“To gain knowledge for the future, demands wisdom of the past.”
💖Welcome to the Sankofa Newsletter Blog!
The word Sankofa originates from the Twi language of the Akan tribe of Ghana, West Africa. It means “go back and get it.” The Akan people believe the past and the future are eternally intertwined and any pursuit of knowledge must demonstrate this understanding.
The Sankofa Newsletter is a mini-guide to culture and news. A monthly publication that features four articles to inspire, enlighten, and stimulate intellectual curiosity. Get a free copy delivered to your email inbox today. Share, Like, Subscribe. Happy Reading! LaSheba Baker, Creator & Editor
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October 2019 Edition
Culture & News
Princess Yennenga
What are you willing to sacrifice for your dreams? And for what kind of dream? These must have been some of the questions in the mind of Princess Yennenga as she faced her father’s expectation for her life path and the path she wanted to take for herself. She lived during the 12th century (1100-1200 C.E.) in the Kingdom of Dagomba, northern Ghana. As the only child of the king, she was trained to be the next monarch and was such a great warrior that she led her father’s army. She received much praise for her accomplishments still she longed to marry and have children. The king refused her to wed and insisted her focus remain on leadership. There was no middle ground between her father’s demands and the desires of her own heart.
Bravely, she decided to pursue her own life path and fled into the night with help from the king’s horseman. On their travels they were attacked by Malinka warriors, Princess Yennenga was able to escape but her countryman was killed. She found shelter in the home of a hunter. They fell in love and she gave birth to a son, Ouedraogo, and their lineage can be found in the royal line of the Mossi people.
Princess Yennenga is revered as the queen mother of the Mossi people in present-day Burkina Faso. She is immortalized in stories, street names, and statutes. Even the national football team is named in her honor. What an amazing legacy of dreams fulfilled by a woman’s warrior spirit.
The Stallion-Riding Princess Who Saved an African Empire
The Yorks Shona Gallery: The Mossi Tribe
Traditional King in Burkina Faso Wins Africa Peace Award
Art/Film News
The Lie Game
Dust is a YouTube science fiction channel that features a large variety of short-length films. Whether your interest lies in technology, aliens, or artificial intelligence, they have a little bit of everything. The Lie Game is a short film about a scientist who struggles to get funding for her research but often receives rejection. One day she has a peculiar interview that challenges both her mind and research. Want to know more? Watch the film below.
Watch film here “The Lie Game”
Business News
Noire Women in Science
Spelman College is a premier women’s HBCU located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Department of Defense (DoD) recently awarded the college a $2 million dollar grant to support their STEM (science, technology, engineering, & math) education and development. This grant will help to diversify the STEM field and promote under-represented minorities into this career path.
Spelman College Recieves Funding to Build Education Center for Women in Stem
PBS: Ten Black Scientists that Science Teachers should know about
Book Review
The Brown Mama Mindset
Muffy Mendoza is an author, speaker, mom of three boys, homeschooler, and the founder of Brown Mama Monologues. She shares her “Sankofa” journey to wholeness and well-being in the book: The Brown Mama Mindset: A Blueprint for Black Moms on Life, Love and Home (2018). I appreciate and admire her honesty about the challenges and achievements on the path to wholeness. She writes from the heart in a straight-forward prose that easily encourages the reader to join her journey.
I will point out one observation made while reading the book that was not included on the book’s back cover. The author’s belief system includes a blend of numerology, astrology, African spirituality practices (rituals, ancestors, magic, Creator), and biblical scriptures from the teachings of Jesus the Christ. Important to note, some religions or spiritual beliefs on the surface can appear to be similar, but a deeper look reveals distinct differences. An attempt to blend these similarities without recognition of their differences can pose a religious contradiction or philosophical quandary. For example, biblical scripture does not permit divination, omens, or witchcraft (KJV Deuteronomy 18:10).
All that being said, I am a student of world religions and furthermore, the United States constitution guarantees each person the right to freedom of religion or belief. I did enjoy the book as it has many positive and practical tips for achieving well-being.
Muffy Mendoza Brown Mamas Facebook
Video
Home Team History YouTube Channel
The Legend of Princess Yennenga
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