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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Fairy Tales
Fairy tales are a type of story narrative that usually features a moral lesson and incorporates magical elements. The child is introduced to the concept that the world can be a dangerous place, but they can overcome hardship. Many cultures have myths, legends, fairy tales, and/or folk tales that convey this message through their own cultural perspective. Some fairy tales are subject to modern retellings through changes to the storyline or visual imagery that reflect cultural shifts. Fairy tales tend to be of a written origin, whereas folk tales, have roots in oral storytelling traditions.
The fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, has underwent the retelling process from its original version (by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve,1740 C.E., France ) to subsequent literary versions, and a modern interpretation from Disney film studio. The book: Beauty and The Beast: A Retelling by H. Chuku Lee and Illustrations by Pat Cummings (32 pages, 2014) tells a familiar version of the story with illustrations that feature cultural elements of West Africa. The young woman Beauty is forced to live with a ugly Beast in order to save her father’s life. At first, she is fearful of his physical form but over time they become friends. She yearns to be reunited with her family and the Beast finally agrees to let her visit them. But she must promise to return to him. He gives her a powerful warning: “Remember your promise, or I, too will die of sadness!” (p. 20). The story ends with a wedding between Beauty and the Beast, who now has transformed into a handsome prince. Love saves the day!
The West African folk tale, The Choosy Princess by Nyowo Scott (24 pages, 2020) features the beautiful Princess Neijay and the many suitors who seek her hand in marriage. She superficially wants the perfect husband and thus far has refused all proposals to wed. One fateful day, a handsome stranger enters the kingdom. Princess Neijay considers him perfect in every way. She immediately wants to be his wife and rebukes wise counsel from her family. After the wedding, her husband reveals himself as a hideous monster. He sternly warns his bride: “I paid your bride-price so now I own you. If you ever try to escape me, I will rip you apart” (kindle p. 18). The princess realizes her mistake and fears life with this beast. Unknown to her, a wise relative has set out for a rescue mission. Love saves the day!
Both stories have at least three main elements: form of love (romantic versus familial), stern warnings (consequences for the beast versus the bride), and captivity (deception versus self-sacrifice). A moral lesson exists in both tales and there is a lot of room for deeper discussion and debate on this topic as well. Overall, these are enjoyable stories for children and adults. Happy Read Across America Day!
Art/Film/Literature News
Pan African Film Festival
The 29th Annual Pan African Film Festival (February 28th – March 14th, 2021) will feature over two-hundred films from around the globe. This year’s event will be entirely online. Check-out the PAFF website for more information.
Black Girl Nerds: Pan African Film Festival Kicks Off Online and On-Demand Sunday February 28th
https://blackgirlnerds.com/pan-african-film-festival-kicks-off-online-and-on-demand-sunday-feb-28/
Pan African Film & Arts Festival: PAFF. org
Business/Non-Profit News
Minnie’s Food Pantry
The recent winter storm (February 13th-17th, 2021) that swept across the U.S. southern states caused power outages, broken pipes, and food/water shortages. Many of these areas are more accustom to hurricanes and tornadoes than an Arctic blast. Minnie’s Food Pantry of Plano, Texas is providing support to the community. They have already distributed 79,000 meals in the storm’s aftermath. The founder, Cheryl Jackson, named the non-profit in remembrance of her mother Minnie Ewing in 2008. They offer services to senior citizens, veterans, and have partnerships with Plano ISD, McKinney ISD, and Paul Quinn College to supply meals to children and families.
DFW.CBS Local: Minnie’s Food Pantry Pushed To Its Limits; Distributes Nearly 80K Meals in 1 Morning
https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2021/02/22/minnies-food-pantry-texas-distributes-meals/
Minnie\’s Food Pantry.org: Who is Minnie?
https://minniesfoodpantry.org/who-is-minnie/
Smithsonianmag.com: How Winter Storm Uri Impacted the United States
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-winter-storm-uri-has-impacted-us-180977055/
Book Review
The Shamrock and Peach
Get a taste of Ireland and its fusion with the American South in the book: The Shamrock and Peach: A Culinary Journey from Ireland to the American South by Judith McLoughlin(196 pages, 2012, 2nd edition). The author grew up on a sheep farm in Northern Ireland and moved to the United States as an adult. She states: “When my husband and I arrived in Georgia, we were at first bewildered by the culture. Very few people identified with the Irish…I quickly identified with the deeply religious society and the warmth of Southern hospitality” (kindle p. 11). This cookbook has scenic images of the Emerald Isle and easy to follow recipes. Treat yourself to delights that include: Shepherd’s Pie, Soda Bread, Fig & Fennel Skillet Cornbread, Fried Green Tomato, Irish Whiskey BBQ Sauce, and Raspberry & White Chocolate Buttermilk Scones. “Food has a way of connecting people to their heritage, to a culture and to a time and place” (kindle p. 19). I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. Happy Irish-American Heritage Month!
Video (7)
“Beauty and the Beast (Divorce Court)”
“Beauty and the Beast A Retelling”
“[Read Aloud] Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters”
“The Deamon, the Woman, and the Bird-African Fairy Tale from Senegal”
“Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child-Rumpelstiltskin”
“A Cartoon About The Ancient Manuscripts of Timbuktu in Mali”
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