Chapter 18: Soaring on The Wings of Sankofa: Ethnographical Retrospective of a Black Woman Pursuing the PhD

The Sankofa bird is a folkloric bird that is often used to reference the past of African peoples. Sankofa birds fly forward just like any other bird; however, its unique characteristic is that while flying forward its head is turned backwards. The Sankofa symbolizes the importance of looking back while moving forward; never forgetting where you come from. I cannot recall where I first learned about the Sankofa or who told me the story; however, the meaning and symbolism sticks. As a young girl, I always wanted to see the world. I wanted to travel the globe to learn about cultures and language as a performance artist. However, that dream turned into working in higher education creating international programs for urban students of color. No matter where I am in the world, I am constantly reflecting the journey of my ancestors, particularly the women, who endured the horrors of America’s racial and gendered past, migrated and fought for an education in so that I have opportunities they did not. As a doctoral student it is on their shoulders that I stand. Therefore, figuring out how to manage my personal life and professional life is critical to, not just my success, but to the success of those who follow me. Since childhood a community of Black elders sowed into me the importance of knowing the struggles and histories of Black America and the strides made, despite barriers placed before them. Through the teachings bestowed upon me by elders, I acquired skills and knowledge that have taken me far beyond my expectations. Growing up, almost every woman I knew was a matriarch and in their own way activists in the Black community. These women, in addition to working fulltime, were entrepreneurs, leaders in the church, staff members in after-school programs, and girl scout troop leaders. They not only took a stake in raising their children, they were passionate about instilling positive values in the children within their communities.