The Sankofa Bird
We chose the West African Sankofa symbol to honor the African Diaspora as a whole, our Indigenous presence, and the middle passage. Moreover, we chose this symbol to represent the 700+ African American pioneers buried in this hallowed ground who surround us in an indomitable spirit.
The centerpiece art installation and the logo for the Liberty African American Legacy Memorial is the Sankofa bird. “Sankofa,” a metaphorical symbol used by the Akan people of Ghana, where many of those who were captured and sold into slavery bound for the “New World” originated, is generally depicted as a bird flying forward with its head turned backward. The egg in its mouth represents the ‘gems’ or knowledge of the past upon which wisdom is based; it also signifies the generation to come that would benefit from that wisdom or knowledge.
Sankofa expresses the importance of reaching back to knowledge gained in the past and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress. The literal translation of the word Sankofa and the symbol is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” The Akan people believe the past serves as a guide for planning the future. It is this wisdom in learning the past which ensures a strong future. Like the Akan people of generations past, our present generation seeks to honor, recognize, and preserve the legacy of a stalwart and resilient race of people who have historically been segregated, marginalized, and forgotten. The knowledge of the past must never be forgotten.
References: Witness Stones; Berea.edu The Power of Sankofa: Sankofa Journey
The Sankofa Bird Sculpture
Garrison Cultural Center
In addition to the memorial in Fairview Cemetery, an original sculpture of a Sankofa bird resides at the Garrison Cultural Center, the home of Clay County African American Legacy.
The Garrison Cultural Center was originally Garrison School, the only school available to Black children during segregation. It continues to be an integral part of community engagement and education in Liberty. Local artist Lucky Easterwood was asked to create the sculpture in the form of the West African Sankofa symbol, chosen as the emblem for this project to honor those of African descent. The posture (head looking back, while feet forward) of the Sankofa Bird represents the importance of remembering the past while also moving forward into a hopeful future. It echoes the call to remember those 750+ African American pioneers buried in the hallowed ground of the cemetery, who surround us in an indomitable spirit. The expansion of the Liberty African American Legacy Memorial ties the historical North and South ends of the Black community of Liberty together. It will encourage visitors to learn about all aspects of African American life in Clay County. Visiting the memorial and honoring those buried there is essential to understanding the rich and sometimes painful history of African Americans in this area. With the installment of the Legacy Memorial at Fairview and the Sankofa sculpture at Garrison, visitors will partake in a whole spectrum experience that celebrates the Black experience in Liberty and encourages them to reflect on how to ensure equity and justice for all in life and death.