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, Blogger
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Culture & News
New Year’s Food Traditions
The holiday season brings cultural food traditions to our celebration table. As a native of the Deep South, our culture promotes certain dishes to welcome in the new year. New Year’s Day dinner often includes collard greens (for money), black-eye peas (for luck), and cornbread (for gold). There are slight variations among Southerners, with some who prefer cabbage or turnip greens-whatever tickles your fancy.
These food traditions can pass on cultural legacies related to a people’s history and geographical region. Why these specific foods and why in a certain location? In the case of the Southerner, the origin of this meal is unclear. But one theory claims these specific foods were more available during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The applied superstitions probably provided comfort in a time of uncertainty. Fast forward to to 21st century and this New Year’s Day tradition still lives on. Bon appétit!
Southern Living: Cook Up Some Good Luck With These Traditional New Year’s Day Recipes
https://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/new-years-recipes-traditions
Los Angeles Times: For Many Black Families, New Year’s Greens and Black-eyed Peas Fill the Belly and the Soul
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-01/black-families-new-years-day-traditions
CBS WFMY News2: This Traditional New Year’s Day Meal Promises Good Fortune, But How Did it Get Started?
Live Science: What is Culture? (2017)
https://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-culture.html
Art/Film/Literature News
Ancient Snack Bar
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption. Beneath the ruins archaeologists have found a thermopolium, an ancient snack bar. This discovery provides more insight on how the culture lived and their diet.
Art News: Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Snack Bar at Pompeii
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/pompeii-excavations-snack-bar-thermopolium-1234580315/
Business/Non-Profit News
Culture Greetings
Looking for a greeting card that reflects African-American culture? Then try Culture Greetings, which provides greeting cards for many occasions and also can be personally customized. The business owner, Dr. Dionne Mahaffey, has a new partnership with Walgreens to offer a print-to-store option.
Black News.com: Black-Owned Greeting Card Brand Now Offers In-Store Pickup at Walgreens
Culture Greetings Website
Book Review
Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas
Shanté is visiting her Grandma’s house for New Year’s dinner and the unimaginable happens, no black-eyed peas! She sets out about the neighborhood in search of these elusive peas and is also introduced to other people’s cultural traditions. Read more about her adventure in the book: Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport (2007, 32 pages, kindle edition). Grandma cries: “Chitlins, baked ham, macaroni and cheese, greens, and hot cornbread, but no black-eyed peas!” (kindle loc. 4).
This fun story is very reflective of a tradition in the American South, still practiced today by Southerners of various hues. The book includes an author’s note on multicultural New Year’s traditions and a recipe for Hoppin’ John.
Author Gail Piernas-Davenport Website
Video(4)
“Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas-Children’s Books Read Aloud”
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