OUR ROOTS
our SYMBOL.
Sankofa. (SAHN-koh-fah)
“The term 'Sankofa' literally translates to 'go back and fetch it' originating from the Akan people of Ghana.
It is a profound concept that has been influencing African American culture, identity, and philosophy for centuries.
This concept is beautifully illustrated by the Sankofa bird, a mythical creature that flies forward while looking backward. The bird symbolizes the importance and is rooted in the idea that one cannot move forward without understanding and appreciating their past.
Sankofa encourages individuals to embrace their history and cultural heritage and by understanding the struggles and achievements of their ancestors, they can gain valuable insights into their own identity and develop a stronger sense of belonging, shared purpose and their place in the world.
Ultimately, the Sankofa philosophy leads to stronger, more resilient communities, the preservation of cultural traditions + practices while embracing the future with confidence and understanding.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
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OUR PHILOSOPHY 〰️
source: numberanalytics.com/blog/the-sankofa-philosophy
our WHY.
Black in the Gorge formed in 2021 in response to concerns of isolation and loneliness among Black youth initially. One young person shared, “I feel like I am living in a fishbowl”. Black/African, Black bi-racial and multi-racial youth and families make up a small piece of the demographic pie in the Columbia River Gorge. But, WE ARE HERE!
The 2022 census data indicates that Hood River County has 6% Black/African-American, Wasco County at .1% and across the river in Klickitat County, it is .7%. The number of bi-racial people is not broken out, but we know that this number is also very small.
Because of these small numbers, youth and adults alike, our goals became:
REDUCE isolation by creating a group for Black and Black biracial youth and their families to connect with each other and form friendships.
CREATE social and educational opportunities as identified by the group.
FACILITATE activities for youth to engage with Black, Black biracial and Black multiracial role models.
OFFER opportunities to build bridges of cross-cultural connection.
This not only vitally important to our Black community, but ultimately, to our community AS A WHOLE!
Also, in conversation, several of us shared that growing up, we were always taught that if you get ahead you must “reach back and lift someone else up”. So, as our group began to raise money and support, we realized that part of our purpose should be to help lift others up. And so, we establised the first scholarship for Gorge residents who self-identify as Black/African American, Black bi-racial or Black multi-racial. We proudly call it the “B.I.G. Scholarship Fund”.
our CONNECTIONS.
EMPOWER. CREATE. CELEBRATE. LEARN. SUPPORT. EXPLORE. HONOR.
our STORIES.
WATCH two of our founding members, Evelyn and Linda tell their stories with the theme being “ROOTS” at The Gorge Speakeasy! B.I.G. was also the featured charity of the night!
