“I am a masterpiece of creation, the quintessence of liberation
And the beautiful reality of my ancestors’ imagination.”
Senior Sharon Orisadipe, a Sankofa performer, delivered this message while performing the poem “I Am a Black Girl” by April Chukwueke today during an assembly in the large auditorium. Students attended two preview shows during fourth period. The show is open to the public Friday and Saturday.
Tonight’s event begins with a 6 p.m. pre-show performance, followed by the full show performance at 7 p.m. Tomorrow’s pre-show begins at noon, with the full performance starting at 1 p.m. Purchase tickets online or at the door for $10 each.
This year’s Sankofa theme is “We Are Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams.” According to paraprofessional Jeremiah Caver, tech director of the show, the theme describes “the work of our ancestors and the dreams they have had, which are coming to fruition through us.”
Freshman Eric Chambers, a member of the running crew, said people should go see the performance because there is a lot to learn. “Students should come because it’s a fun program where we teach about Black culture,” Chambers said.
Individuals and Societies teacher Adrienne Carson said that Sankofa highlights aspects of African history that aren’t usually emphasized. “Sankofa goes into early history and represents ancient African society. We had societies that started there as the birthplace of humanity, but when you think African culture, you think enslavement. We are more than what is thought of us,” Carson said.
Senior Jake Leeson said that he enjoyed this year’s preview. “I’ve gone every year. Last year I helped film it from the balcony,” he said.
Sankofa began at the high school in 1998 as a Black History Month kickoff assembly, gaining the name Sankofa, a Twi word from the Akan Tribe of Ghana, the following year. It includes singing, dancing, slam poetry and other performing arts, delivering messages each year about a unique theme.
Sankofa means “go back and get it” and is a term taken from a proverb “that encourages learning from the past to inform the future, reaching back to move forward, and lifting as we climb.”
Orisadipe said she was worried that “I am a Black Girl” would be too blunt, but performing it was fun, especially given the response of the crowd. During the 4A assembly, girls in the audience could be heard agreeing with the poem’s assertions about dating, intelligence and confidence.
Caver said that the show includes many students who are new to performing. “There’s a lot of young and really interesting kids who are talented and have a lot of potential,” he said.
Senior Kellon Young said that “it’s a beautiful, vibrant performance. I get to see my peers perform and express themselves.”
Said Orisadipe, “If you want to see an amazing Black history performance filled with celebration, and have a good time, you should come to Sankofa!”
