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The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
of
Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School
4256 Paul Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19124
Telephone #-215-288-2001
November, 2013
Volume 5/Issue II
Sankofa Freedom
Academy Charter
School
Leadership Team
Dr. Ayesha Imani, CEO
Bro. Isa Clark, COO
Baba Mwlimu Waset,
Principal
Mama Geraldine Newton,
Business Manager
Bro. Elisha Tigah,
Technology Coordinator
Sis. Nieka Brown,
Middle School Coordinator
Baba Norman Bayard,
Upper School Dean
Bro. Darrius Rowser
Middle School Dean
Bro. Maurice Patterson,
Lower School Dean
Dr. Kelli Sparrow Mickens,
Servant Leadership Coodinator
Tameka Thomas
Transition Coordinator
Dione Pride,
Executive Administrator
Transformation
Message from Dr. Mama: With Kujichagulia Our Children Can Win!
This month, we have been
celebrating kujichagulia. Kujichagulia means self determination. With kujichagulia, we
make up our minds and persevere toward our goals. Sankofa
Freedom Academy is a perfect
symbol of kujichagulia. I can
remember when we had nothing but a lot of faith and a determination to open a school that
would feel like family, and would
be a safe space for children and
adults to learn, grow, and become agents of change in the
world. We were determined.
We worked hard. We persevered. We were persistent.
We practiced kujichagulia and
today we see how our school is
growing and thriving.
dards provides a new challenge for our
children. However, if we work together and help our children develop
their capacity to not quit on themselves when things get difficult, we are
confident that we and they will be
successful. Sankofa Freedom Academy
being in this community proves that a
little kujichagulia can go a long way.
We must help our children
develop kujichagulia, self determi- Let’s teach our children kujichagulia!
nation. When we see our children trying to do something , we
must encourage them. When
they want to give up, we must
insist that they can be successful
if they stick with it.
solve problems. It is important
that our children learn how to
keep trying to do something,
even when it’s hard, even when it
doesn’t work out at first. In
other words, we must teach
our children how to work
hard and not give up!
We must make sure that our
children complete their homework assignments and projects,
even when the assignments are
time consuming and require
As we transition our childeep thought. We must teach
dren to the new common core our children how to ask for help
standards, we are reminded of
when they need it, so that they
the importance of persistence
can be successful at the tasks that Dr. Mama and Bro. Isa when there
and perseverance. These new
they attempt.
were no buildings, no offices, no staff,
standards tell us that it is not
no children—just kujichagulia and
We
know
that
the
introducenough for our children to learn
imani
information or to learn how to tion of the new national stan-
A Visit from State Representative, James W. Clay ,Jr.
George was extremely excited to see Rep. James Clay, Jr.
when he accompanied his mother
as she voted at Houseman Recreation Center, on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. Mr. Clay was
very impressed that George reState Representative James "Scoot"
Clay was born and raised in the 179th membered who he was.
George’s mother, Sis. Danette
Legislative District's Frankford
neighborhood, where he still lives. He Williams, was thankful to Sankofa
was elected to the Pennsylvania House for providing that experience for
her son. The little things matter
of Representatives on Nov. 6, 2012
more than we realize!
(http://www.pahouse.com/Clay/?
Here at Sankofa, we strive to produce lasting memories and powerful
lessons for our scholars. We did just
that when we hosted State Representative, James Clay, Jr., at least for
George Lane Jr.
pg=bio).
Page 2
Kemet: We are Moving to the Land of the Red
Congratulations to the students in Kemet
who have submitted all assignments to
move to the Land of the Red! They have
worked on the black folder since July of
2013. When you see a student in the nation
of Kemet who has moved to the red folder,
give them positive affirmation for all the
hard work they have completed, and still
need to complete in order to move to the
next folder.
Students in the Land of the Red
Congratulations to the Live Five!
From Left to Right: Sis. Aja, Sis.Tammye, Sis. Siani, Sis.Efraj, Bro.Sakwon,
Bro.Aboubacar, Sis. Shakira, Bro.Quran, Sis. Dominique, Sis.Zainabou, Sis.Ladira
Bro.Khaleef ( not shown)
Congratulations to the
A -Team!
Aboubacar Doukoure: 1824
Nyeerah Long: 1624.5
(Students with A averages in Senior Exhibition)
Jazmear Ross (not shown): 1302
Ladira Saunders: 1231
Zainabou Dabo: 1206
Lets Go
Kemet!
Tour of Temple University’s campus
Left to Right: Sis.Nyerrah, Sis. Zainabou, Sis. Aja, Sis.Ladira, Sis.Dominique,
Bro.Drew, Sis. Tianna M., Bro.Egypt, Sis. Tianna, Sis. Siani, Bro.Sakwon,
Bro.Taje, Bro.Jaylen
Page 3
Volume 5/Issue II
2013 Walks for Causes
At the Walter E. Brandon Sickle Cell Disease Walkathon
At the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
In September, the Upper School student
body chose to support the Sickle Cell
Walk, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, and the Heart Walk. During
the first marking period, the Mighty Nation
of Dagara was responsible for helping our
school community to prepare for our
Walks for Causes in their Servant Leadership Class. In the weeks prior to these
walks, the Dagarans researched the conditions, created informative posters, and
planned fundraisers that resulted in an average of 45 people per walking team, and
over $1000.00 in donations over a two
month period. Good Job! Good Job!
Nubia II: Serving Our Scholars
The Mighty Nation of Nubia II (9th grade) has begun
their service with the Mighty Nations of Yoruba
(Kindergarten), Kongo (1st Grade) and Kush (2nd
Grade). In the first marking period, they delved
more deeply into the Nguzo Nane, as well as the
lives and examples of our ancestors Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, William Still and Ramon Emeterio
Betances.
They learned about multiple intelligences and the
various ways that these are made manifest in our
Sankofa classrooms.
Beginning in the second marking period, they began
their service with an observation to see demonstrations of the Nguzo Nane, and the Multiple Intelligences. Then, they began to assist with Guided
Reading. Said the Servant Leaders, “They are so
sweet and cute!” The Nubian Servant Leaders will
go to the Main Building on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during their Servant Leadership period.
(Photos and text by Sis. Dr. Kelli)
Page 4
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
Sankofa Upper School Student Activists, Working to Make a Difference!
In the spirit of fighting injustice and helping to ensure a brighter future for our
children, the organization Quality Education Youth Collective (QEYC) was
born. Sankofa is happy and proud that,
from the very beginning, Brother
Simeon Brown, Brother Aboubacar
Doukare, and Sister Darrien Johnson
were a part of this courageous effort to
make the education of children better
instead of worse. QEYC was born in
response to the closing of a host of
schools in the city of Philadelphia. The
QEYC started out as a summer program, created by a team of Sankofa seniors and youth all over the city, to ensure that youth have a voice in their schools and their own education, and to increase the youth voice in
the pursuit of quality education. In this article we salute and recognize our very own. Good Job! Good
Job!
Congrats to Our Leaders of Maat from the Upper School
1st Marking Period
Jazmear Ross
Carolyn Coleman
Rasheeda Baxter
Darrien Johnson
Zainabou Dabo
Aja Long
Kenny Richardson
Justin Anson
Orkhaya Ndiaye
Marquise Lawrence-Madison
Egypt Shabazz
Cassandra Boyd
Talia Nelson
Brenndan Stevens
Essence Lawson
Mia Heredia
Volume 5/Issue II
Page 5
A Teachable Moment From Our Queen Mother, Assata Shakur
In the absence of one of our school facilitators, the Upper School
Principal, Baba Waset, taught a lesson that exposed students and provided them some awareness on the life of Assatta Shakur. The discussion was very spirited. In that discussion, the students, along with
Baba Waset, read a letter from Assatta Shakur entitled, “A Message
To My Sistas”! In that message, Queen Mother, Assata Shakur spoke
directly to the crisis that black women face in America.
In one part of Assata Shakur’s message to the sisters, she speaks of
how women are not free to walk the streets at night, due to the fear
of violence. Baba Waset then asked students to reflect on which part
of the article struck a chord in them, and write two to three paragraphs for their Liberation work. Although there were
many powerful voices that put their pens to the paper, one Sankofa student stood out.
“A Message to my Sistas”
Response by Cassandra Boyd, Dagara Nation
As I read “A Message to my Sistas”, by Assata Shakur, I could relate to several of the topics mentioned. The topic that stood out to me the most was “we’re afraid to walk the streets at night”. This
is a struggle I face, because most of my life, since I was twelve years old, I’ve been living in fear to walk
the streets at night. One night I was walking two blocks away from my home. I noticed one of my exfriend’s and twenty girls and five boys forming around her. They noticed me not long after and called
me over. Someone asked, “Did I know her?” I said “yes”, not knowing what was going to happen
next. One of the girls from the group grabbed on to me and my friend, as I fought back until I was
outnumbered. That night, and many nights afterwards, I was scared to walk outside at night, sometimes even in the day light.
This had a tremendous effect on me because I never understood if I was the only one afraid to
walk the streets at night. Apart from being afraid to walk the streets at night, there were other things
that Assata Shakur mentioned that I felt directly related to me, such as poverty, ignorance, racism, oppression of others, abuse and the struggle.
To be specific, in today’s society, abuse plays a major role in the lives of both teens and adults.
Physical abuse, mental abuse and substance abuse, from alcohol and drugs, continue to be a problem in
neighborhoods of poor people and people of color. These problems have a direct impact on our community as a whole, because there seems to be such easy access to drugs on almost every corner of the
streets of Philadelphia.
One out of seven people suffer from mental or physical abuse and have no one to turn to, or are
just scared to seek help. The message stated by Assata Shakur to the sisters, is clearly the truth in
today’s society. Most importantly, myself and other sisters, need to be the backbone of our communities. This is something that needs to be said, because, unfortunately, not many people know or even
understand our struggle. We know how to struggle and we also know how to survive doing it. As
you can see Sister Assatta’s message is clear and true.
(Universal Logo for Human Rights Campaign)
Volume 5/Issue II
Page 6
Upper School Celebrates Students of the Month
Dagara: Rasheeda Boelter, Damon Carr, Nairah Pugh-Bell, Ajeenah Ross, Lanier Abrams, Naseem
Brown, Cassandra Boyd, Kyra Pierce, Darrien Johnson, John Schoen-McCullough, Miles Griffin, Jewel
Allen-Washington, Aigner Smith, Ahnya Mack, Dayona Farmer
Nubia II: Rasheed Ross, Quashe Fitch, Shayla Pennington
Jordon Edelen, Bahsir Matthews, Taylor Edmoundson
Nijah Lewis, Manthita Diawara, Marquise Madison Lawerence,
Devohn Ward, Tea' Campbell
Kemet: Symone Nelson, Jaylen Price, Nyeerah
Long, Aboubacar Doukoure, Tiana Johnson, Aja
Long, Linda Brown, Anthony Wright-Downing
Axum:
Aminah Wilkinson
Infinty Pennington
Kenny Richardson
Carolyn Coleman
Brenndan Stevens
Senior Exhibition
Jazmear Ross
Egypt Shabazz
Junior Seminar
Nade Charles
Page 7
Volume 5/Issue II
12 YEARS
A
SLAVE
(On November 8, Mama White arranged to take nearly 100
students to the movies to see 12 Years a slave. The article below provides a rationale for her decision.)
As an African Centered Freedom school, of course, it was imperative that we gave our students an opportunity to,
not only see the film, "12 years a slave", but, as I prepared for the trip, it became clear that it needed to be an experience. Sitting in a dark theater with my notebook and pen in hand, trying to write the movie guide that would challenge our
students to internalize and sympathize with the story, not only to recognize the characters, but also to understand that these
events represent a extreme reality for our ancestors, I began to cry. It was my prayer that the catharsis I was experiencing,
our scholars would empathize with. As I sat there questions began to flood to my mind. How would I feel if my freedom were
taken tomorrow? How will our scholars receive the rawness and extreme realness of the film? Would we be able to handle
the flood of questions and emotions that our scholars would come with?
Throughout the film, as humans, we are challenged with the concept of the worth and value of our own individual freedom, versus the collective freedom of those around us. The responses and insightful discussion that developed after the students saw the film, reaffirmed my commitment and gratitude for being able to work at an institution committed to education
for liberation.
Personally, as I reflect upon the film, I am reminded of the first time I watched the film, Sankofa, by Haile Gerima, and the
chills I got from being able to imagine myself through the circumstances of my ancestors. Although this Hollywood film does
not examine enslavement in the same context of revolutionary activism, it does acknowledge a shift in the lens of others’ acknowledging the horror and traumatic experience of Africans, and our plan as active agents in our own healing. With this experience as an institution, we are taking closer steps to spiritual healing for our youth and our communities.
Mama White
Social Studies Department Chair
Sankofa Freedom Academy
Page 8
Volume 5/Issue II
From
CHATTER BOX
(The Chatter Box is a student produced newsletter)
Message From Our Presidents
Najean Johnson
My name Is Najean Johnson, and I am one of
the presidents for the school year 2013-2014.
My vision for this year is "student voicing",
meaning making sure the students have a voice. I
believe that some students feel like they have no
part in the school. My goal is to make sure there
are more extracurricular activities, clubs, etc. I
hope we have a wonderful year. Good luck to
everybody.
Kenny Richardson
Greetings! My name is Kenny Richardson, and I am the co-president here at SFA. Some ideas of
mine that I wish to see implied in the SFA institution are: Life skill classes, such as a carpentry trade that
could benefit students who aren’t planning to go to college or who aren’t qualified for it. I also would
like to have more relationships between upper classman and lower classman, so that we could all be
more comfortable with one another, which can bring forth more school pride. Another idea that I have
in mind is a school store that carries Sankofa hoodies, shirts, school supplies, and even mugs and towels
that can all be for fund raising and pep rallies. I hope to see all of my ideas come to existence during my
presidency for SFACS.
Volume 5/Issue II
Page 9
Middle School Celebrates Students of the Month
Excellence in Academics and Behavior
Bambara Nation - Front Row: William
Minor, Tahirah Arter, Jeremiah Butler
Ashanti Nation - Front Row: Marayah
Roher, Daameira Carr, Ronesha Holloway
Back Row: Aarion Mouzon, Rasa Watson,
Keishawn Dutton, Qyadir Hines, Rashede
Goosby
Back Row
Rahsae Rochester-Cottle
Not shown: Maryam Bint-Shafeeq
Dogon Nation- Front Row: Khadijah,
Nurrudin, Shaniyah Whiten
Back Row: Zyair Taylor, Tayonah Dawson,
Nina Dailey
Fulani Nation- - Front Row: Unique
Lowe, Ian Chapelle, Chamera Abdullah,
Ousamane Fofana,
Back Row : Aniyah Shelton, Keolobogile
More, Nzyah Hayes, Khalil Turner, Alicia
Purdy
Page 10
Kujichagulia Is Present In the Middle School !
Kujichagulia
By Chamera Abdullah
Kujichagulia is a word of art, which represents perseverance, determination, and a person who sets goals, and accomplishes them, in the spirit of self-determination.
A person who I feel demonstrates kujichagulia is Dr. Mama. I feel that Dr. Mama is a
person who represents kujichagulia, because she is determined to make Sankofa a better
place and school for everyone to be able to get a great education. Also, I feel Dr. Mama is a
person who represents kujichagulia because she is a person who sets goals in order to
make a change, and accomplishes them. Clearly, Dr. Mama is a person who I feel represents
kujichagulia.
“”
Self Determination is in the Fulani Nation With Sis. Badger
Self-Determination
Finding yourself is not hard to do. You just have to try, because as you get older, life gets
harder and more complicated, because you have to face more responsibilities. To be selfdetermined means to have courage and believe in yourself, and to strive for success. So ,my
advice is to give challenges a try. Don’t give up because you see something new. Don’t
break down because you don’t know an answer to a question. That just means you have to,
once again, give it a try in order to get better and grow as a person inside. I believe everybody has the right to do their very best, and this is where it starts….with you!
By Ny’zayh Hayes
In the Spirit of Kujichagulia……...
Dear Sankofa,
At the beginning of the school year, I came here with drama. I engaged in drama with girls
because I believe I felt angry inside, but once I started to see that drama isn’t going to get me
anywhere in life, I began to reflect more on it. As I thought about it more, I started to think
that people shouldn’t have drama, because as you get older and you still have drama, life will
get harder. Without drama, life is much easier. I feel like I’m a better person in a drama-free
zone. I believe that when drama comes to me, I must be determined to do the right thing,
and walk away or go tell a teacher if it gets out of hand. Being drama-free is something I have
made up my mind to be.
In the Spirit of Kujichagulia,
Anaya Whiten 7A
Page 11
Newsletter Title
“There’s No Place Like the Mighty Middle School”
Reading ,Writing, Building and Exploring
Eighth grade science scholars are preparing their volcanoes for the mock eruptions, set to take place outside this week. A mixture of Vinegar and baking soda,
with a bit of red dye, will serve as the lava. Other
students in the class have created wonderful tri-folds
that are very informative. These projects were the
final part of our Earth Science unit, which took place
during the end of the first quarter.
Bro. Andrew of the Truth Collective
Middle School Science Facilitator
Our 7th grade science scholars have been studying nutrition
and health over the past few weeks. After collecting data on
their eating habits they had a computer program analyze their
diet and produce data on their nutrition. Scholars then created
posters to present their data using various graphs and text.
What did our scholars learn from this exercise? Less Fiery
Cheetos and more Carrots are needed in our diets!
Writing in Mathematics
By Vivianna Padilla, Ashanti Nation
A relation or connection in my life that could be expressed as a
linear function is when I buy something like chips. The input would
be the amount of chips that I bought and the output would be the
amount of money that is left. This is a linear equation because I can
easily make a graph for it. For example, the slope would be how
much each bag of chips cost which is -$0.25. The y-intercept is the
amount of money I start with which is $5.00. Therefore, I can see
how much money I have left with the equation y = -0.25x + 5
Page 12
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
Lower School Leader, Alaisha Colon (4A)
I would like to shout out the Lower School Leader
for the month October! Alaisha Colon is a scholar
in the nation of Zulu. Since she first came to
Sankofa, Alaisha has exhibited those behaviors that
demonstrate what it is we expect from scholars at
our institution. Alaisha is on point, so she often
flies under the radar. She has been a pleasure for
all of the facilitators that have had her as a student.
Alaisha is a wonderful representation of her family
and Sankofa values.
Submitted by Brother Maurice, Lower School Dean
Lower School Students of the Month
Students of the Month
Suwaytah Abdul-Lateef K1
Siani Johnson 3A
Amun Ra Lee K2
Nekaya Austin 3B
Raheen Thomas 1A
Ijnanya Briggs 4A
Kiyah Bowie 1B
Jaden Gills & Ishtar El 4B
Ayala Branham 2A
Malika Turner 2B
ESOL
Nabou Dabaze 3B
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
Page 13
WELCOME TO THE READING CORNER!
Greetings SFA Family!
At the October Parent Meeting, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the Lower School parents about the importance
of reading for 20 minutes each night. Research proves that students who read daily acquire more words. Check out the graphic
to the right!
As we work to ensure that our scholars are reading for at least
20 minutes every night, we need to give them access to books.
One way to do this is to use a resource right here in our community...the Free Library of Philadelphia!
Join Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School as we host our
very first Library Card Drive! The Lower School will kick off the
drive in the month of November, and the Middle School will have
theirs in the month of December.
I am so excited to work with the entire Sankofa village to promote
the importance of literacy!
READING IS POWER!
SFA Lower School Family!
We are hosting a library card drive!
To participate, all you have to do is follow the TWO easy steps below:
1) Fill out the library card application.
Note: Even if your child has fines, please fill out the application! Children materials no longer carry a fine. Just return whatever has been checked
-out!
2) Return the form to school!
It will take about 2-3 weeks for the library cards to be processed.
All cards will be sent directly to Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School (main building) and distributed to students. If you would like the
card sent to your home address, please write “MAIL TO HOME ADDRESS” at the top of the application.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in the literacy development of your child!
Peace, Love, and Reading Power!
Submission by: Sis. Katina Mackey-Green, Reading Specialist
Volume 5/Issue II
Page 14
First Ma’atic Warrior– Lamar Guerra of the
Yoruba Garden’s
The second grade nation of Kush is hosting
this year’s food drive!! We are asking families to donate non-perishable foods. The
donations will be given to the food pantry at
the Salvation Army, right here in our own
Frankford Community! The class with the
most donated items will receive a pizza
party!!! Even more incentive to donate!
All donations must be made by Friday,
Nov. 22, 2013 , and can be brought to
your scholars’ classroom. Thanks for your
support!!!
This young scholar has shown exemplar Ma’at in the
Kindergarten nation of Yoruba. Mama Renee raves of
this scholar’s kujichagulia to over-come anything. During his time here at Sankofa, he has demonstrated each
of the virtues of Ma’at, and is now named Yoruba’s
Ma’atic Warrior! Good Job! Good Job!!
righteousness.
Kongo Visits Snipes Farm!!!
The first grade Kongo-nation visited Snipes Farm, located
in Morrisville, PA on Oct 18. Our scholars were able to
explore and touch the animals that lived on the farm, take
a Hayride that toured the various crops grown, as well
take part in the hands-on process of growing apple trees.
The scholars each were able to come home with a pumpkin, just in time for Halloween. This visit was a part of
the inquirer project, how plants are an important part of
our lives, being studied in science.
Page 15
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
I have an announcement!! I saaiid, I have an announcement!!!!
Songhai Washington (3A) has the pleasure of welcoming our new ISS to Sankofa! Her name is
Sister Allison, and she is joining us from Olney High School, where she has worked as a building substitute. We are overjoyed to have Sister Allison in our classroom. She attends Lincoln
University, and is studying to become a classroom teacher. She has many wonderful talents,
one of them is singing. She is also fluent in Spanish!! Please help her to feel welcomed by giving
her a mighty HOTEP!
Making Writing Happen in 4th Grade
Persuasive/Opinion Essay
by Amari Jackson (4A)
Researchers have found that the average person spends 6 hours a day watching T.V. Is that too much?
Have your parents asked you why are you watching so much T.V. ? If you watch too much T.V. your eyes will get ruined. T.V.
could make your eyes could get blurry, and you won’t be able to see important school work your teacher is writing on the chalk
board. Your eyes will get heavy, and you’ll be sleepy at school. If you sit too close to the T.V., you might go blind . Remember your
eyes are helpful in a lot of ways. You could read, play sports, drive, and much more. If you lose your eyesight you won’t be able to do
these activities .Two eyes are better than none, so stop watching all that T.V.
Do you really need to waste all your money on T.V.? If you watch a lot of T.V., like six hours of it, your electric bill is just going to
cost more money. Also, a T.V. costs a lot of money to buy. Plus, what if you accidently leave the T.V. on all night? Now that’s bad, so
stop watching all that T.V. It’s not good to waste money on something you don’t need.
Informative Writing-A Modern Invention
by Natural Guerra (4A)
This one invention uses gas, electricity, and coal… Did you guess it? Yes the oven! The oven is an invention that is used to bake,
roast, and broil. Some ovens are made of wood, metal, or glass. Wood ovens use coal. Small ovens, like a “Nuwave” oven, use a lot of
energy, or electricity and are made of glass.
Long ago people did not have ovens. They baked, roasted, and broiled in their fire places. They had thick metal bars that were removable. If they had corn, turkey, potatoes, or anything, they would push it on the bar and pop the bar back on top of the fire places
and by a handle, twirl it on top of the fire place.
Ovens are a major time savers in our lives. No more slaving and twisting around to make food. Just turn on, and wait. an hour (or
less). Yummy , yummy in your tummy . You can find ovens almost anywhere. James Sharp is the man who invented the first gas oven
in 1826. That’s it, I hope you learned from this text.
The scholars of 4B were asked to write a personal narrative about a most unforgettable moment
My Baby Sister
by Jaylin Bowens
A Honduran Pregnant Stingray
by Ishtar El
The most unforgettable thing I will always remember is when
my baby sister was born. I will never forget when she came
home. My most cherished memory was when me and my family
first named her. Her name is Olivia. I will always remember
when me and my sister, Aniya, were fighting over what the baby
was going to be, a boy or a girl. I said it was going to be a girl,
and Aniya said it was going to be a boy. When Olivia came out,
she was very tiny. She had my eyes, my sister’s hair, my
brother’s face, and my mom and my dad’s ears.
I will never forget: One day I went to Honduras. I stayed in a
beautiful hotel. The next day I went to the beach. I saw lots of
people, and it was fabulous. Then I went into the water with my
fancy bathing suit on. After I went into the water, I went on a boat
ride. I looked down and saw a Stingray (in the sand) at the bottom
of the ocean. My mom told me it was pregnant because its stomach
was hanging down. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen.
Maybe I will see another pregnant stingray some time soon.
Page 16
Volume 5/Issue II
Parents’ Corner
The Wazuri Word
The lower school parents’ meeting on 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.
Parents and students enjoyed a pizza dinner, and
four lucky parents went home with Shop Rite
gift cards. The Wazuri officer elections will be
rescheduled for a future meeting. Please check
the school announcements, and the Sankofa
Parents Facebook page for updates.
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
Annex. You don't want to miss this event!
Resources
Youth Action
Founded by young alumni of the Tavis Smiley Foundation in 2003, Youth Action is a youth-led Philadelphia community development organization operated solely by high school and college students that works to empower young African Americans to become socially, economically, and civically aware. https://youthactionteam.org
Scribe
Scribe Video Center was founded in 1982 as a place where emerging and experienced media artists could gain access to the tools and
knowledge of video making and work together in a supportive environment. Scribe provides training in all aspects of film, video and audio
production. https://scribe.org
Stamp Pass
STAMP is a major new initiative from the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance to engage more Philadelphia high school students
in arts and culture. The goal is to increase teens’ access to all of the incredible arts and culture Philadelphia has to offer, as a means to
discovering their own identities and including culture in their menu of leisure-time options (as we like to say: “a movie, a mall, a museum!”). The pass grants Philadelphia teens, 14-19 years old, free access to 12 area museums and attractions.
https://phillystamppass.org
Volume 5/Issue II
Page 17
Cultural Arts Facilitator Spotlight
1 Pound, 4 Ounces
A dynamic theatrical performance ,1 Pound, 4 Ounces, created and performed by, award-winning actor, dancer, instructor and, Sankofa’s very own, Khalil A.M.R Munir. A Philadelphia native, Bro. Khalil chose the arts as a path away from despair and misfortune. “1 Pound, 4 Ounces” is a riveting oneman show, combining impassioned storytelling with music and
improvisational tap dance. Having overcome adversities, including a broken home marred by drugs and incarceration, as
well as devastating childhood learning hurdles, Bro. Khalil has
conquered that, and much more, emerging as an artistic risktaker and respected role model. Welcome Bro. Khalil to our
Sankofa family!!!!
*1 Pound 4 Ounces can be seen at the National Museum Of American Jewish History
Cultural Arts Department &
Middle School Student Council
Along With
Friends of Isaiah Thomas &
The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation
Presents
HOLIDAY CANNED FOOD DRIVE
For more information ,Contact:
Sis./Mama Nikki
(Upper School)
Mamalaika
(Middle School)
The nation/section with the
most cans will receive a
dress down day.
Please help those in need, by donating canned or boxed goods.
Hotep Family,
The Cultural Arts Department is buzzing
with excitement, activities and preparations! Our first ever Kwanzaa extravaganza (see previous page for more info)
will take place on December 18, 2013,
and our scholars are in full swing getting
ready for their debut. Please come out
and support your babies, and our talented scholars.
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
Page 18
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18TH, 2013
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
COME ENJOY…
ACAPELLA, MARTIAL ARTS DEMONSTRATIONS, INSTRUMENTAL
MUSIC PERFORMANCES, LIVE MUSIC, SANKOFA CHOIRS, DRUM
AND DANCE, FOOD, HORIZON’S BOOK FAIR, HOLIDAY SHOPPING,
ALL SCHOOL ART GALLERIES, KWANZAA FESTIVITIES, FUN
SANKOFA ANNEX
4290 PENN STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19124
Volume 5/Issue II
Page 19
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
Spirit Week
We are excited to announce Spirit Week will take
place December 2nd- December 6th this year, as we prepare to launch our Winter
Sports Season. Each day we
have a different theme that
staff and students can participate in, as we get energized
for our Winter Season and
raise funds for our Athletic
Department.
Each day, we are asking
students to pay $1.00 and facilitators to pay $2.00, to participate in thematic dress
down days.
We are selling Spirit
Week shirts this year, which
can be purchased for $10.00.
Orders can be placed with
Michael Locket, from the
Nation of Kemet. These are
the shirts we will be wearing
on Friday for our Annual Pep
Rally, which will be lead by
our cheer teams.
Monday - Pajama Day
Tuesday - Twin Day
Wednesday - Wacky Day
Sankofa Football Players
BATTLE OF THE NATIONS
This Saturday, November 23, 2013, we will host our 5th Annual
Battle of the Nations Basketball Tournament. The event will take
place at Gambrel Recreation Center, located at1900 Wakeling
Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124, and the first game will start at 11:00
am. Representatives from each nation in the high school will play.
All members of the Sankofa Family are encouraged to come out
and support. We are asking players to donate $2.00, and spectators
to donate $1.00. All contributions will be greatly appreciated.
BUSIN NAME
Building Intergenerational Communities of Scholarship, Culture, and Activism
Upcoming Events: Calendar
Nov. 18 - Board of Trustees Meeting
Nov. 20 - Early Dismissal - 1:00 pm
Nov. 20 - Report Card Conferences - 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Nov. 21 - Report Card Conferences - 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Sankofa Freedom Academy
Charter School
426 Paul Street
Philadelphia, Pa. 19124
Phone: 215-288-2001
Fax: 215-288-2099
Nov. 27-29 - School Closed / Harvest Holiday
Dec. 2-6 - Spirit Week - High school Winter Sports and basketball season kick-off
Dec. 4 - Early Dismissal - 1:00 pm
Dec. 18 - Kwanzaa Extravaganza
Sankofa Freedom Academy Board of Trustees Meetings 2013—2014
Board Meetings are held every third Monday at 6:00 pm. Meeting dates are as follows:
We’re on the web:
www.sfacs.us
“Like” Sankofa Parents
on facebook
September 16, 2013
October 21, 2013
November 18, 2013
December 16, 2013
January 27, 2014
February 24, 2014
March 17, 2014
April 21, 2014
May 19, 2014
June 16, 2014
Ashe’ - Spotlight on Sojourner Truth
One hundred thirty years ago, in the month of November, the world lost
a great freedom fighter, Sojourner Truth. We honor her this month, as
her struggles helped to get us where we are today.
“We who believe
in freedom
shall not rest
until it comes!”
….Ella Baker
Sojourner Truth — Abolitionist, Women’s Rights Leader, Prison Reformer
Born Isabella Baumfree in 1797, Sojourner Truth was the daughter of James
and Elizabeth Baumfree — both of whom were captured from what is present day Ghana and Guinea. In late 1826, Truth fled to freedom with her
youngest daughter Sophia. After the New York State Emancipation Act
passed in 1827, she found out that her son, Peter, had been illegally sold to
a new owner. She went to court and after multiple proceedings, Truth’s son
was returned to her and became only the second black woman to win a
court case.
By 1843, she adopted the name “Sojourner Truth,” as she continued to fight
to end slavery. In 1865, before Ida B. Wells refused to sit in a segregated
train-car and Rosa Parks’ numerous refusals to get up from a white section
of the bus, Truth attempted to desegregate the streetcars in Washington,
D.C., by protesting and riding in the cars designated for white people.
Along with Lucretia Mott and Susan B. Anthony, Truth was a prominent leader in the Women’s Suffrage Movement.
In 1850, she spoke at the first Women’s Rights National Convention in Worcester, Massachusetts. She had long
chastised the abolitionists for not advocating equally for black women’s rights in the same way they did for black
men. That same year, William Lloyd Garrison published her memoir, The Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Northern
Slave, which she dictated because she could not read or write.
Her struggles for justice extended beyond abolition of slavery and equal rights for women. Truth was also a passionate prison reformer. She testified before the Michigan State legislature against capital punishment.
On November 26, 1883, Sojourner Truth died at age 86, in Battle Creek, Michigan, as
one of America’s great freedom fighters
(http://www.haitiantimes.com/black-history-profiles-american-freedom-fighters/)
“Working to Restore Excellence in Scholarship, Culture, and Community”
Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School Board of Trustees
Steve Blackburn, President
Oshunbunmi Samuels, Secretary
Rev. Glen Shepherd, Treasurer
Jennifer Powell-Folks, Member
Nadine McNeil, Parent Representative
Toni Winston, Staff Representative
“One Heart, One Love, One Earth, One People”
Harambee!!