Sunday for service at 8924 Holly Street in Oakland, or visit our sister community in Sacramento.
