Remembering a sweet friend and a precious woman...
Oshun, the Yoruban Goddess of love, delights in the creation of beauty and art, sensual delights and self-adornment. Her symbols are mirrors, jewelry, honey, golden silks and feather fans. Creativity in decorating home and temple is a way of honoring Oshun, who will bless any beautiful space created in Her honor. There is no object so common that Oshun will not appreciate more if it is made artistic and pleasing to the eye. Creativity in dress and self-adornment please her as well, and when Oshun is pleased, her blessings know no limits.
Oshunyomi Mugwana was the promoter of The "Jazz In The Alley Festival" for over 20 years. Jazz In the Alley was an annual one day music event that was one of the South Side's favorites. Oshun's family moved to Chicago from Dumas, Arkansas in the early 1940's and became lifelong residents of the Bronzeville community. Oshun lived as an expatriate in Spain and travelled the world as a photographer. In the 1970's she attended The Community Film Workshop, and from there she was among the first African-American employees at WLS-TV Ch. 7. From WLS she went on to WTTW where she took on the role of broadcast engineer from 1978 until her death, July 16, 2006. In 1979 Oshun founded OM International, and revived the original "Jazz in the Alley" music festival. She produced the free neighborhood festival in Bronzeville with little or no funding and at often at her own expense. A warm, caring, witty and humorous personality, Oshun was a treasured friend of local jazz greats such as Art Porter, Don Moye, Kahil El-Zabar, and Ari Brown. She also has promoted the careers of many filmmakers and photographers, such as Barbara E. Allen, Mary Pat Kelly, Bill "Onikwa" Wallace and Stephanie Moore. She was a tireless advocate for young people. In the 1980's, she sponsored a tribute to Captain Walter Dyett as well as arts and social programs for DuSable High School students. In the 1990's she sponsored and promoted an annual tribute concert in honor of John Coltrane featuring local music giants.
She will be missed with wonder and affection.
