Sankofa: Bedfordshire's Black History Uncovered
“It is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.”
30th September - 25th February 2018
Connections Gallery, Free Entry
Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana it is based on a mythical bird and symbolizes this people’s quest for knowledge. To the Akan, it is this wisdom in learning from the past which ensures a strong future.
This exhibition will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in the UK and explore Bedfordshire’s own Black History through the inspirational people within the African and Caribbean community who have been instrumental in their leadership and achievements.
The origins of Black History Month go back to 1926, when Carter G Woodson, editor of a journal about black history established the African Caribbean celebrations in American celebrated in February. Black History Month was first celebrated in the United Kingdom in October 1987. It was organized through the leadership of Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who was a coordinator of special projects for the Greater London Council (GLC) and who felt that something had to be done here in the UK to permanently celebrate Africa’s contribution to world civilisation and to strengthen children’s sense of identity.