“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
😊 Note: For email subscribers, you can click the blue title at the top “Edition” to connect directly to the web blog. This may provide a better copy to read.
November 2019 Edition
Culture & News
Marriage in Color
What joy for a couple to join their lives in holy matrimony. This commitment can have its share of highs and lows but many people continue to partake in this form of pair-bonding. There has been some myths about African-American marriage and new light is being shed on the topic. Professors Ivory A. Toldson (Howard University) and Bryant Marks (Morehouse College) conducted research to examine black marriage rates and exposed a sample flaw in a popular Yale study (2009) that concluded only 42% of black women are married. They stress the media has continued to put forth erroneous data of African-American marriage and its supposed lack thereof.1,2
According to a U.S. Census Bureau report (2009) most black women will be married by the age of 55 years old. By that age only 13% of black women will be unmarried. It appears that black women tend to marry later in life for mostly financial security reasons. In addition, the report cites nearly 90% of black men had black wives in 2010, whereas black men married to white females was at 9%. 2
The “2019 Year of Return” celebration includes an invitation from Princess Asie Kabuki of the Ocansey Royal Family for African-American couples to marry or renew their vows in Ghana. This Royal African Mass Traditional Wedding event will take place in December 2019. Princess Asie Kabuki, an engineer, evangelist, and author, along with others is committed to the restoration process due to the trauma of slavery. Now, just imagine that massive amount of wedding cake…yummy!
References
1Harris-Desmond, Jenee. “Myth-Busting the Black Marriage Crisis.” The Root.com, August 18th, 2011.
2Gordon, Taylor. “The Myth is Wrong: Vast Majority of Black Women Will Get Married in Their Lifetimes.” Atlanta Black Star.com, February 7th, 2015.
Ghanaian Princess Launches Historic Traditional African Return of Royals Wedding in Denver, Colorado
Her Excellency Reverend Dr. Ocansey Centre For Economic & Leadership Development
Art/Film News
Malika Warrior Queen
Four years ago Roye Okupe quit his web-design job and set upon a path to make his filmmaker dream a reality. Today, Roye is an author, independent filmmaker, and founder of Youneek Studios. He creates superhero animation films that engage the audience with beautiful images and intriguing story lines. His recently released film available free on Youtube “Malika Warrior Queen” (2019) is an absolutely brilliant animated work. This historical fantasy short film is set in precolonial 15th century (1400-1500 C.E.) Azzaz, a west African kingdom. Queen Malika controls a powerful empire but faces enemies in her own court and foes at the border with imperialistic ambitions. Watch this awesome film at the end of the newsletter.
He came to D.C. from Nigeria and created his own African comic-book universe
Youneek Studios: African Superhero Comics, Graphic Novels & Animation
Business News
Nzinga’s Breakfast Cafe
Durham, North Carolina. Zuri Reynolds-Hester is a trained culinary arts millennial and the owner of Nzinga’s Breakfast Cafe. This restaurant serves up southern soul cuisine. It has mouth-watering delights such as Shrimp and Grits, Sweet Potato Biscuits, and a healthy choice menu section. This savvy named cafe gives honor to the legendary Queen Nzinga of present-day Angola who during the 17th century (1600-1700 C.E.) fought the Portuguese invasion of her homeland. At this cafe you can enjoy a meal with a bit of history on the side.
About: Nzinga\’s Breakfast Cafe
Book Review
Goodness and Mercy
Vanessa Davis Griggs offers a reflective question in her novel Goodness and Mercy (2009), can one move on from sins of the past? The heroine, Gabrielle Mercedes has come to a crossroads in her life and decides to make positive changes for a better present and future. This decision includes joining a Christian church and she soon realizes fellowship has its own difficulties. Her employer provides a firm warning: “…You be careful over there with those church folks. Watch your back…You might have signed up to follow Jesus, but everybody at church ain’t walking the straight and narrow the way you might think they are…”(p.56 ). This warning foreshadows Gabrielle’s road ahead to maintain her resolve despite obstacles and vipers inside and outside the church.
This book is an enjoyable read with a thought provoking story-line that has such realism the reader will undoubtedly feel familiar with some of the characters and situations. The novel starts off as a slow flame that reaches a fiery furnace midpoint and ends with a soft ember. It’s a true example of trial by fire.
Spotlight on Author Vanessa Davis Griggs
Video
Youneek Studios YouTube Channel
Malika Warrior Queen Full Film (2019)
Discover more from Sankofa Newsletter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Sankofa Newsletter 