Sankofa Conference: “Know Thyself” – A Celebration of Black Identity and History
BUFFALO, N.Y. — On February 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts will be the backdrop for a groundbreaking event: the first-ever Sankofa Conference. Held on the final day of Black History Month, this daylong celebration focuses on Black history, identity, and the global connections of the African diaspora.
A Purposeful Gathering
The Sankofa Conference aims to create a reflective space where participants can engage with Black history not only within the United States but throughout the world. The name “Sankofa” originates from the Akan people of Ghana, meaning “return and get it.” This philosophy encourages individuals of African descent to reconnect with their shared past and embrace their identity moving forward.
Organizers of the event envision it as a space for dialogue, reflection, and education—an opportunity to unite individuals around their collective history and future aspirations.
Keynote Speakers and Highlights
One of the featured speakers is Zeinab Badawi, a renowned writer and broadcast journalist who serves as the president of SOAS, University of London. Badawi is passionate about helping the African diaspora understand its roots and shared experiences.
“This is about knowing who we are,” Badawi emphasizes, rooting her message in the principles of Pan-Africanism. She articulates that people of African descent—whether they reside on the continent, in North America, South America, or the Caribbean—share a common lineage that shapes their identities today.
Understanding the Past
Badawi highlights that understanding one’s history is essential in shaping future trajectories. “History doesn’t just explain where we came from,” she asserts. “It informs the present and helps us shape what comes next.” She encourages attendees to delve into their histories to galvanize shared goals and foster a sense of unity.
Addressing a worrying trend, Badawi speaks candidly about the erasure of Black history. However, she insists that the real issue lies not in deliberate removal but in a pervasive lack of knowledge surrounding African accomplishments and civilizations prior to colonization.
A Rich Tapestry of Civilization
Badawi critiques the common narratives surrounding Black history that often begin with the transatlantic slave trade. “Africa is where the human story begins,” she reminds us, emphasizing the continent’s profound history, rich with incredible civilizations that deserve recognition.
Her vision extends beyond the past; she speaks optimistically about Africa’s future. With its youthful population and potential for growth, she believes Africa is primed to become a significant global player. “Africa is the continent of the future,” she asserts, noting that by 2050, its population is expected to double. Young Africans are ambitious and eager to carve a future defined by their cultural heritage.
The Role of the African Diaspora
Citing Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Badawi states, “You cannot enslave a mind that knows itself, that values itself, that understands itself.” This poignant insight underscores the importance of knowledge and identity for people of African descent.
The Sankofa Conference aspires to encourage the North American African diaspora to actively engage in preserving and promoting African history. “This history is part of the global story,” Badawi affirms. “It belongs to everyone, and it’s worth protecting.”
An Invitation to Engage
The Sankofa Conference is open to the public and invites attendees to partake in dialogue, reflection, and learning, providing a platform to explore narratives that have often been overlooked. It encourages an active engagement in promoting a more diverse understanding of history.
The keynote address will be delivered by Emmanuel Kulu, Jr. of Black History Uninterrupted, further enriching the conversations that will unfold throughout the day.
Conference Theme: “Know Thyself”
The conference theme, “Know Thyself: A Call to the Diaspora,” encapsulates its overarching message. By learning about their own narratives, attendees will be inspired to reflect on their identities and histories actively. This reflective journey is not just an individual endeavor—it’s a collective mission to foster a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the African diaspora.
