sankofa
Sankofa is a word from the Akan language of Ghana, representing the concept that it is not taboo to go back and retrieve what you have forgotten or left behind. It is visually represented by a mythical bird with its head turned backward, carrying an egg in its beak, symbolizing the importance of learning from the past to build a successful future. In contemporary usage, the term is frequently invoked in historical, educational, and cultural contexts. It serves as a reminder that understanding one’s history and heritage is a prerequisite for progress. It is often used in formal speeches, academic discourse, or cultural programs focused on reclamation and identity.
In conversation
Discussing a heritage project
I think we should include the oral histories from the elders in our presentation.
I think we should include the oral histories from the elders in our presentation.
Definitely. It’s a true Sankofa moment—reclaiming those stories to inform our community's path forward.
Definitely. It’s a true Sankofa moment—reclaiming those stories to inform our community's path forward.
Used here to describe the act of looking back to gain wisdom for a future project.
Reflecting on personal growth
I’ve spent the last year studying my family's migration story.
I’ve spent the last year studying my family's migration story.
That sounds like a powerful journey. Sankofa—going back to understand where you came from.
That sounds like a powerful journey. Sankofa—going back to understand where you came from.
Highlights the personal aspect of the concept.
Examples
The museum exhibit is a beautiful example of Sankofa, displaying artifacts that reconnect us to our ancestors.
The museum exhibit is a beautiful example of Sankofa, displaying artifacts that reconnect us to our ancestors.
By practicing Sankofa, the organization hopes to learn from past mistakes to improve its current policies.
By practicing Sankofa, the organization hopes to learn from past mistakes to improve its current policies.
The philosophy of Sankofa encourages us to reach into the archives of our history to retrieve the wisdom necessary for our collective evolution.
The philosophy of Sankofa encourages us to reach into the archives of our history to retrieve the wisdom necessary for our collective evolution.
