This Side of Home

The sankofa is an Adinkra symbol from Ghana that represents learning from the past to improve the present. Adrinkra represent traditional pieces of wisdom. For example, the sankofa means “return and get it” (262). Watson introduces the symbol in Chapter 15 when Maya purchases “a necklace that has a bird with its head turned backward, taking an egg off its back” as a demonstration of solidarity with the only Black vendor at the event on Jackson Avenue (66). In Chapter 62, Mr. Washington teaches Maya that the symbol is “no ordinary bird” (262). This information comes from him because he offers the protagonist lessons about Portland’s history.

Maya applies the lesson of the sankofa by learning her city’s history, finding allies, and building community. For example, Maya reflects on Tony’s initial reluctance to engage with coursework about the civil rights movement and the injustices Black Americans faced: “I know how I felt always being portrayed as the victim. I’m sure being seen as the perpetrator feels just as awful” (213). Learning about historical white allies reminds Maya that she and Tony aren’t relegated to these damaging roles and helps her gain the confidence she needs to be open about their relationship.