“Armed with a knowledge of our past,
we can with confidence
charter a course for our future.”
- Malcolm X
Sankofa(sang-ko-fah) is an Akan (Ghana & Ivory Coast) term that literally means, "To go back and get it." One of the symbols for Sankofa (above right) depicts a mythical bird moving forward, but with its head turned backward. The egg in its mouth represents the "gems" or knowledge of the past upon which wisdom is based; it also signifies the generation to come that would benefit from that wisdom. It is hoped that this information will inspire Penn State students, staff, and alumni to learn from and build on the efforts of those who came before them.
Source: Center for Teaching & learning - www.ctl.du.edu
INTRODUCTION
With the belief that the sharing of almost 110 years of the rich contributions, struggles, and successes of African American Penn Staters could help inspire and empower students and staff, as well as to reconnect African American alumni to the University, I undertook the process of compiling a “brief” historical timeline. That “brief” timeline, with the encouragement and help of Penn State staff, family, friends, alumni, and others, became the “Penn State University African American Chronicles,” the first comprehensive account of the African American experience at Penn State.
In this journey I learned that, despite relatively small numbers, African Americans have been an important part of the Penn State fabric. Accomplishments by African American students, faculty, staff and alumni have helped to shape Penn State’s national reputation as a world class institute of learning.
After better understanding our legacy at the University, African American students, alumni, faculty and staff can say with even more confidence that…
WE ARE … PENN STATE!
Darryl B. Daisey
Class of 1983