The Sankofa Bird

What Does Sankofa Mean?

Sankofa (pronounced SAHN-koh-fah) is a powerful concept rooted in the Twi language of the Akan Tribe in Ghana. It loosely translates to “go back and get it.” The phrase derives from the Akan proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri,” meaning, “It is not taboo to go back for what you forgot (or left behind).” Sankofa encourages individuals and communities to learn from the past to guide the future, emphasising the importance of reflection and growth.

The concept embodies the idea of progress through understanding and incorporating lessons from history. It also conveys the principle of “lifting as we climb,” ensuring that while moving forward, we help others rise as well.

Sankofa Iconography

Sankofa is represented by two distinct Adinkra symbols. Adinkra symbols are a rich cultural tradition used to convey profound truths and philosophical ideas, originally printed on cloth and now seen in various forms such as architecture, furniture, and logos.

1. The Bird Symbol: This version depicts a mythical bird with its feet firmly planted forward while its head gracefully turns backward to retrieve an egg—a symbol of learning from the past while progressing toward the future.
2. The Heart Symbol: A symmetrical design resembling a heart, characterised by intricate spirals on either side, representing the same underlying message of reflection and growth.

History of the Sankofa Initiative

The Sankofa Retention Initiative was founded as the Men of Color Retention Initiative during the spring semester of 2015 at Stockton University. It was developed by a dedicated committee of faculty and staff, including Dr. Jonathan L. Johnson, Dr. Gerald Martin, Mr. Stephen Davis, Dr. Walter Tarver, Mr. Darius W. Edwards, Mr. Carlos Martinez, and Mr. Tomas Itaas.

Research conducted in 2014 highlighted significant challenges faced by minority male students, particularly African American and Latino men, in their second and third years of study. These challenges were linked to lower retention and graduation rates. The committee identified areas for improvement and launched Sankofa as a targeted effort to address these disparities.

What is the Sankofa Retention Initiative?

The Sankofa Retention Initiative is a program designed to support undergraduate, self-identified men of color at Stockton University. Operated under the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the initiative focuses on enhancing retention, academic success, and student satisfaction. The program welcomes first-year and transfer students into a supportive community through four key areas:

1. Transition Assistance: Providing resources and support to help students adapt to university life.
2. Personal, Professional, and Academic Development: Offering workshops and programs tailored to individual growth and career readiness.
3. Student Engagement: Encouraging participation in a living-learning community, especially for students in residential housing, to build a sense of belonging.
4. Peer Mentorship: Fostering guidance and support through mentor relationships with peers.

Program Goals and Objectives

The Sankofa Cohort Model is built around several core objectives:

• Enhancing Access and Success: Engaging students with first-year seminars and faculty-guided workshops tailored to their unique needs.
• Promoting Health and Wellbeing: Connecting students to mental and physical health resources on campus.
• Fostering Engagement: Strengthening community bonds through a living-learning environment.
• Sustainability and Growth: Monitoring and assessing student outcomes to ensure continuous improvement and expansion of the program.

By embracing the values of Sankofa, the initiative empowers its members to navigate their academic and personal journeys with confidence and purpose.