HISTORICAL TIDBIT: Sankofa
The Adinkra symbols, shown are specific to the Ashanti (Akan) ethnic group of Ghana. These three versions of the same symbol are called Sankofa. It means that we should “Look to the past to inform our future,” or “It is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot.”
In NYC, Adinkra symbols were made by free and enslaved African American iron workers, and can be seen on many gates today. The homeowners thought it was just beautiful art and were not aware of the true message the enslaved workers were sending to their people. These displaced Africans did not want the next generation to forget their culture or people.
Why is this piece of history important?
Because in schools, museums, and libraries, we are taught to remember the contributions of important cultures and people to our society. We set up monuments or name buildings and streets after them, while the contributions of our ancestors are forgotten. The descendants of soldiers from the American wars, proudly preserve their family contributions through organizations like, The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, The Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of Confederate Veterans, or Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Where are the memorials for the work and contributions of our family to Edenton?
In many African American homes and churches, we made statements to family and friends who went off to college or received promotions that elevated their status. We said, “Don’t forget where you come from.” This was Sankofa.
The descendants of Edenton, NC, reunite every year… so, we can remember our heritage, and the importance of our family in this society. The town of Edenton is not preserving the legacy of African Americans... or our stories. We must do that ourselves. As Edenton removes the familiar structures of our neighborhoods, let us construct and fashion our history in ways that will not be lost to future generations.
Let’s do MORE than oral history alone. Let’s memorialize the life of our loved ones through the arts, as well as the WRITTEN WORD. Time is of the essence.
“Everyone has a story. Every story matters.” ~Nicole Miller
What's Your Family Story?
In NYC, Adinkra symbols were made by free and enslaved African American iron workers, and can be seen on many gates today. The homeowners thought it was just beautiful art and were not aware of the true message the enslaved workers were sending to their people. These displaced Africans did not want the next generation to forget their culture or people.
Why is this piece of history important?
Because in schools, museums, and libraries, we are taught to remember the contributions of important cultures and people to our society. We set up monuments or name buildings and streets after them, while the contributions of our ancestors are forgotten. The descendants of soldiers from the American wars, proudly preserve their family contributions through organizations like, The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, The Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of Confederate Veterans, or Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Where are the memorials for the work and contributions of our family to Edenton?
In many African American homes and churches, we made statements to family and friends who went off to college or received promotions that elevated their status. We said, “Don’t forget where you come from.” This was Sankofa.
The descendants of Edenton, NC, reunite every year… so, we can remember our heritage, and the importance of our family in this society. The town of Edenton is not preserving the legacy of African Americans... or our stories. We must do that ourselves. As Edenton removes the familiar structures of our neighborhoods, let us construct and fashion our history in ways that will not be lost to future generations.
Let’s do MORE than oral history alone. Let’s memorialize the life of our loved ones through the arts, as well as the WRITTEN WORD. Time is of the essence.
“Everyone has a story. Every story matters.” ~Nicole Miller
What's Your Family Story?
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