Ideology/Philosophy

  • Our ideology or philosophy reflects the fundamental ideas that inform the basis of our sorority. These concepts support and guide the educational programming and community service efforts of
    Malika Kambe Umfazi Sorority Incorporated.
     

    MKUAfrika

     
     
    AFRIKAN SORORALISM:
     
    “Afrikan Sororalism” conceptually embodies (a) the practices and rites developed throughout antiquity in Afrika, for the purpose of initiating young women into adulthood and (b) the knowledge and understanding of those practices and there purposes. Malika Kambe Umfazi Sorority, Inc. incorporates and employs this understanding of “Afrikan Sororalism” in the membership procedures of the organization through its Rites of Passage process.

    SANKOFA:
     
    The word SANKOFA is derived from the Akan people of modern-day Ghana and the Ivory Coast and is one of the many Adinkra symbols that were widely used at the beginning of the 19th century. It is translated from the Akan language, “se wo were fi na wo SANKOFA ayenkyi” which means “it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot.” This idea encourages us to learn from, and reclaim our past in order to have a prosperous future. SANKOFA teaches us that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. Additionally, this philosophy teaches that whatever we have lost or forgotten can be reclaimed and restored for the betterment of our people and the community. SANKOFA is the official motto of MKU Sorority, Inc.

     THE AFRIKAN-LATINO CONNECTION:
     
    We believe that all people are of "Afrikan descent" because the origin of human life and civilization emanated from the continent of Afrika. Throughout history “Black" and “Latino" people in particular have endured the same struggles for freedom as people of color in a biased society and suffered highly similar indignities and disenfranchisement. It is a well-documented historical fact that some “Hispanic”, "Latino “ and “Chicano” people have Afrikan ancestry specifically due to (a) relations formed by Afrikans and Indigenous People of the "Americas" hundreds of years before Columbus' voyages and (b) the tragedies of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Additionally, the Afrikan influence on pre- and post-colonial Spain cannot be ignored. We embrace our "Latino" sisters and affirm that we must work together to restore the knowledge of our bond for the benefit of our people and our communities.
     
    STOLEN LEGACY:
     
    Stolen Legacy is a concept brought to the forefront by historian George G.M. James. It articulates the idea that ancient Greek philosophy, upon which all European (western) societies base their culture, is stolen Afrikan intellectual property. Afrika as a continent and Kemet and Nubia (the original names of Egypt and Ethiopia respectively) in particular, are where the first language, religion, sciences, schools of thought, and agriculture were originated. Throughout time, with the manipulation and destruction of historic relics, books of knowledge, etc. by European invasion and usurpation, Afrika was exploited for its resources, intellectual materials, rituals and educational and spiritual practices. As a result, many people are ignorant of or deny that Afrika is the mother of civilization. Malika Kambe Umfazi Sorority, Inc. perpetuates the re-discovery and reclamation of Afrikan contributions to the world. We accept the task of exposing and reclaiming the Stolen Legacy-the wisdom of our ancestors.