Ledonia Wright Cultural Center names art gallery Sankofa

The Ledonia Wright Cultural Center’s art gallery in the Main Campus Student Center has been named Sankofa. (Photo by Cliff Hollis)

The Ledonia Wright Cultural Center (LWCC) in East Carolina University’s Main Campus Student Center is celebrating the naming of its art gallery. In June, the art gallery was named Sankofa, a Ghanaian term of the Akan people.

The word Sankofa loosely means to “retrieve,” but the literal translation means “go back and get.” Sankofa, pronounced San-ko-fa, is often associated with the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi,” or “Sankofa w’onkyir,” which translates as “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.”

“The art gallery name is intended to recognize the importance of reaching back into ancient history for traditions and customs that have been left behind, and the need to reflect on the past to build a successful future,” said Shaun Simon, associate director of intercultural affairs and director of the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center. “The gallery will continue to showcase cultural art and prioritize artists from eastern North Carolina.”

The Sankofa symbol aligns with the mission of the center to provide experiences for ECU students to become confident, globally aware citizens. The gallery’s naming reaffirms the center’s commitment to help create a more culturally aware and responsible campus community, Simon said.

The gallery has hosted several exhibits since the student center opened in 2019.

For more information or to discuss art display and showing opportunities, contact Simon at simons18@ecu.edu or 252-328-6495.