The Sankofa Bird Newsletter - SharpSchoolp1cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers...History Month, 2016, Sankofa Free-dom Academy is launching its DAY OF GIVING, so that we can

December 2015-January 2016 Volume 7/Issue 4 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

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!

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 cele-brate Black History Month in a

number of different ways. Some of

you remember the wonderful door

decoration contest. Others re-

member the Sankofa Living Mu-

seum, 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 assem-

bly program, Black History Bowls,

and even created a special presenta-

tion 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 ances-

tors gave, and our ancestors built!

Our ancestors sacrificed their re-

sources, and often times their lives,

to give to their families and commu-

nities. Many of our ancestors un-

derstood 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, busi-

nesses and financed movements for

freedom, . They gave! Our ances-

tors were builders from the pyra-

mids, 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 con-

tinuing the giving and building legacy

of our people. To celebrate Black

History Month, 2016, Sankofa Free-

dom Academy is launching its DAY

OF GIVING, so that we can build a

playground for our children. All

Message from Dr. Mama: Celebrating our Past, by Building our Future

December 2015-January 2016 Volume 7/Issue 4

The Sankofa Bird Newsletter of

Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School

2501 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19125

Telephone #-215-288-2001

Sankofa Freedom

Academy Charter School

Leadership Team

Dr. Ayesha Imani, CEO

Bro. Isa Clark, COO

Mama Geraldine Newton,

Business Manager

Bro. Elisha Tigah,

Technology Coordinator

Sis. Katina Mackey-Green

Lower School Coordinator

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

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 send-

ing 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 re-

turning 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 Face-

book at Sankofa Freedom Acad-

emy Ambassadors. To get a taste

of how life changing this experi-

ence can be, read Sis. Darrien’s

journal about her visit to Senegal

on page 5.

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 fol-

lowing 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


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


Shaw University


Tao Niangane

Cheyney University

Nairha Pugh-Bell

Tao Niangane

Earnestine Turner

Dayonna Farmer


Jada Kelly

Aigner Smith

Essence Lawson

Ajeenah Ross

Darrein Johnson


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


Aigner Smith

Essence Lawson


Wiley College


Fisk University


Saint Augustine’s University


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


Jada Kelly

Aigner Smith

Terron Bacon

Romario Brown

Cassandra Boyd

Sahir Chambers

Essence Lawson

Darrien Johnson

Ajeennah Ross


Coppin State

Terron Bacon

Cassandra Boyd

Essence Lawson

Hampton University

Darrien Johnson

Clark Atlanta University

Darrein Johnson

Lincoln University

Darrien Johnson

College Bound!

"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, Sy-

feria began to organize her bag. "Oh my God y'all ! You won't believe what I just found.", she says as she re-

veals 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 transfor-

mation 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 pro-

ject. I am excited to teach others the power of recognizing the capacity that lies inside us all.

Submitted By Darrien Johnson

Page 3 The Sankofa Bird Newsletter

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:

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 chal-

lenges 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 trou-

ble 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 Trian-

gle 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. Trian-

gle 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 turn-

out 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


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

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 pro-

tested 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

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

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 demon-

strated 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 lo-

cated 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 protec-

tion. 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

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 ca-

reer exploration. We know that being the parent of a teenager brings its own kind of stress and struggle. We invite you to join the

upper school Parent Support Circle. Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, during the time that we usually

hold our parent meetings. Parents will meet with our new principal, Baba Waset, and have the opportunity to take part in a wide

range of guest discussions and activities. If you are interested in providing leadership for the circle, please contact our new Execu-tive Assistant, and Parent Involvement Coordinator, Sis. Dione Pride at 215-288-2001. Meetings of the Upper School Parent Circle

will be held at the Penn Street Campus. The next meeting will be on November 12th at 6:00. JOIN US!

Upper School Celebrates Students of the Month

Calling All Upper School Parents: We Need One Another!

Breast Cancer Walk

Darrien Johnson

Sahir Chambers

Cassandra Boyd

Rasheeda Boelter

Jasmine Thomas

Jewel Allen-Washington

Jamil Williams

Damon Carr

Taleia Prince-Forrest

Axum

Carolyn Coleman

Justin Anson Talia Nelson

Aminah Wilkinson

Tylia Ross

Rashid Young

Chai Holiday-Lawson

Malik Chambers

Nubia II

Davon Ward

Taliyah Barnes

Nijah Lewis

Mia Heredia

Yacob Hart

Bahsir Matthews

Krissy Devine

Amar Harris

Rasheed Ross

Marquis Lawrence-Madison

Dagara

Page 6 Volume 7/Issue 4

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

Dagara

Darrien Johnson

Sahir Chambers

Cassandra Boyd

Rasheeda Boelter

Jasmine Thomas

Kemet

Zainabou Dabo

Jaylen Price

Egypt Shabazz

Siani Rojas

Shakiara Boston

Aboubacar Doukoure

Sakwon-Ali Epps

Simeon Browne

NEA ONNIM

NO SUA A,

OHU

"He who does not

know can know from

learning"


Architect of Freedom

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 organiza-

tion 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 Sum-

mer.

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 us gain freedom is when he led the Children’s March in 1963. Dr. King gave his life to help Blacks obtain their freedom.

Freedom Summer focused on solving several problems facing our community. Voter registration, Freedom Schools, and the Mississippi

Freedom Democratic Party were created to address problems facing our people. These programs were significant because they helped

give power to black people. During Freedom Summer, 50 Freedom Schools were

opened. These schools gave people a chance to learn. The voter registration drive

helped people to get the right to vote. The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party

helped black people to organize as a group of voters. This would allow them to elect

people that they wanted to have in office.

Freedom Summer was a turning point in the lives of many African-Americans who

lived in segregated communities. As a result of the actions of Freedom Summer,

blacks had to be recognized as Americans of equal value as any other non-black

American. As a result of Freedom Summer, I believe that we should continue to work

to solve problems in society. Some problems that still need to be addressed are:

prejudice in government, conflict between light skin blacks and dark skin blacks, preju-

dice based on sexual orientation, and people demonstrating proper social etiquette.

What is Freedom? Where is Freedom?

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 country. Bob Moses wanted to help this country. This was a very serious thing because he risked his life. People had been killed

trying to help Black people.

Freedom Summer was a time when Bob Moses, and many others, decided to try to change things for black people. The main problem

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

literacy tests in order to vote. Mr. Moses created Freedom Schools to help people learn so they could pass the literacy tests. Mr.

Moses also created the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party so people could vote for their own candidates. The significance of Free-

dom Summer is that people in Mississippi later were allowed to vote. This allowed the people in Mississippi to elect the people of their

choice.

Bob Moses: Architect of Freedom

On Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, members of the Revolutionary Student Coordinating Committee attended a program celebrating the life of

Julian Bond, at Lincoln University. We learned about the life work of Julian Bond, co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating

Committee and the work of Bob Moses. The students were tasked with writing an essay addressing the question of Bob Moses as an

architect of freedom. We were privileged to have had the opportunity to spend time with Mr. Moses after his lunch. It was thrilling to

see Bob Moses, architect of Freedom Summer, engage with students from Sankofa and Dr. Imani.











Breast Cancer Walk

Darrien Johnson

Sahir Chambers

Cassandra Boyd

Rasheeda Boelter

Jasmine Thomas


Jamil Williams

Damon Carr


Axum

Carolyn Coleman


Aminah Wilkinson

Tylia Ross

Rashid Young

Chai Holiday-Lawson

Malik Chambers

Nubia II

Davon Ward

Taliyah Barnes

Nijah Lewis

Mia Heredia

Yacob Hart

Bahsir Matthews

Krissy Devine

Amar Harris

Rasheed Ross


Dagara



Nubia II

Devohn Ward

Taliyah Barnes

Nijah Lewis

Mia Heredia

Yacob Hart

Bashir Matthews

Krissy Devine

Amar Harris

Rasheed Ross

Marquis Lawerance

Dagara

Darrien Johnson

Sahir Chambers

Cassandra Boyd

Rasheeda Boelter

Jasmine Thomas

Kemet

Zainabou Dabo

Jaylen Price

Egypt Shabazz

Siani Rojas

Shakiara Boston

Aboubacar Doukoure

Sakwon-Ali Epps

Simeon Browne

NEA ONNIM

NO SUA A,

OHU

"He who does not

know can know from

learning"


Dogon Nation: 5th Grade

Front Row: Asiana Cobia, Charisma Daniels Middle Row: Joshua Campbell, Isaiah Spain, Subour Nurrudin,

Nekaya Austin

Back Row: Shaidiya Giddings, Iyanna Price, Faith Banks

Mighty Middle School

Students of the Month

December

Fulani Nation: 7th Grade

Front Row: Apollo Coles, Khadijah Nurrudin, Fatoumata Sillah,

Naja Lumsden, Cheyenne Washington-Holiday

Back Row: Michael Hargrove, Khalil Scott, Dwayne Wells

Ashanti Nation: 8th Grade

Front Row: Asad Peterson, Tahirah Arter, Issa Fofana, Taijuan Smith

Middle Row: Rasa Watson, Aarion Mouzon

Back Row: Rasheem Dickerson, Jamal Hunt

Bambara Nation: 6th Grade

Front Row: Chacarta Milton

Middle Row: Ijnanya Briggs, Talicia Bridges, Kayla Harris

Back Row: Anthony Moorehead, Jamiah Blackwell











Breast Cancer Walk

Darrien Johnson

Sahir Chambers

Cassandra Boyd

Rasheeda Boelter

Jasmine Thomas


Jamil Williams

Damon Carr


Axum

Carolyn Coleman


Aminah Wilkinson

Tylia Ross

Rashid Young

Chai Holiday-Lawson

Malik Chambers

Nubia II

Davon Ward

Taliyah Barnes

Nijah Lewis

Mia Heredia

Yacob Hart

Bahsir Matthews

Krissy Devine

Amar Harris

Rasheed Ross


Dagara



Nubia II

Devohn Ward

Taliyah Barnes

Nijah Lewis

Mia Heredia

Yacob Hart

Bashir Matthews

Krissy Devine

Amar Harris

Rasheed Ross

Marquis Lawerance

Dagara

Darrien Johnson

Sahir Chambers

Cassandra Boyd

Rasheeda Boelter

Jasmine Thomas

Kemet

Zainabou Dabo

Jaylen Price

Egypt Shabazz

Siani Rojas

Shakiara Boston

Aboubacar Doukoure

Sakwon-Ali Epps

Simeon Browne

NEA ONNIM

NO SUA A,

OHU

"He who does not

know can know from

learning"


Dogon Nation: 5th Grade

Taniyah Thomas, Iyannah Price, Queen Shabazz, Shakiya Carter

Mighty Middle School

Students of the Month

January

Fulani Nation: 7th Grade

Front Row: Apollo Coles, Fatoumata Sillah, Tiana Bing,

Cheyenne Washington-Holiday, Khadijah Nurrudin Back Row: Dwayne Wells, Henry Coles, Joseph Scheon– McCul-

lough

Ashanti Nation: 8th Grade

Front Row: Nylah Ward, Tahirah Arter, Khadijah Turner

Back Row: Sada Nianghane, Luis Padilla

Bambara Nation: 6th Grade

Front Row: Tyrell Brown, Alaisha Colon, Nykyah Watson, Dawuh

Alabi-Montgomery Middle Row: Ash-Shaheid Cobia, Anthony, Moorehead, Talicia

Bridges

Back Row: Shalei Darlington, Ijynana Briggs

Lower School News

Yoruba Garden is now in the business

of celebrating scholars who use their

Kujichagulia (self-determination) to re-

ceive perfect scores on their Literacy,

Math, Science, and Social Studies as-

sessments. Perfect scores get you offi-

cially 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!

Happy Holidays!!!

Submission by: Mama T, 2-4 Lead teacher

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!

Zulu Still spends time reflecting on which Kwanzaa principle we con-

nect 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

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 Pre-

cious 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

Word Problem: Suwaydah donated 28 pencils. Sister Precious

took 8 pencils from the pencil container. Then, 12 students bor-

rowed 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 stu-

dents borrowed a pencil. There are 8 pencils left. Last I wrote my

equation: 28-8=20-12=8. As expressed, there are 8 pencils remain-

ing.

-Justin Sanders

2A Kush Tubman is learning how to write to explain in math!

Athletic Department News

We are striving for excellence in physical education

classes . Our scholars have been learning about calis-

thenics, agility, loco motor movement, Team work,

leadership, and the importance of being physically ac-

tive. Sankofa Scholars are learning new agility foot-

work fundamentals and positive behaviors conducive

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.

Page 11


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:

The Stats Don’t Lie!

DATE OPPONENT SCORE

Dec 09th New Media Charter 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)

Kenyona Tyler-Johnson and Kristan Devine at at the game

against New Media Technology Charter School -12/9/15

Kristan Devine

Sankofa Lady Warriors against Southern—12/16/15












in P.E Class.

Page 12

Sankofa Freedom Academy’s

Family Night with the Philadelphia 76ers

Hotep Family,

Thank you for your willingness to participate in the 2nd Annual Sankofa Family Night with the Philadelphia

76ers. I really enjoyed the opportunity to see the sparkle in our scholars’ and servant leaders’ eyes as they

watched their favorite basketball icon franchise player, Seth Curry, and the 2015 championship team, Golden

State Warriors. This will definitely be a memory that will be held for life, especially for those 20 students who

had an opportunity to give high fives to the 76ers as they entered the NBA court with a sell out crowd of

30,000 screaming fans. The task was critical, but with many hands and the dedication of Brother Isa, it was ac-

complished. The work involved in getting 75 families and teachers to an event like this was a true blessing and

for the second consecutive year this event was a huge success.

As always, making a choice, making a change, and making a difference in our children's’ lives is one of our many

visions to freedom, happiness , love and success.

Thank you Family












in P.E Class.

Page 13

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

6:00pm. We will also have a Saturday collection date that will be announced later.

We are over 300 families strong. Our campaign will run throughout the month of

February, African American History Month. We can do this, and we must ! Today it is

them, tomorrow it could be us! Please deliver your water donations by Monday, Feb-

ruary 9th.

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 chil-

dren! 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 play-

ground…

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!

The lower school parents’ meeting on November 12 was a success! We enjoyed a very informative financial presentation by Sis. Aisha Blackshear, and Sis. Kathe-rine 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 of-fered at the monthly Meetings. Mark your calendar for the Kwanzaa Extravangazaa, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at the Sankofa An-

nex. You don't want to miss this event!

Parents’ Corner

Resources


The Wazuri Word

Page 15

The Sankofa Bird Newsletter

of

Page 14

Parents’ Corner

The Sankofa Bird Newsletter

February 9, 2016 March 8, 2015

April 12, 2016 May 10, 2016 June 14, 2016

Wazuri (Parent Council) Meetings 2015—2016 Wazuri Meetings are held every second Tuesday, at 6:00 p.m. Meeting dates are as follows:

SANKOFA FREEDOM

ACADEMY CS PARENTS

SANKOFA_PARENTS Be in “the Know”

The Wazuri (Parent Council) is Hosting a Middle School Dance

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 receive a

pass to dress down on the day

of day of the dance!!!!!**

The Wazuri

(Parent Council)

would like to

show Sankofa

teachers our ap-

preciation by pro-

viding pastries, juice and coffee for Black

Love Day. In order for it to be success-

ful, 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 sup-

port.

Teacher Appreciation Breakfast

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 read-

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 Freedom Academy

Charter School 2501 Kensington Avenue

Philadelphia, Pa. 19125

Phone: 215-288-2001 Fax: 215-288-2099

BUSIN NAME

Building Intergenerational Communities of Scholarship, Culture, and Activism

“We who be-

lieve in free-

dom shall not

rest until it

comes!”

….Ella Baker

Sankofa Freedom Academy Board of Trustees Meetings 2015—2016

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 tui-

tion. 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 en-

tered film when he starred in African-American director, Oscar Micheaux's, 1925 work, Body and Soul. Robe-

son 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 produc-

tion of Othello. Yet McCarthyism and Cold War paranoia was on the bound. Robeson found himself contend-

ing with government officials looking to silence a voice who spoke out eloquently against racism, and had politi-

cal 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 black-

listed 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 pass-

port 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 pe-

riod of silence about his achievements. Several biographies have been written on the artist, and he was in-

ducted posthumously into the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2007, Criterion released Paul Robeson: Por-

traits 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

Ashe’ - Spotlight on Paul Robeson 1898-1976

We’re on the web:

www.sfacs.us

February 22, 2016 March 21, 2016 April 18, 2016

May 16, 2016 June 20, 2016 July 18, 2016 August 15. 2016

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 Feb/ 22—Board of Trustees Meeting 6:00 p.m.

“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!!

Documents

The Sankofa Bird Newsletter - SharpSchoolp1cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers...History Month, 2016, Sankofa Free-dom Academy is launching its DAY OF GIVING, so that we can