Sankofa
Sankofa, formerly the African American Network at the University of Rochester, is a voluntary networking association made up of people affiliated with the University of Rochester who share a common interest in making positive impacts in individual lives, embracing diversity, building relationships, strengthening our communities and enhancing the quality of life for ALL at the University of Rochester and its affiliates. Our motto is “Reach back and bring someone else along” which mirrors the energy and essence of Sankofa.
Our principle mission is to inform, involve and inspire like-minded individuals who desire to work in an environment that embraces diversity, individuality and creativity throughout the University. Because the University’s culture is rich and diverse with many subcultures within, fostering and maintaining productive and collaborative relationships is crucial to our success. Sankofa represents an employee resource group that includes those who identify as Black or of African Heritage (from countries of Africa), people of color, Caribbean Islands (British West and French East), Indigenous, mixed race/ethnicity, and all others for which the rich, diverse culture and heritage resonates.
Meaning of ‘Sankofa’
The word Sankofa comes from the Akan people of Ghana. It is an Akan term that means, “to go back and get it.” One of the Adinkra symbols for Sankofa depicts a mythical bird flying forward with its head turned backward.
The egg in its mouth represents the “gems” or knowledge of the past upon which wisdom is based; it also signifies the generation to come that would benefit from that wisdom. There are several overlapping interpretations:
- Taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress through the benevolent use of knowledge.
- Going back and reclaiming our past so we can move forward; so we understand why and how we came to be who we are today.
- One’s past is an important aspect of one’s future. So in order to make the best of one’s future, one must visit one’s past.
We are open to everyone, and contain members of diverse backgrounds and cultures that unite as one, to facilitate a healthy environment where people can learn and socialize in a safe and respectable manner.
Our principle goal is to provide opportunities for everyone to directly contribute to the University’s effort to effectively support, manage, sustain and promote diversity and inclusion. We achieve this by serving as a resource to provide social, networking, mentoring, volunteering and personal and professional development opportunities that is open to everyone affiliated with the University.