The Sankofa Initiative: Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future Through Education
We are excited to invite you to contribute to an inspiring new project titled “The Sankofa Initiative.” In these challenging times, where education is under siege through the banning of books and the erasure of words from our dictionaries, we believe it is more important than ever to honor the wisdom of the past to inform and empower our future.
“The Sankofa Initiative” is a series of cards that will feature powerful quotes from historians, activists, and thought leaders, paired with personal narratives from storytellers, educators, activists, and advocates like you. These cards will serve as a beacon of knowledge, reflection, and hope, reinforcing the idea that understanding our past is essential to shaping a better future.
We seek personal narratives that reflect on the power of education, the significance of preserving our history, and the impact of learning in the face of adversity. We are particularly interested in stories that speak to:
- The importance of books and literature in your life.
- Experiences of overcoming educational challenges.
- Reflections on cultural heritage and its role in education.
- Responses to censorship and the erasure of knowledge.
- Stories of mentorship, teaching, and the transmission of wisdom across generations.
From the ashes of adversity kindles the flame of achievement
P.K. McCary’s love for storytelling and writing has been the driving force behind her work, a catalyst for the endeavors she now embarks on. By reclaiming control over narratives and creating stories that both enrich and inspire, P.K. has refined a business model rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to uplifting communities.
In 1983, she launched PK and Company, a marketing and public relations firm that served political organizations, small businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in communication, P.K. spent years honing her craft, partnering with others who shared her ethics and integrity. These collaborations were not just professional relationships but meaningful connections with individuals and businesses who believed in creating a better world together.
The strength of PK and Company’s philosophy lies in the creation of coalitions and partnerships that work collectively to share and sustain wealth within communities. Trust and respect are the cornerstones of these collaborations, enabling individuals to transcend barriers and deliver impactful results. Through coalition projects, PK and Company focuses on producing work that elevates public awareness and builds capacity for social change.
At the heart of this work is the recognition of the power of synergy among “like-minded” professionals—defined as creatives—who bring diverse talents to the table. These creatives span a multitude of genres, from storytelling and visual arts to music and design, leveraging their collective skills to address the inequities inherent in traditional systems of capitalism. Together, they create not just products but platforms that amplify voices, build bridges, and inspire action.
This vision ties seamlessly to the wisdom of the Sankofa philosophy: the importance of looking back to retrieve what has been forgotten or lost in order to move forward with purpose and strength. The inequities within capitalism and the systems that perpetuate them demand a return to principles of shared humanity, justice, and community-driven progress. P.K. and her work are a testament to the power of reclaiming these values and using them to dismantle idols of greed and division while building systems that honor integrity, equity, and hope.
In a world often divided by untruths and destructive ideologies, PK and Company embodies the belief that it is possible to create spaces where collaboration flourishes and narratives are reclaimed. Much like the golden calf of Exodus, the idols of modern times—racism, greed, and divisiveness—hold no true value. They distract from what truly matters: our shared responsibility to one another and the collective capacity to create a world that is not only equitable but abundant in opportunity for all.
By fostering empathy, trust, and creative collaboration, P.K. McCary’s work encourages us to tear down these false idols and rebuild a table with more seats—spaces that are inclusive, innovative, and deeply rooted in the principles of humanity and democracy. The flame kindled by adversity has become a guiding light for others, proving that by embracing the lessons of the past and working collectively in the present, we can shape a brighter, more just future.