Sankofa International Academy Defines a Historic Moment

Sankofa International Academy defines a Historic Moment

By EULENE INNISS

Mrs Ollie McClean, Founder/Director of SankofaInternationalAcademy states that her

vision for Sankofa is to create lifelong learners and nation builders who can become the effective leaders of tomorrow. Thus, the School’s mission statement is that Sankofa is committed to supporting thedevelopment and implementation of comprehensive innovative programs that maximize student’s potential as they develop their critical thinking skills. So, when Mrs. McClean stated that she was considering closing the doors of the school at the end of June for economic reasons, having just lost her husband Calvin McClean Sr.she did not envision the resistance she would receive from parents and educators.

To understand why conscientious educators including Mrs. Sybil Clarke the wife ofHistorian Dr.John Henry Clarkeobjected to her closure was evident by what took place at Sankofa’s new location at 1670 Fulton Street (Harriet Tubman Ave.) on Tuesday September 1st 2009during the launching of their 25th year of service to the community. Dr. James McIntosh, who presided, and Betty Dopson of CEMOTAP were very vocal in stating why Sankofa, had to remain a beacon in our community. The testimoniesabout students who graduated from Sankofa were most poignant; many past and present students were celebrated for the trailblazing paths they have already carved out in society. One letter in particular from Vivian Carlton, parent of Kendra Carlton, which was read by Jazz artist Mari Toussant, stated thatKendra, a diabetic child attended Sankofa from grade 1 through 8. She received a scholarship to Vassar, with a major in Japanese. She studied in Japan for a semester and now in her sophomore year has won another scholarship to study in England.. This is not an isolated story. Most of Sankofa’s graduates attend Historical Black and IvyColleges. The students have very high self esteem and are taught their history and culture as a foundation for developing positive self images, high moral standards and effective leadership skills.

It was the opening ceremony that captivated passersby and invited guest. It will forever be etched in their minds. After a building consecration prayer by the Reverend Dr. Richard R. Christie a group of current students recited the Pledge to their Ancestors. Then using scissors wrapped in Red, Black and Green ribbon cut the chain across the door entrance. The symbolic cutting of the chain which represented negative forces and distractions that control the minds of our children, vividly emphasized what must be done for our youths to survive and progress. The doors were then flung open wide as Mrs. McClean and students led guests into the building to participate in a grand celebration.What a tribute to the ancestors. The Reverend Herbert Oliver, a giant in the civil rights movement and the Montgomery Bus boycott joined with Jitu Weusi and Dr. Arthur Lewis to sum up the importance of why a curriculum rich in Black History is vital to the survival of the African child. It is only fitting that SankofaAcademy should relocate on Harriet Tubman Avenue. What a mark of respect for the Abolitionist! We must reach back to go forward.