Why our Symbol? Our symbol is a combination of Adrinka symbols. Adrinka symbols come from the Akan people of West Africa. The three symbols used are BESE SAKA, SANKOFA, and BOA ME NA ME MMOA WO. Together they represent unity, knowledge, and reciprocity. We will be a unified, use knowledge from the past to advance our union forward, and practice reciprocity. Below you will find descriptions of each individual symbol. Celebrate our West African and African-American heritage with us.
BESE SAKA or "sack of kola nuts". To understand this symbol you must understand the importance kola nuts play in West Africa. Kola nuts traditionally have represented affluence, power, abundance, plenty, togetherness and unity. In the ancient nation of Ghana kola nuts were the cash crops so they are closely associated with affluence and abundance. Even today kola nuts are used as trading items. In addition, kola nuts are a sign of peace, friendship and hospitality. They are offered to guests when they entered a house. The use of kola nuts symbolized everything that was civilized and peaceful. In the book, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, the use of kola nuts can be seen.
SANKOFA or "go back and take". Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a, yenkyi. Literal translation: There is nothing wrong with learning from hindsight. The word SANKOFA is derived from the words SAN (return), KO (go), FA (look, seek and take). This symbolizes the Akan's quest for knowledge with the implication that the quest is based on critical examination, and intelligent and patient investigation. The symbol is based on a mythical bird that flies forwards with its head turned backwards. This reflects the Akan belief that the past serves as a guide for planning the future, or the wisdom in learning from the past in building the future. One version of the Sankofa symbol is the heart like symbol, another one is a bird flying forward looking back.
MMERE DANE or "time changes".This important symbol signifies change, life's dynamics. The path of change is certain and natural. And we are excited to follow it by our union.
“Ona tutu - May our road and path be cool and refreshed."
- Libation text by Awo Ifashina Falade
