On the Backbone of a Village Circle

A circle is a symbol which represents a union when individuals come together in a spirit of unity and solidarity.  Our communities, our villages, our families serve as fabric which holds the circle together. It is their strong faith in GOD’S Power, Love, Strength, and Protection which feeds the circle and keeps it strong enabling each of us to endure hardships.  We widen the circle out of our compassion to embrace all, who like us, seek to be the change we want to see in our lives and in our communities.

In a moment of need, we collectively lean upon the power, love, strength and protection of the circle.  We bring the circle close and pull from our cultural heritage to heal the sick, protect our families, and preserve our communities.  Such a tradition is a product of our past, as sons and daughters of mother Africa, we are the people from the door who have continued making a way out of no way .  As our ancestors knew, and as we know now, survival cannot happen in the absence of the power, love, strength and protection of a village circle united in the spirit of unity and solidarity. 

On April 28, 2008, the Harris family called upon the village circle to protect, and support the exoneration of their son, Ravaughn.  An aspiring business major, Ravaughn was preparing for his final year at Tennessee State University when he was arrested and accused of an offense that he did not commit.  As word spread, the village cry was resounding and families, friends, and those unknown to us united and strengthened our circle.  The village circle now extends coast-to-coast, and around the world.  We are all working overtime to keep Ravaughn and his family strong and make sure that he will get that chance to realize his dream.

The village circle in an act of Sankofa "Reaching Back to Move Forward" have borrowed from our deep cultural well-spring of the Akan People of Ghana and adopted five Adinkra Symbols to serve as their "backbone" as we unite and collectively work to help Ravaughn, the Harris Family and the community to persevere by  remaining  prayerful, positive, and patient  during this challenging process.

 

 

Gye Nyame		Representing ‘God's Awesome Power’
Akoma		Representing the ‘Love’ which we must have and imbue within our children's Spirit
Wawa Aba		Representing the ‘Strength’ needed to persevere
Fihankra		Representing ‘Protection’, or what we must do to provide safety and    security for our children, protecting them from hurt and harm
Nkyinkyim		Representing ones ability to ‘Adapt’ and withstand hardships