Berea College

Sankofa&nbsp;is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The literal translation of the word and the symbol is&nbsp;“it is not taboo to fetch&nbsp;what is&nbsp;at risk of being left behind.”

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The sankofa symbolizes the Akan people’s&nbsp;quest for knowledge among the Akan with the implication that the quest is based on critical examination, and intelligent and patient&nbsp;investigation.

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The symbol — shown in the photo on an interior window in the <a href="https://next.berea.edu/centers/carter-g-woodson-center-for-interracial-education">Carter G. Woodson Center</a> — is based on a mythical bird with its feet firmly planted forward&nbsp;with its head turned backwards. Thus, the Akan believe&nbsp;the past serves as a guide for planning the future. To the Akan, it is this wisdom in learning&nbsp;from the past which ensures a strong future.

The Akans believe that there must be movement and new learning as time passes.&nbsp;As this forward march proceeds, the knowledge of the past must&nbsp;never be forgotten.

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Carter G Woodson Center for Interracial Education

The Power of Sankofa: Know History

The Power of Sankofa: Know History