Sankofa Spotlight
Illustration by Marisa McCarthy
Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana with a literal translation of “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind” — with the implication that the knowledge of the past must never be forgotten.
If it happened… If it was accomplished… It deserves to be told.
Inspired by the Sankofa principle, we spotlight the stories of well-known and unsung sheroes whose bodies were used for medical experiments without their consent. In addition, we assert and uplift the contributions of Black women in the medical, science, and health fields in this country. By keeping these stories alive, we honor our ancestral memory in order to connect the past to the present and focus the gaze of history on neglected truths.
Mahalia Jackson: An Amazing Legend of Grace and Strength
Throughout this year as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we will honor a series of remarkable women. For Women’s History Month, we find it fitting to start with civil rights activist, philanthropist, and queen of gospel, Mahalia Jackson.
Remembering Gwen Ifill
The Resilient Sisterhood Project is delighted about the recognition of the legacy of the much beloved Gwen Ifill by the US Postal Service. On January 30th, 2020 USPS unveiled the 43rd postage stamp in the Black Heritage Series, featuring Ifill. Gwen Ifill was born on September 29, 1955, in New York City. Growing up, her…