Meaning Our Voices™ Symbols 

Sankofa symbol- means return and pick it up.  Importance of learning from the past and to use it to build on for the future.

The first slave ship that sailed to America.

NYAME NTI , "by God's grace" -symbol 

of faith and trust in God

According to The Adinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis: "This stalk is depicted as the staff of life in many cultures. It symbolizes to the Akan that food is a basis of life and that they could not survive if not for the food that God has placed here on Earth for their nourishment. 

I know I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.  I give him praise for my gifts and I share them with a humble heart! We must lead with our Father  to light the way!

BESE SAKA  - "sack of cola nuts" symbol of affluence, power,  abundance, plenty, togetherness and unity

The cola nut played an important role in the economic life of Ghana. A widely-used cash crop, it is closely associated with affluence and abundance. This symbol also represents the role of agriculture and trade in bringing peoples together.

KWANZAA - December 26th - January 1st

Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr Maulana Karenga, a Black Studies professor. Kwanzaa originated as a cultural idea and an expression of the nationalist "US" organization which was headed by Dr Karenga. 

Kwanzaa is based on seven fundamental principles which are referred to as the Nguzo Saba. Umoja - Unity, Kujichagulia - Self-Determination, Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility, Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics, Nia - Purpose, Kuumba - Creativity and Imani - Faith

Each day of the holiday is devoted to the celebration of one of these principles. A table is prepared with the Kwanzaa symbols.  Mazao, fruits and vegetables represent the roots of the celebration as  a harvest ceremony. Mkeka, placemat, symbolizes the foundation of the holiday and the foundations of the African- American people. Kinara, the cardleholder, symbolizes the African-American ancestors.  (3 green candles, 3 red and one black candle) Muhindi, ears of corn, represent the number of children in the household. They symbolize continuity and potential as corn grows from corn and each ear has the potential within it of becoming a stalk, and, inturn, producing other ears. Kikombe Cha Umoja, communal cup of unity, symbolizes the unity of all people of African desent. It is used to pour Tambiko, the libation, to the four cardinal points in the honor of the ancestors and is passed among the celebrants of the holiday as a sign of solidarity. Zawadi, gifts, may be given throughout the holiday or on a particular night to celebrate a special victory with that principle. The gift(s) are given as rewards for promises kept, tasks accomplished, difficulties overcome, or progress made.