Sankofa

This month, I had the privilege of participating in the Sankofa Sunday services at St. Sabina Catholic Community on the west side of Chicago. Sankofa is a Ghanaian tradition that roughly translates to, “we must look backward to move forward.” The Sankofa bird is known for being able to turn it’s head back 180 degrees to look where he or she is coming from.

Sankofa is a time when the whole community examines its history and begins to chart a course toward the future. For St. Sabina, an African American Church, this meant examining the impact of the Black Church in America and dreaming of the possible impacts that the Black Church can continue to have in this country.

The guest preacher, Pastor Clay Evans, spoke about his experience marching with Dr. King and fighting for civil rights in the 1960s. He encouraged us to look back and realize the incredible sacrifices that were made by Dr. King and other civil rights activists. Pastor Evans encouraged us never to forget these sacrifices and to allow this “remembering” to strengthen us in modern times when we are required to sacrifice for what we believe in.

Social justice requires sacrifice. People are starving, mothers feel abandoned, the sick are forgotten, the poor are imprisoned. Some of us who dream of a more just society will have to sacrifice of our time, talents and treasures to make these dreams a reality. Some of us, like Dr. King, may be called upon to give our lives.

So as we approach thanksgiving, lets not forget the saints and heros that have sacrificed to make our lives possible. But let us also not become blind to the role that we must play in building tomorrow.

Peace turtles!