Sankofa

The word Sankofa comes from the Akan people of West Africa and carries deep wisdom for how we live, heal, and grow. In the Akan language, it is expressed as “se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenki,” which translates to “it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot.”

The Sankofa symbol is often represented by a bird that walks forward while turning its head back, carrying an egg in its mouth. The egg represents the future. This image teaches us that we can only move forward in strength when we are willing to look back, honor the past, and carry its lessons into what comes next.

At Sankofa Healing Studio, this philosophy is at the heart of our work. We believe that reclaiming our history and honoring our ancestors provides us with the tools to shift our present and protect our future. Our motto says it best: “Reclaiming our past provides us with valuable knowledge to protect our future while understanding and shifting our present condition.”

For us, Sankofa is more than a symbol—it is a way of life. It reminds us that healing is possible at any stage, and that cultural memory, ancestral wisdom, and community connection are essential to building a more liberated future. By embracing the principles of Sankofa, we create space for transformation, empowerment, and collective healing.