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
😊 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.
Culture & News
Ancient Rome
The Roman Empire (27 B.C.E.- 476 C.E.,5th century) was a powerful Mediterranean civilization that had contact with biblical lands and cultures beyond its borders. The legendary historian Dr.John Henrik Clarke, PhD (1915-1998) states in his book: Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust: Slavery and the Rise of European Capitalism (1992):“When the Europeans first saw the cities of Africa, they reported that these cities were well designed and that the African was civilized to the marrow of his bones.” 1Make this quote a barometer when you search for the African presence in historical literature. When reading history one must ask whose cultural story is absent or incomplete? Where are the pyramids of the Nubian Pharaohs, the West African Empires, or the castles of Ethiopia? If taken at face value, it would appear the Black race is absent in Rome. This is an incorrect assumption as Rome had notable Africans as citizens.
The imperial ambition of Rome to extend the empire southward was challenged by Queen Amanirenas of Nubia (Kush). According to Face2Face Africa News (2018): The Nubians and Romans (24 B.C.E) had three years of battle that ends with the signing of a peace treaty.2 When looking back at antiquity be mindful that dark skin color, although a physical characteristic, did not necessarily carry the same stereotypical contention found in modern times. For example, the Transatlantic Slave Trade (maritime approx.1482 C.E-1850 C.E) was a war strategy that used the ruse of racism to justify corrupt intentions to conquer, colonize, and plunder natural resources for global distribution. The psychological and social order required the enforcement of historical amnesia and dehumanization of the enslaved Africans. Their existence and empires that predate the slave trade by two thousand years, was erased from their minds and the minds of many others.
The ancient Romans have a significant history as a polytheistic society with ancestor veneration practices. In 380 C.E., Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official state religion. Both early Christians and Jews lived in Rome. Many Jews who live in the modern-day city of Rome, Italy claim lineage to the ancient Jews of that era (not Ashkenazi or Sephardic).The Roman Empire extended its reach far and wide in the ancient world. Today, its influence is still found within many societies through art, political philosophy, literature, and architecture.
History.com: Why Ancient Rome Needed Immigrants to Become Powerful (includes video)
https://www.history.com/news/ancient-rome-immigration-slavery
Face2Face Africa: Amanirenas, the brave one-eyed African queen who led an army against the Romans in 24BC
The Metropolitan Museum: The Land of Nubia
Rejected Princesses.com: Amanirenas: The One-eyed Queen Who Fought Rome Tooth and Nail
https://www.rejectedprincesses.com/princesses/amanirenas
Hunter College: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. John Henrik Clarke
NY Daily News: Why Black History Month Should Never Begin with Slavery (2016)
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/king-black-history-month-slavery-article-1.2513580
Bibliography:
(1) Clarke, John Henrik. Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust: Slavery and the Rise of European Capitalism. A&B Book Dist. Inc. Publishers Group, 1992. Paperback (p.59).
(2) Johnson, Elizabeth Ofosuah. “Amanirenas, the brave one-eyed African Queen who led an army against the Romans in 24BC.” Face2Face Africa News. 2018. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/amanirenas-the-brave-one-eyed-african-queen-who-led-an-army-against-the-romans-in-24bc/amp
Art/Film/Literature News
New Ma
Sometimes the rules of mom can be tiresome and the young may wish for a new parent. Three siblings: Trina, Marcus, and Muffin have such a desire. New Ma is a comedic stage play that shows the disgruntled, be careful what you wish for. Written and produced by Dora Dee Hunter. See the attached video below for this family-friendly entertainment.
The National Black Theatre of Sweden: A Brief History of African American/Blacks in Theatre
https://www.nationalblacktheatre.se/en/a-brief-history-of-african-americans-blacks-in-theatre/
Business/Non-Profit News
Bath Kandy
Looking to treat yourself to some bath time indulgence, then check-out Bath Kandy. This company is located in Lagos, Nigeria and has an international shipping option. The products offered include: body soufflé, creamy avocado soap, jollof rice soap, and home fragrance. Subscribe to their newsletter for updates.
Africanews.com: Nigerian Entrepreneur makes Cake Soap in her Beauty Store (2018)
https://www.africanews.com/amp/2018/01/02/nigerian-entrepreneur-makes-cake-soap-in-her-beauty-store/
Bath Kandy Website
Book Review
Nubian Kingdom
The Nubian Kingdom (modern-day Sudan) was a powerful civilization in the ancient world. A resource to learn more about this kingdom is the book: Nubian Kingdom (Kushite Empire): Ancient History for Kids 5th Grade Social Studies by Baby Professor (2017, 64 pages, kindle edition). It provides a good overview with brief descriptions and plenty of photographs.
The book states: “The written sources from Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome indicate that the Kush Kingdom existed before the civilization of Egypt” (kindle loc. 7). Of note, the book refers to the title of Candace as “sister” whereas other literature implies the interpretation of Candace (Kandake) as a queen mother. Although, this book is geared towards 5th graders, it can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
💖Purchase the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Nubian-Kingdom-Kushite-Egyptian-History/dp/1541916549
Video(6)
“The African Queen Who Stood Against Rome”
HomeTeam History on YouTube
“Carol Symes on Ancient Rome, pt. 2: Ancestral Importance”
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