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A story of resilience, passion, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his craft...

Over many years of attending and participating in numerous award ceremonies, never have I seen an Award clearly reflect the history and heritage of a people in such artistic and relevant forms by a little known company, African Heritage Collection.

I believe, perhaps now more than ever, we in the diaspora must become connected, one-with-another, and with our rich ancestral heritage and history, and the little-recognized contributions which we have generously lavished to America, and in fact, to the world.

It behooves our children, grandchildren and future generations to be tuned in and inspired by the truths of our origins and our journey, much of which remains untold, and hardly recognized. We must pass this on in word, deed, symbols and interaction. Only people of color can perpetuate these truths. 

We all know there are huge issues and challenges to tackle in terms of the quality of life and well-being of our children/youth, families and communities.  However, I also believe that there are small but significant things that we can do to make a difference.

This is why I want to put the spotlight on the African Heritage Collection's Kingdom Trophies and Awards - offering historically-important and culturally-specific ways to recognize our peoples’ accomplishments.  For the first time the company has created an ingenious, refreshing alternative to the traditional acrylic/metallic style Awards most organizations use. Theirs are not only stunning pieces of art but, in them, we celebrate ourselves and the rich African history, culture and symbolism that we are a part of. Each piece, an original, has a unique and relevant symbolic story with a signed Certificate of Authenticity.

Let's look at a few examples. The Unity Globe Award is a creative piece of artwork depicting three people holding the world together. It is a very popular award because it embodies universal principles of Unity, family, teamwork and diversity.  Yet another Award, a favorite of African American and diaspora Organizations is the Sankofa Award.

The Sankofa symbol is one of many sacred Adinkra Symbols ascribed to the Akan people who settled in the area of West Africa that is now called Ghana and Ivory Coast. The word Sankofa literally means “Go back for it”. The symbol is represented by a forward moving metaphorical bird with its head turned backwards to retrieve an egg (representing the future) from its back. It is highly revered and permeates all aspects of Ghanaian culture and lifestyle.

"Sankofa" teaches us that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward; that is, we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us, so that we can achieve our full potential as we move forward. Whatever we have lost, forgotten, forgone or been stripped of, can be reclaimed, revived, preserved and perpetuated. The wisdom from the past becomes the guide to a better and stronger future.

I share this information with the larger hope that, under the unpredictable challenges which we all currently face, re-enforcing and validating a rich heritage and ancestry, tightening-up our community, and supporting our families, communities and businesses, seems like a good idea.

I encourage you to browse the company's gallery of Trophies and Awards. There are awards for Leadership, Inspiration, Community Service, Excellence, Diversity, Mentoring, and Lifetime Achievement. Perhaps your organization and others you know may find these awards appropriate for their next event.

The Elmina Castle is a bastion of a dark history in the slave trade......

Coming to America......my story.

Continuing series on Ghana's sacred Adinkra Symbols - SANKOFA

Continuing series on Ghana's sacred Adinkra Symbols - SESA WO SUBAN

Continuing series on Ghana's sacred Adinkra Symbols - WOFORO DUA PAA.