The Sankofa Project was started by the Office of Equity and collaborating teachers, staff and community partners in the Spring of 2025 to celebrate Black History and beyond. Click here to see a calendar of events for SY25-26.
SAVE THE DATES! SY 25-26 LOCATIONS TBD
Mon Jan 19th– MLK Day Day of Service Event 2-4 pm
Wed Feb 18th – Legacy & Light Arts Event 6-8 pm
Sat March 14 Sankofa Slam! Poetry Cipher 4-6 pm
Mon May 18th – Sankofa Symposium Teach in! 4:30-6 pm
The Meaning of Sankofa and The Goal of Our Sankofa Project
Sankofa is a Twi word from the Akan people of Ghana that is used in Black history to represent the idea of learning from the pastπ to create a better future. The mythical bird has its head turned backward while its feet point forward. The egg in the bird’s mouth represents the knowledge of the past that can be used to create wisdom. The word Sankofa translates to “go back and get it.” It’s based on the proverb, “It is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot.”
For the BSD Equity Office’s Sankofa Project, we evoke this symbol and message to drive our goal of moving Black History & Excellence forward as a more prominent and consistent part of our school and community. Sometimes, we must return and bring those we left behind. We strive to affirm that Black History is American History and African History is World History that extends far beyond Black History Month.
Historically, the Burlington School District has left marginalized students behind, particularly Black and Brown students; it is time for us to ensure all marginalized groups, especially Black and Brown students, are seen, heard, and treated with the utmost respect and dignity they are entitled to. We must hold ourselves accountable to ensure these students receive the best education possible. We must use the resources necessary to honor our heritage, nurture excellence, and develop the brilliance these students already possess. We must not continue to deny and rob them of excellence in education.
Click here to view the events from the Sankofa Calendar from the Spring of 2025
Reading to End Racism w/ LeVar Barrino, Flynn Elementary Student Success Coordinator
