The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
of
Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School
2501 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19125
Telephone #-215-288-2001
Sankofa
Freedom
Sankofa
Freedom
Academy Charter School
Leadership Team
Academy Charter
School
Dr. Ayesha Imani, CEO
Leadership
Team
Volume 7/Issue 4
Volume 7/Issue 4
December 2015-January 2016
December 2015-January 2016
Message from Dr. Mama: Celebrating our Past, by Building our Future
Bro. Isa Clark, COO
Baba Mwlimu Waset,
Dr. Ayesha Principal
Imani, CEO
Mama Geraldine Newton, Business Manager
Bro. Elisha Tigah,
Coordinator
Bro. IsaTechnology
Clark,
COO
Sis. Nieka Brown,
Middle School Coordinator
Mama Geraldine
Newton,
Baba Norman Bayard,
Upper School Dean
Business
Manager
Bro. Darrius Rowser
Middle School Dean
Bro. Maurice Patterson,
Bro. Elisha
Tigah,
Lower School
Dean
Technology
Dr. Kelli Coordinator
Sparrow Mickens,
Servant Leadership Coodinator
Tameka Thomas
Transition Coordinator
Sis. Katina Mackey-Green
Dione Pride,
Lower School
Coordinator
Executive Administrator
Sis. Toni Winston
Middle School Coordinator
Sis. Jacqueline Spraggins
Upper School Coordinator
Bro. Mark Martinez
Upper School Dean
Bro. Darrius Rowser
Middle School Dean
Bro. Maurice Patterson,
Lower School Dean
Sis. Nieka Brown,
Servant Leadership
Coodinator
Tameka Thomas
Transition Coordinator
Dione Pride,
Executive Administrator
Transformation
Transformation
Happy New Year and Happy Black
History Month. Of course, at
Sankofa we celebrate Black History
month all year long. We try to
remember the sacrifices of our
ancestors all year long. Yet, during
February, that remembrance takes
on new meaning.
Those of you who have been
Sankofa parents have seen us celebrate Black History Month in a
number of different ways. Some of
you remember the wonderful door
decoration contest. Others remember the Sankofa Living Museum, where you bought a ticket,
pressed your child’s button and
watched them come alive and tell
the story of an ancestor that they
represented. We have had assembly program, Black History Bowls,
and even created a special presentation about the history of Frankford.
Everybody knows, we at Sankofa
are proud of our history as African
people. This year, we want to
show that pride by doing two things
that our ancestors did. Our ancestors gave, and our ancestors built!
Our ancestors sacrificed their resources, and often times their lives,
to give to their families and communities. Many of our ancestors understood the principle of Ujamaa
and how we needed to put our
money together in order to help
our people. They put their monies
together and created schools, businesses and financed movements for
freedom, . They gave! Our ancestors were builders from the pyramids, homes, cities, schools and
financial institutions. We would not
be where we are if our ancestors
were not givers and builders. This
month for Black History, 2016 we
want to celebrate our history by
making our own history and continuing the giving and building legacy
of our people. To celebrate Black
History Month, 2016, Sankofa Freedom Academy is launching its DAY
OF GIVING, so that we can build a
playground for our children. All
month we will collect for our Day of
Giving. We will have a special day of
celebration on February 28. OUR
GOAL IS TO RAISE $5000. The
details for the Day of Giving are on
page 13 of this month’s newsletter.
We are hoping that EVERY SINGLE
PARENT, CHILD, STAFF MEMBER,
ADMINISTRATOR, AND BOARD
MEMBER show their appreciation for
the giving of those who came before
us, by doing something wonderful for
the children who are our future.
Celebrate Black History month by
supporting the Sankofa Day of Giving!
Living the Dream : Our Servant Leaders in Africa!
When we opened, our dream
was for all of our seniors to
have an international service
project that they start saving
for in their freshman year. We
have been sending students
abroad to do service since
2011. This has included sending our students to Africa from
2012 to now. While we have
not realized our goal of making
sure that every student has an
international experience, we
are so proud of the three
young intellectual warriors and
servant leaders: Ajeenah Ross,
Darrien Johnson and Syferia
Moultrie . These courageous
young ladies are fulfilling the
dreams of our ancestors by returning to the mother land and
working with children in Gambia,
West Africa These with our
beloved facilitator, Sis. Brenda
and The amazing Dr. Francine
Fulton, who is the founder of
Imani Educational Circle Charter
School in Philadelphia and the
Imani School in Africa. Please
keep them in your prayers and
follow their experience on Facebook at Sankofa Freedom Academy Ambassadors. To get a taste
of how life changing this experience can be, read Sis. Darrien’s
journal about her visit to Senegal
on page 5.
College Bound!
The students of Dagara have started to apply to colleges. They have attended several college fairs and college tours during the
school year. Before the winter break, each student is required to apply to 10 schools and apply for 15 scholarships. The following students have been accepted to colleges and received scholarships. Please join me in congratulating these successful
servant leaders.
Clafin University
Falande Jean Baptiste
Aigner Smith
Tao Niangane
Taleia Prince Forrest
Bethune Cookman
Aigner Smith
Essence Lawson
Bryn Athyn
Aigner Smith ( 4000.00 annually)
Rosemont College
Ciani Allen ( 3000.00 annually)
Delaware State
Darrien Johnson
Falande Jean Baptiste
Benedict College
Tao Niangane: 7500.00 annually
Jasmine Thomas 2000.00 annually
Earnestine Turner: 2000.00 annually
Ahnya Mack: 2000.00 annually
Jada Kelly: 2000.00 annually
Aigner Smith 7500.00 annually
Terron Bacon 7500.00 annually
Ramario Brown: 7500.00 annually
Shakira Marks-Brown: 2000.00 annually
Miles Griffin: 2000.00 annually
Cassandra Boyd: 13,000 annully
Naseem Brown: 2000.00 annually
Curneerah Hunte: 2000.00 annually
Sahir Chambers: 2000.00 annually
Damon Carr: 2000.00 annually
Jah’brayah Mathis
Egypt Henry
Syferia Moultrie
Quadirah Mclean
Taleia Prince Forrest
Shaw University
Falande Jean Baptiste
Tao Niangane
Cheyney University
Nairha Pugh-Bell
Tao Niangane
Earnestine Turner
Dayonna Farmer
Falande Jean Baptiste
Jada Kelly
Aigner Smith
Essence Lawson
Ajeenah Ross
Darrein Johnson
Taleia Prince Forrest
Virginia Union University
Tao Niangane 2000.00 annually
Falande Jean Baptiste 4000.00 annually
Jada Kelly: 2000.00 annually
Morgan State University
Darrein Johnson
Edward Waters College
Tao Niangane
East Stroudsburg University
Essence Lawson
Harrisburg University
Sadiq Stith
Tao Niangane ( Scholarship for 4 years of
Tuition)
Bowie State University
Essence Lawson
Grambling State University
Essence Lawson
Bennett College
Tao Niangane
Cassandra Boyd
Falande Jean Baptiste
Aigner Smith
Essence Lawson
Taleia Prince Forrest
Wiley College
Taleia Prince Forrest
Fisk University
Taleia Prince Forrest
Saint Augustine’s University
Falande Jean Baptiste
Lane College
Jasmine Thomas
Jada Kelly
Terron Bacon
Shakira Marks Brown
Miles Griffin
Naseem Brown
Curneerah Hunte
Sahir Chambers
Damon Carr
Jah’brayah Mathis
Egypt Henry
Nyzjah Allen
Norfolk State University
Tao Niangane
Jasmine Thomas
Earnestine Thomas
Ahnya Mack
Falande Jean Baptiste
Jada Kelly
Aigner Smith
Terron Bacon
Romario Brown
Cassandra Boyd
Sahir Chambers
Essence Lawson
Darrien Johnson
Ajeennah Ross
Taleia Prince Forrest
Coppin State
Terron Bacon
Cassandra Boyd
Essence Lawson
Hampton University
Darrien Johnson
Clark Atlanta University
Darrein Johnson
Lincoln University
Darrien Johnson
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
Page 3
From the Pen of a Gambassador
Our Sankofa scholars have arrived safely in The Gambia and they are now posting journal entries
about their experiences. This is what one scholar had to say about her trip to Goree Island:
"The Hope of The Slave"
Today we traveled to Goree Island. The small island has had a large contribution
to African history. Beginning in 1455, during the Maafa, Goree Island was used as
a mass holding location before enslavement.
Men, women, and children were taken from their land only to be confined in tiny
cells bonded by shackles. While standing in the frame of the Door of No Return,
the last place my ancestors saw before boarding the slave ship, I grew angry.
Mesmerized by the ocean, I could only think of the 25 million Africans that would
never return. Suddenly, with the pull of the wind and the tide of the ocean I felt led. The endless horizon of
the water let me know that I have a duty to fulfill. "I am the dream and the hope of the slave." (Maya Angelou)
What assured this was what would occur next. On the ferry, while waiting to depart from Goree Island, Syferia began to organize her bag. "Oh my God y'all ! You won't believe what I just found.", she says as she reveals the missing key. We had the key the entire time.
Instantly, I knew this was a reflection of the power we had all along. Each one of us held the bag at one point
or another. It was not until we visited Goree Island did we realize what we were looking for had been with us
this whole time. Closer than we could ever imagine. Figuratively speaking, I believe the key opened more than
just room 2, it was the key to the Door of No Return.
We went back to our land because our ancestors could not. And in the doorway we unlocked the dynamic of
freedom. On Goree Island I FOUND THE ANSWER TO MY 12th GRADE ESSENTIAL QUESTION OF
FREEDOM.
"How can TRANSFORMATION lead to EMANCIPATION?"
When one accepts the process of learning they begin to liberate themselves from ignorance. As an African
American, it is essential to study those before me in effort to move forward. As we grow, and unlock the gifts
that we inherited from our ancestors, we become more in tune with our inner selves . I realize that transformation requires "SBA to HEKA" (Deep thought and righteous action). With the knowledge one gains from
practicing this, they gain the capacity to emancipate themselves and other others from spiritual genocide. If
treated correctly, the mind, body, and spirit will manifest new beginnings. Therefore it is important to feed it
with knowledge.
Once I arrive back at Sankofa, I will be certain to apply my growth and findings to my Senior Exhibition project. I am excited to teach others the power of recognizing the capacity that lies inside us all.
Submitted By Darrien Johnson
Page 4
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
Writing in Math
The Dogon Nation was assigned the following project in math: Imagine a mathematical society where Squares are at the
bottom of the social hierarchy. How might they be discriminated against by other two-dimensional figures? In what
ways might they challenge that discrimination? Write a speech, draw a poster, or write a story that illustrates the challenges faced by Squares in this discriminatory society.
One sunny morning in San Diego, CA, Square is up early getting ready for her first day of high school. A few blocks down the street in the
next development, Octagon, Pentagon, and Hexagon are also getting ready to meet up and walk to school together. Square arrives at
school shortly after the Agon Girls, also known as Octagon, Pentagon, and Hexagon. Square was the new girl in town and had a little trouble finding her first period class. After wandering the halls for twenty minutes, she finally found her classroom. She begins to sit in a seat in
the front row, when Triangle tells her “that’s Octagons seat, you might not want to sit there”. Square sits in a seat by Triangle, and Triangle introduces herself and invites Square to eat lunch with her. While Square is walking to sit down in the cafeteria, there is no sign of
Triangle, so she sits at the first available table she sees. Shortly after, she feels a tap on her shoulder and turns around to see the Agon girls
staring at her. Hexagon says, “what are you doing at my table”? Square doesn’t know what to say and begins to open her mouth while
Pentagon and Hexagon say “hello.” Octagon says, “get up from our table now!” Square says “No! I don’t see any assigned seats here.”
Then, Octagon picks up her carton of milk and pours it on Square’s head. Octagon says, “ 90 degree angles can’t sit at our table. You
don’t even have 5 sides!” All three of Agon’s girls started laughing at her. Square felt embarrassed and ran to the bathroom crying. Triangle sees her run past in the hallway and follows her to the bathroom. Square tells her all that happened.
Triangle explains to Square that the Agon girls did the same thing to her in middle school. They both come up with the idea to create a
club that accepts all two-dimensional figures that are discriminated against by the Agon girls. At their first meeting they had a better turnout than they imagined. They spoke on how all two-dimensional figures are important, whether you have three sides, four sides, or ten
sides; we all make up one big family.
At the end of the event while everyone was leaving the Agon girls came to apologize to Square and Triangle for discriminating against them
and asked if they could all be a part of their club. They asked if they could all be a part of their club and attend the next meeting. Square
and Triangle said, “Of course you guys can.” They all became the best of friends. -Submitted by Zaakirah Bowman
Slavery started in 1619 when the first African slaves were brought to the North American colony of Jamestown. Slavery ended in 1865,
but yet in 2015 people still experience inequality and discrimination. Discrimination can be better explained by using geometric symbols.
The symbols have different shapes and sizes, similar to our world’s different races and cultures. The circles represent people in our
world who are racist. The squares are fighting for freedom and equality, using our history. The circles didn’t allow the squares to vote,
eat at the same areas in a restaurant, drink from the same fountains, attend their schools or sit in the front of the bus. The squares protested for equal rights then and are still now. Instead of protesting to ride in the front of the bus the squares are fighting to receive a
good education, to practice their religion or protect their cultural beliefs.
-Submitted by Charisma Daniel
If squares were at the bottom of the social hierarchy, they would be discriminated against by two-dimensional figures in an unfair way.
They may challenge the discrimination by protesting, rioting or running. As a square, I would fear police brutality, unfair government
ruling, and some stereotypes of young black males. Another struggle possible faced at the bottom of the society is the Islamic religion
being criticized. -Submitted by Zyahr Duckett
The Protesting Squares
The protesting squares are at the bottom of the hierarchy. All the other quadrilaterals are not. They have all the money and the
squares don’t. The quadrilaterals tease the squares because they are at the bottom of the hierarchy. The squares are getting ready to
protest. The squares are protesting saying, “we want freedom!” All the quadrilaterals were laughing. Then they thought about it and
then all the quadrilaterals gave the squares some money and lived happily ever after.
-Submitted by Jae’quan Gillis
Volume 7/Issue 4
Page 5
Expository/Informational Writing by Writing to Texts
Writing to text requires scholars to use a wealth of skills and strategies such as analyze, clarify, and cite information they read
in a text. Congratulations to Sis. Faith Banks of Dogon (5A) for being published in this month’s Sankofa Bird. Faith has demonstrated so much growth and development in her writing skills.
People from other countries might like to move to Australia because of their unique wildlife, quality education, and excellent climate.
First, it has beautiful wildlife. In the first article, it said that, “Australia has the platypuses, the kangaroo, and the koala bear. They are mainly located in Australia.” They also have birds that are located in their country, such as the kookaburra and the emu. Australia sounds like a beautiful
place with incredible wildlife.
Furthermore, Australia has variety opportunities to learn. They have an interesting name for their schools. They call them “stations.” Kids can
either go to stations or work at home, but the only way they get to work at home is if they live far away from the station. The amazing part of
their schools is that they are free! The stations give each student videos, library books, and computer software. They call it “schools of the air”,
however we call that cyber school. Students that work at home have to go to the station once a year for a week and work together as a class.
In addition to the great education system, Australia has excellent climates. They have rain forests, mountain ranges, deserts, and grassland. The
dry land is called the “outback” it is also the largest area. Also only the southwestern and southeastern areas of the continent have a temperate
climate. That’s where most people on the island live.
In summary, Australia is a great place to live because of its amazing wildlife, education, and beautiful climate. For these reasons, someone may
enjoy moving “down under.”Faith Banks, Dogon Nation 5A
Persuasive Writing by the Ashanti Nation
Scholars of the Ashanti Nation were asked to write a persuasive essay on whether or not they thought that schools should
have increased security.
Schools are a place where you should be able to have fun and learn. This, however, is not always the case. Because of bad people, schools
have become dangerous war zones as in the case of sandy hook. For this reason, I believe that schools should have more security and protection. With things like metal detectors, security guards, and even something as simple as a background check, schools can be much safer.
In both urban and suburban communities, there are instances where a student could be a danger to others. They might bring a gun or knife to
school to show off or even harm someone. This is a reason as to why metal detectors should be used. If you can detect the weapon before it is
used, you can stop anyone from being harmed. You could even help the stop the person who brought the weapon from going to prison.
Security guards could also be another solution. With well trained guards on duty, they could help stop anything endangering the students.
They could help stop intruders and confiscate weapons that anyone is caught with. They could even stop any other guards from abusing their
power! Well trained guards could also help any lost or scared students. With them on duty, the school could have a great aid helping to keep
students safe.
Now what if someone comes without a weapon and wants to take an unsuspecting student? Well, that is why a thorough background check
should be in place. With this, anyone without actual permission cannot pick up a child. This would mean any non-family members and anyone
who does not have custody of the student. This could easily put an end to child abductions.
And so, those are reasons why schools could use more protection. Metal detectors could help identify anything harmful and security guards
could be there to stop them. Background checks could even help stop anyone who doesn't exactly want to do harm, but doesn't have good
intentions. It could help make the school a lot safer. It could even save lives. That is why I believe that schools should use more security and
protection.
Luis Padilla, Ashanti Nation 8A
Volume
7/Issue 4
Page 6
Page 6
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
What is Freedom? Where is Freedom?
Upper School Celebrates Students of the Month
Here are the list of scholars:
Bob Moses: Architect of Freedom
NEA ONNIM
On Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, members of the Revolutionary Student Coordinating Committee attended a program celebrating the life of
NO
SUA Coordinating
A,
JulianIIBond, at Lincoln University. We learned about the life work of Julian Bond, co-founder of the Student
Nonviolent
Nubia
Devohn
Ward and the work of Bob Moses. The students were tasked with writing an essay addressing the question of Bob Moses as an
Committee
OHU
Taliyah
Barnes
architect
of freedom. We were privileged to have had the opportunity to spend time with Mr. Moses after
his lunch. It was thrilling to
Nijah Lewis
see Bob Moses, architect of Freedom Summer, engage with students from Sankofa and Dr. Imani.
Mia Heredia
Yacob Hart
Bashir Matthews
Krissy Devine
Amar Harris
Rasheed Ross
Marquis Lawerance
Architect of
"He who does not
know can know from
Freedom
learning"
Submitted by Seth Arnez and Jeremiah Butler
On January 14, 2016, our group met Bob Moses, the architect of Freedom Summer.
Bob Moses was a speaker at Lincoln University, celebrating the life of Julian Bond.
Bob Moses is called an architect of Freedom Summer because he basically created
and built the Freedom Summer program. In 1964, Bob Moses became the co-director
of the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO). This was an umbrella organization composed of several Civil Rights groups working in Mississippi. He was the main
organizer of COFO’s summer project, which is now referred to as Freedom Summer.
Dagara
Darrien Johnson
Sahir Chambers
Cassandra Boyd
Rasheeda Boelter
Jasmine Thomas
Breast Cancer Walk
To be an architect of freedom means you are a person who helped gain the freedom that we blacks have today. Another example of an
architect of freedom is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King fought for freedom and equality and helped us gain freedom. An example of
Dr. King helping
he led the
Children’s March in 1963. Justin
Dr. King
gave his life to help BlacksKemet
obtain their freedom.
Nubia us
II gain freedom is when Darrien
Johnson
Anson
Talia Nelson
Sahir Chambers
Freedom
Summer
focused on solving several
problems
facing our community.
VoterWilkinson
registration, Freedom Schools,
and Dabo
the Mississippi
Aminah
Davon
Ward
Cassandra
Boyd
Zainabou
Freedom
Democratic
to address
problems facing our people.
These
because
Tylia
Rossprograms were significant
Taliyah
Barnes Party were createdRasheeda
Boelter
Jaylen
Price they helped
give power
to Lewis
black people. During Freedom
Summer,
50 Freedom Schools were
Nijah
Jasmine
Thomas
Rashid Young
Egypt Shabazz
opened. Mia
These
schools gave people aJewel
chance
to learn. The voter registration
Chaidrive
Holiday-Lawson
Heredia
Allen-Washington
Siani Rojas
helped people
get the right to vote. TheJamil
Mississippi
PartyChambers
Yacobto
Hart
WilliamsFreedom DemocraticMalik
Shakiara Boston
helpedBahsir
black Matthews
people to organize as a group Damon
of voters.
This would allow them to elect
Carr
Aboubacar Doukoure
people Krissy
that they
wanted to have in office.
Devine
Taleia Prince-Forrest
Sakwon-Ali Epps
Amar Harris
Simeon Browne
Freedom
Summer
was a turning point in the lives of many African-Americans who
Rasheed
Ross
lived
in segregated
communities. As a result of the actions of Freedom Summer,
Marquis
Lawrence-Madison
blacks had to be recognized as Americans of equal value as any other non-black
American. As a result of Freedom Summer, I Axum
believe that we should continue to work
Dagara
to solve problems in society. Some problems that still need to be addressed are:
Carolyn
Coleman
prejudice in government, conflict between
light skin
blacks and dark skin blacks, prejudice based on sexual orientation, and people demonstrating proper social etiquette.
Calling All Upper School Parents: We Need One Another!
Bob Moses: The Architect of Freedom
Submitted by Jamal Hunt
Bob Moses was called the architect of freedom because he brought people together to come up with a plan to help black people be able
to vote. At this time, many whites did not want black people to vote. They knew that if black people voted, they could change things in
This year, for the first time, we are organizing an upper school parent group, to work on issues that relate specifically to the upper
this country. Bob Moses wanted to help this country. This was a very serious thing because he risked his life. People had been killed
school servant leaders. We want to be able to explore together the college consideration and selection process, as well as ways of
trying to
helpofBlack
people.
handling
some
the social
concerns that arise for our teenagers, such as relationship issues, substance abuse, depression, and career exploration. We know that being the parent of a teenager brings its own kind of stress and struggle. We invite you to join the
Freedom Summer was a time when Bob Moses, and many others, decided to try to change things for black people. The main problem
upper school Parent Support Circle. Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, during the time that we usually
was that black people couldn’t vote. Bob Moses set up voter registration drives to help people to vote. Many people couldn’t pass the
hold our parent meetings. Parents will meet with our new principal, Baba Waset, and have the opportunity to take part in a wide
literacy tests in order to vote. Mr. Moses created Freedom Schools to help people learn so they could pass the literacy tests. Mr.
range of guest discussions and activities. If you are interested in providing leadership for the circle, please contact our new ExecuMoses also created the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party so people could vote for their own candidates. The significance of Freetive Assistant, and Parent Involvement Coordinator, Sis. Dione Pride at 215-288-2001. Meetings of the Upper School Parent Circle
dom Summer is that people in Mississippi later were allowed to vote. This allowed the people in Mississippi to elect the people of their
will be held at the Penn Street Campus. The next meeting will be on November 12th at 6:00. JOIN US!
choice.
Volume
7/IssueBird
4
The Sankofa
Newsletter
Page Page
7
7
Mighty Middle School
Students of the Month
December
Upper School Celebrates Students of the Month
Here are the list of scholars:
Nubia II
Devohn Ward
Taliyah Barnes
Nijah Lewis
Mia Heredia
Yacob Hart
Bashir Matthews
Krissy Devine
Amar Harris
Rasheed Ross
Marquis Lawerance
NEA ONNIM
NO SUA A,
OHU
"He who does not
know can know from
learning"
Dagara
Darrien Johnson
Sahir Chambers
Cassandra Boyd
Rasheeda Boelter
Jasmine Thomas
Breast Cancer Walk
Nubia II
Darrien Johnson
Sahir Chambers
Dogon Nation: 5th Grade
Davon Ward
Cassandra Boyd
Front Row:
Asiana
Cobia, Charisma Daniels
Taliyah
Barnes
Rasheeda Boelter
Middle Row:
Subour
Nurrudin,
NijahJoshua
Lewis Campbell, Isaiah Spain,
Jasmine
Thomas
Nekaya Austin
Mia Heredia
Jewel Allen-Washington
Back Row:
Shaidiya
FaithWilliams
Banks
Yacob
HartGiddings, Iyanna Price,Jamil
Bahsir Matthews
Damon Carr
Krissy Devine
Taleia Prince-Forrest
Amar Harris
Rasheed Ross
Marquis Lawrence-Madison
Axum
Dagara
Carolyn Coleman
Justin Anson
Kemet
Talia Nelson
Bambara Nation: 6th Grade
Aminah Wilkinson
Zainabou Dabo
Front Row:
Chacarta
Tylia
Ross Milton
Jaylen Price
Middle Row:
Kayla
Harris
RashidIjnanya
YoungBriggs, Talicia Bridges,
Egypt
Shabazz
BackChai
Row:
Anthony Moorehead, Jamiah Blackwell
Holiday-Lawson
Siani Rojas
Malik Chambers
Shakiara Boston
Aboubacar Doukoure
Sakwon-Ali Epps
Simeon Browne
Calling All Upper School Parents: We Need One Another!
This year, for the first time, we are organizing an upper school parent group, to work on issues that relate specifically to the upper
school servant leaders. We want to be able to explore together the college consideration and selection process, as well as ways of
handling some of the social concerns that arise for our teenagers, such as relationship issues, substance abuse, depression, and career exploration. WeFulani
know Nation:
that being7th
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parent of a teenager brings its own kind of stress
and struggle.
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Volume
7/Issue 4
Page 8
Page 8
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
Mighty Middle School
Students of the Month
January
Upper School Celebrates Students of the Month
Here are the list of scholars:
Nubia II
Devohn Ward
Taliyah Barnes
Nijah Lewis
Mia Heredia
Yacob Hart
Bashir Matthews
Krissy Devine
Amar Harris
Rasheed Ross
Marquis Lawerance
NEA ONNIM
NO SUA A,
OHU
"He who does not
know can know from
learning"
Dagara
Darrien Johnson
Sahir Chambers
Cassandra Boyd
Rasheeda Boelter
Jasmine Thomas
Breast Cancer Walk
Nubia II
Darrien Johnson
Sahir Chambers
Dogon Nation: 5th Grade
Davon Ward
Cassandra Boyd
Taniyah Taliyah
Thomas,Barnes
Iyannah Price, Queen Shabazz,
Shakiya
Carter
Rasheeda
Boelter
Nijah Lewis
Jasmine Thomas
Mia Heredia
Jewel Allen-Washington
Yacob Hart
Jamil Williams
Bahsir Matthews
Damon Carr
Krissy Devine
Taleia Prince-Forrest
Amar Harris
Rasheed Ross
Marquis Lawrence-Madison
Axum
Dagara
Carolyn Coleman
Justin Anson
Kemet
Talia Nelson
Bambara Nation: 6th Grade
Aminah Wilkinson
Zainabou Dabo
Front Row:
Tyrell
Watson, Dawuh
Tylia RossBrown, Alaisha Colon, Nykyah
Jaylen Price
Alabi-Montgomery
Rashid Young
Egypt Shabazz
Middle
Row:
Ash-Shaheid Cobia, Anthony, Moorehead, Talicia
Chai
Holiday-Lawson
Siani Rojas
Bridges Malik Chambers
Shakiara Boston
Back Row: Shalei Darlington, Ijynana Aboubacar
Briggs
Doukoure
Sakwon-Ali Epps
Simeon Browne
Calling All Upper School Parents: We Need One Another!
This year, for the first time, we are organizing an upper school parent group, to work on issues that relate specifically to the upper
school servant leaders. We want to be able to explore together the college consideration and selection process, as well as ways of
handling some of the social concerns that arise for our teenagers, such as relationship issues, substance abuse, depression, and career exploration. WeFulani
know Nation:
that being7th
theGrade
parent of a teenager brings its own kind of stress
and struggle.
We8th
invite
you to join the
Ashanti
Nation:
Grade
upper school Parent Support Circle. Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, during the time that we usually
Front
Coles,
Fatoumata
Sillah,with
Tiana
Front
Row:
Nylah
Tahirah Arter,
Khadijah
hold
our Row:
parentApollo
meetings.
Parents
will meet
ourBing,
new principal, Baba
Waset,
and
haveWard,
the opportunity
to take
part inTurner
a wide
Cheyenne
Washington-Holiday,
Khadijah
Nurrudin
Back
Row: Sada
Luis Padilla
range
of guest
discussions and activities.
If you
are interested in providing
leadership
for Nianghane,
the circle, please
contact our new ExecuBack
Row: Dwayne
Wells,
Henry Coles,
Joseph Scheon–
McCultive
Assistant,
and Parent
Involvement
Coordinator,
Sis. Dione
Pride at 215-288-2001. Meetings of the Upper School Parent Circle
lough
will be held at the Penn Street Campus. The next meeting will be on November 12th at 6:00. JOIN US!
Page 9
Lower School News
Yoruba Garden is now in the business
of celebrating scholars who use their
Kujichagulia (self-determination) to receive perfect scores on their Literacy,
Math, Science, and Social Studies assessments. Perfect scores get you officially inducted into Club 100 by Mama
Renee’ and Sis. Angelique. Be sure to
stop by their bulletin board on your
visit to the lower school to see our
shining stars in Yoruba Garden!
The Yoruba Nation (K-1 and K-2) performs a poem in honor of the principle of
Umoja (Unity). Look at them standing together as a unified nation!
Page 10
Happy Holidays!!!
An original poem created by Zulu Tucker in celebration of Kwanzaa
This is about Kwanzaa, It’s not about the drama.
Kwanzaa is filled with so much fun and we celebrate until it’s done!
Kwanzaa is a time that we can all shine.
We celebrate each night, to keep our family tight.
The seven principles is what we believe,
we know our culture and we strive to achieve,
We celebrate unity within our community,
We show our love in our own way and remember our ancestors every day!
2A Kush Tubman is learning how to write to explain in math!
Word Problem: Suwaydah donated 28 pencils. Sister Precious
took 8 pencils from the pencil container. Then, 12 students borrowed a pencil from Suwaydah’s donation. How many pencils are
left over?
Math Explanation: The first thing I did was read the question to
figure out my task. Next, I identified how many pencils Suwaydah
donated. It was 28. Then, I deducted 8 pencils from that amount
because that is how many pencils Sister Precious took from the
container. The difference between 28 and 8 is 20. After that, I
removed 12 from the difference because that is how many students borrowed a pencil. There are 8 pencils left. Last I wrote my
equation: 28-8=20-12=8. As expressed, there are 8 pencils remaining.
-Justin Sanders
Word Problem: Sister Precious has 28 stickers. Brother Sharod
gives her 13 more. Then, Sister Stokes borrows 19 stickers. How
many stickers does Sister Precious have left?
Math Explanation: The first thing I did was read the question to
figure out my task. Next I identified how many stickers Sister Precious started with. It was 28. Then, I added 13 because that’s how
many stickers Brother Sharod gave her. The total was 41 stickers.
After that, I deducted 19 from the total because that is how many
Sister Stokes borrowed. The difference was 22. Last, I wrote my
equation 28+13=41-19=22 stickers. Therefore, Sister Precious has
22 stickers left over.
- Ivori Douglas
Zulu Still spends time reflecting on which Kwanzaa principle we connect with the most.
Out of the seven principals, I chose Imani because faith can help you with many
problems. Because I believe and have faith, I was able to see my sister, know my
brother is in a good place, and my faith brought me a good Dad. -Elijah Kirton
The principle I connect the most with is Umoja. It means unity. I picked Umoja
because it helps you learn to work with others. Working together is a good way
to raise money for a good cause.—Reginald Joseph
Submission by: Mama T, 2-4 Lead teacher
Page
Page
11611
Athletic Department News
The Stats Don’t Lie!
The Sankofa Lady Warriors are truly on
fire! They’re hard to beat, with only 6
losses out of 16 games played so far this
season. Take a look at these numbers:
DATE
Dec 09th
OPPONENT
New Media Charter
SCORE
33 - 54 (L)
Dec 11th
Mariana Bracetti
46 - 17 (W)
Dec 14th
Overbrook
40 - 51 (L)
Dec 16th
Southern
46 - 26 (W)
Dec 17th
Chichester
28 - 42 (L)
Jan 06th
Mastery South
46 - 51 (L)
Jan 08th
Roxborough
47 - 24 (W)
Jan 12th
Germantown Friends
39 - 53 (L)
Jan 13th
Masterman
54 - 32 (W)
Jan 20th
Parkway Northwest
58 - 38 (W)
Jan 21st
Fels
57 - 27 (W)
Jan 22nd
Simon Gratz
39 - 27 (W)
Jan 27th
West Philadelphia
56 - 23 (W)
Jan 28th
Math, Civics & Sciences
35 - 46 (L)
Jan 29th
Swenson
55 - 10 (W)
Feb 02nd
Martin Luther King
60 - 18 (W)
We are striving for excellence in physical education
classes . Our scholars have been learning about calisthenics, agility, loco motor movement, Team work,
leadership, and the importance of being physically active. Sankofa Scholars are learning new agility footwork fundamentals and positive behaviors conducive
Kristan Devine
to maintaining physical
activity for a lifetime. After
practicing Kujichaglia (Self-Determination), the Sankofa
Athletic scholars from 3b Songhai Searles & K-1
Yoruba Gardens are working hard giving 100% effort
in P.E Class.
Kenyona Tyler-Johnson and Kristan Devine at at the game
against New Media Technology Charter School -12/9/15
Sankofa Lady Warriors against Southern—12/16/15
Page 126
Page 12
AthleticFreedom
Department
News
Sankofa
Academy’s
Family Night with the Philadelphia 76ers
Hotep Family,
Thank you for your willingness to participate in the 2nd AnnualWe
Sankofa
Family
with in
the
Philadelphia
are striving
forNight
excellence
physical
education
76ers. I really enjoyed the opportunity to see the sparkle in our scholars’ and servant leaders’ eyes as they
classes . Our scholars have been learning about caliswatched their favorite basketball icon franchise player, Seth Curry, and the 2015 championship team, Golden
thenics,
agility,
loco motor
movement,
Team work,
State Warriors. This will definitely be a memory that will be held
for life,
especially
for those
20 students
who
leadership,
and
the
importance
of
being
physically
had an opportunity to give high fives to the 76ers as they entered the NBA court with a sell out crowd of active. and
Sankofa
are of
learning
new
agility
foot30,000 screaming fans. The task was critical, but with many hands
the Scholars
dedication
Brother
Isa,
it was
accomplished. The work involved in getting 75 families and teachers
an event like
was behaviors
a true blessing
and
work to
fundamentals
and this
positive
conducive
for the second consecutive year this event was a huge success.to maintaining physical activity for a lifetime. After
practicing Kujichaglia (Self-Determination), the Sankofa
As always, making a choice, making a change, and making a difference in our children's’ lives is one of our many
Athletic scholars from 3b Songhai Searles & K-1
visions to freedom, happiness , love and success.
Yoruba Gardens are working hard giving 100% effort
Thank you Family
in P.E Class.
Page
136
Page
13
Athletic Department News
The Sankofa Family has pledged to send 500 cases of water to our people in Flint,
Michigan. We will accept cases and bottles every Monday
thru Friday, from 8:00am to
We are striving for excellence in physical education
classes
scholars havelater.
been learning about calis6:00pm. We will also have a Saturday collection date that
will. Our
be announced
thenics, agility, loco motor movement, Team work,
leadership, and the importance of being physically acFebruary, African American History Month. We can dotive.
this,Sankofa
and weScholars
must !areToday
is agility footlearningit new
work fundamentals and positive behaviors conducive
them, tomorrow it could be us! Please deliver your water
donations by Monday, Febto maintaining physical activity for a lifetime. After
ruary 9th.
practicing Kujichaglia (Self-Determination), the Sankofa
Athletic scholars from 3b Songhai Searles & K-1
Yoruba Gardens are working hard giving 100% effort
in P.E Class.
We are over 300 families strong. Our campaign will run throughout the month of
A DAY OF GIVING..
Project New Playground
We have our beautiful building, but there is one thing missing. What is it? A playground for our children! Imagine a beautiful playground out front , equipped with all of the things that children love
(swings, slides, jungle gyms). We’re open to suggestions about what should be purchased for the playground…
To fund this project, we are asking each parent and staff member to commit to contributing $10 and
to get ten additional people to contribute $5 dollars each. Each scholar is to contribute $1.
The members of the Board of Trustees and Executive Administration are to contribute $25 and get
ten additional people to contribute $25.
We would like to start construction on the playground immediately after school closes in June. With
your help, our children’s dreams will become a reality. Please submit all donations by February 28th.
The groundbreaking is scheduled for July!
Page 14
Page 15
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
of
Volume 7/Issue 4
Parents’ Corner
Parents’
Corner
The Wazuri (Parent
Council) is Hosting a Middle School Dance
Page 14
The lower school parents’ meeting on
The
Wazuri
Word
November 12
was
a success!
We enjoyed
a very informative financial presentation
by Sis. Aisha Blackshear, and Sis. Katherine Chappelle informed us about some
helpful resources available at The Free
Library of Philadelphia. Baba Ras Angola
was also available to address questions
about our Special Ed. Program.
When: Friday - March 11, 2016 ** 4 - 6 pm **
Where:1st floor Sankofa Gym
Cost: $5
Tickets will be sold during lunch on Wednesday 2/3 & Friday 2/5
**Participants
will areceive
a
Parents
and students enjoyed
pizza
dinner,
and
four
lucky
parents
went
home
pass to dress down on the
with Shop Rite gift cards. The Wazuri
officerof
elections
willthe
be rescheduled
for a
day of
dance!!!!!**
future meeting. Please check the school
announcements, and the Sankofa Parents
Facebook page for updates.
day
We would love for more of our parents to
take advantage of everything that is offered at the monthly Meetings. Mark your
calendar for the Kwanzaa Extravangazaa,
which will take place on Wednesday,
December 18, 2013, at the Sankofa
TheAnWazuri
nex. You don't want to miss this event!
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast
(Parent Council)
would like to
show Sankofa
teachers our appreciation by providing pastries, juice and coffee for Black
Love Day. In order for it to be successful, we are asking parents to donate $1
for each of their students. Each class
teacher will collect the money beginning
on January 22. The class with the highest
participation will receive a dress down
day pass. Please support
this event by sending $1
to school with your
scholar. Thank you in
advance for your support.
SANKOFA FREEDOM
ACADEMY CS PARENTS
Gymnasium of the Community College of Philadelphia
17th & Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA.
The event is free and opened to the public.
Authors and illustrators will make presentations from their
books; also games, prizes, promotional give-aways and readResources
ing
resources will be available. A wide selection of African
American books to purchase will be featured at the event.
For more information call (215) 878-BOOK
SANKOFA_PARENTS
Be in “the Know”
Wazuri (Parent Council) Meetings 2015—2016
Wazuri Meetings are held every second Tuesday, at 6:00 p.m. Meeting dates are as follows:
April 12, 2016
February 9, 2016
March 8, 2015
May 10, 2016
June 14, 2016
Building Intergenerational Communities of Scholarship, Culture, and Activism
BUSIN NAME
Upcoming Events - February 2016
Feb. 3 - Early Dismissal –1:00 p.m.
Feb. 12—SCHOOL OPEN
Feb. 3 - Report Card Conferences 1:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 15—SCHOOL CLOSED—President’s Day
Feb. 4 - Report Card Conferences 4:30-7:00 p.m. Feb. 17 - Early Dismissal –1:00 p.m.
Feb. 9 - Parent’s Home & School Meeting 6:00
Sankofa Freedom Academy
Charter School
2501 Kensington Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa. 19125
Phone: 215-288-2001
Fax: 215-288-2099
We’re on the web:
www.sfacs.us
“We who believe in freedom shall not
rest until it
comes!”
….Ella Baker
Feb/ 22—Board of Trustees Meeting 6:00 p.m.
Sankofa Freedom Academy Board of Trustees Meetings 2015—2016
May 16, 2016
February 22, 2016
March 21, 2016
April 18, 2016
June 20, 2016
July 18, 2016
August 15. 2016
Ashe’ - Spotlight on Paul Robeson 1898-1976
Paul Robeson was born on April 9, 1898, in Princeton, New Jersey, to Anna Louisa
and William Drew Robeson. Robeson's mother died from a fire when he was 6 and
his clergyman father moved the family to Somerville, where the youngster excelled in
academics and sang in church.
When he was 17, Robeson earned a scholarship to attend Rutgers University, the
third African American to do so, and became one of the institution's most stellar
students. He received top honors for his debate and oratory skills, won 15 letters in
four varsity sports, was elected Phi Beta Kappa and became his class valedictorian.
Then, from 1920 to 1923, Robeson earned a degree from Columbia University's Law
School, teaching Latin and playing professional football on the weekends to pay tuition. In 1921, he wed fellow Columbia student, journalist Eslanda Goode. The two
would be married for more than 40 years and have a son together in 1927, Paul Robeson Jr.
Robeson briefly worked as a lawyer in 1923, but left after encountering severe racism at his firm. With the
encouragement of Eslanda, who would become his manager, he turned fully to the stage.
In 1924, Robeson played the lead in the production, All God's Chillun Got Wings, and the following year, he
starred in the London staging of The Emperor Jones—both by playwright Eugene O'Neill. Robeson also entered film when he starred in African-American director, Oscar Micheaux's, 1925 work, Body and Soul. Robeson continued to make waves in London in 1928 with his star turn on stage in Showboat, where he brought the
house down with "Ol' Man River," a song that would become his signature.
In the late 1920s, Robeson and his family relocated to Europe, where they lived for more than a decade. He
established both a singing and film career, and his next big-screen feature was 1930's, Borderline. He was also
in the 1933 movie re-make of The Emperor Jones and would be featured in six British films over the next few
years, including the desert drama, Jericho, and musical, Big Fella, both released in 1937. During this period,
Robeson also starred in the second big-screen adaptation of Show Boat (1936). His last movie would be the
Hollywood production, Tales of Manhattan (1942), which he critiqued for its demeaning portrayal of African
Americans.
A beloved international figure, Robeson regularly spoke out against racial injustice and was involved in world
politics. He supported Pan-Africanism, sang for Loyalist soldiers during Spain's civil war, took part in anti-Nazi
demonstrations and performed for Allied forces during WWII. He also visited the Soviet Union several times
during the mid-1930s, taken by much of its culture and ideas.
Back in the United States, he once again received accolades for his stage work in the 1943 Broadway production of Othello. Yet McCarthyism and Cold War paranoia was on the bound. Robeson found himself contending with government officials looking to silence a voice who spoke out eloquently against racism, and had political ties that could be vilified. Robeson was labeled a communist, and was barred by the State Department from
renewing his passport in 1950 to travel abroad for engagements. Despite his immense popularity, he was blacklisted from domestic concert venues, recording labels and film studios.
Robeson published his biography, Here I Stand, in 1958, the same year that he won the right to have his passport reinstated. Robeson again traveled internationally and received a number of accolades for his work, but
damage had been done, as he suffered from debilitating depression and related health problems. Robeson and
his family returned to the United States in 1963. After Eslanda's death in 1965, the artist lived with his sister.
Robeson died from a stroke on January 23, 1976, at the age of 77, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In recent years, some efforts have been made by various industries to recognize Robeson's legacy after a period of silence about his achievements. Several biographies have been written on the artist, and he was inducted posthumously into the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2007, Criterion released Paul Robeson: Portraits of the Artist, a box set containing several of his films, as well as a documentary and booklet on his life.
Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 04 Jan. 2016
“Working to Restore Excellence in Scholarship, Culture, and Community”
Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School Board of Trustees
Steve Blackburn, President
Kimberly Washington, Member
Dr. Kelli Sparrow Mickens, Member
Sean Stallings, Member
Barry Thomas, Member
Toni Winston, Staff Representative
Danielle Gentle, Parent Representative
Yacob Rogovin, Student Representative
“One Heart, One Love, One Earth, One People”
Harambee!!