Description
In this evocative clip from the BRCSJ Power Hour, author Kwame Mbalia joins Robt Seda-Schreiber to explore the profound symbolism of ancestral objects. Mbalia presents a large, hand-carved walking stick topped with a Sankofa bird-a West African Adinkra symbol. He explains that the literal translation of Sankofa is "it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot," a concept he integrates into his storytelling to bridge the gap between historical trauma and future glory. For Mbalia, the staff is not merely a prop but a "writing necessity" that allows him to lean on the collective wisdom and strength of those who came before him.
Seda-Schreiber complements this by presenting a historical staff once belonging to Bayard Rustin, gifted to him by the people of Zimbabwe during his mission to support free and fair elections. The exchange between the two men highlights a shared "wizardly" appreciation for how material objects can embody the responsibility of passing on power to the next generation. By holding these staves, they signify a connection to a long lineage of activists and thinkers, from the 19th-century struggle against slavery to the modern fight for social justice, suggesting that our current power is amplified by every generation standing behind us.
Historical Context
The use of the staff as a symbol of authority and wisdom is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Black Diaspora, where oral histories and physical talismans often served as the primary means of cultural preservation. The Sankofa symbol, originating from the Akan people of Ghana, became a central motif for African American scholars and activists in the late 20th century as a way to reclaim a history that had been systematically erased by colonialism and Jim Crow. This intellectual movement sought to "go back and fetch" ancestral identities to build a more resilient and self-determined future.
Bayard Rustin’s own "walking stick," gifted by the Zimbabwean people, serves as a testament to his internationalist vision and the global reach of his advocacy. Rustin was a firm believer in the interconnection of all struggles for freedom, and his work in Africa reflected his commitment to democratic principles beyond the borders of the United States. By discussing Mbalia’s contemporary staff alongside Rustin’s historical artifact, this conversation underscores the BRCSJ’s mission to treat history as a living, breathing force. It affirms that the "intersectional" and "intergenerational" work of today is supported by the same staves that held up the giants of the past.
Mbalia, Kwame. "Interview with Robt Seda-Schreiber." BRCSJ Power Hour, Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, 2021.
