Creative Artistic Expression
Ananse Ntentan (Ananse Ntontan)
Spider’s web. A symbol of wisdom, craftiness, creativity, and the complexities of life. It is the web of Ananse, the crafty spider who is preeminent in African folklore.
Student: Ja’Kyah Vaughns
Living Legend: Baba Assane Konte
Entrepreneur
Menso Wo Kenten
I am not carrying your basket. A symbol of industry, self-reliance, and economic self-determination.
Student: Tashi Cooper
Living Legend: Anwar Saleem
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
Asase Ye Duru
The earth has weight. A symbol of providence and the divinity of Mother Earth.
Student: Abrefi Agyemang
Living Legend: Dr. Ama Tyus
Research & Scholarship
Sankofa
Go back and get it! A symbol for the wisdom of learning from the past to build for the future. From the Akan proverb, “Se wo were firi na wosan kofa a, yenkyiri,” meaning, “It is not taboo to go back for what you forgot (or left behind).”
Student: Maasiai Si-Asar Apet
Living Legend: Judge Rohoulamin Quander
Leadership
Adinkrahene
King of the Adinkra symbols. A symbol for authority, leadership, and charisma. Also a symbol for qualities associated with kings. Adinkrahene is reportedly the inspiration for the design of the other symbols.
Student: Nicari Godoy
Living Legend: Corey Griffin
The Nailah Penic (ABEN) Resiliency Award
Aya
Fern. A symbol of endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance, and resourcefulness.
Kimathi Walker
Lifetime STEM Award
Asase Ye Duru
The earth has weight. A symbol of providence and the divinity of Mother Earth.
Dr. Valerie Thomas
Douglas Wilder Excellence in Public Service Award
Akoben
War horn. A symbol of a call to action, readiness to be called to action, readiness, and voluntarism.
Nia Lacy
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