I was nine years old, standing in my Philadelphia home, the community’s tears of joy painting a vivid picture of hope and change that would shape my life's journey.My cohort has witnessed America’s journey from Jim Crow to calls for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The Wonder of Us is a collection of my reflections, experiences, and research on the formal and informal legal structures that have systematically denied the formerly enslaved and their descendants opportunities for social and economic self-sufficiency. Growing up during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, I witnessed the fervor and hope for a future of equality and justice. This personal experience and historical milestones have shaped my understanding and commitment to the spirit of Sankofa—a principle derived from the Akan people of Ghana. We must look back to our roots, traditions, and histories to move forward. Sankofa has been a guiding principle in my life and experiences. My family's migration to Philadelphia, PA, in the late 1940s, as part of the northern migration by southern Blacks, is a testament to seeking better opportunities while carrying forward the rich cultural heritage of our ancestors. As I matured, the spirit of Sankofa reminded me to reflect on the past, understand the systemic barriers and discrimination that persisted, and use that knowledge to advocate for change. The killing of George Floyd and other similar incidents underscored the enduring presence of systemic racism in the United States, reinforcing the need to draw lessons from history to address contemporary issues.Working in social services for over ¼ century, I got an up-close look at the problematic existence of under-resourced citizens, particularly African Americans. Although the country's racial climate has changed, I experienced firsthand how difficult it is to achieve meaningful change, leading to an inclusionary society that honors everyone regardless of circumstance. Commemorating milestones like the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington reminds us of the progress made and the work still needed. The spirit of Sankofa urges us to honor these historical achievements while recognizing the ongoing struggle for equity and inclusion.In today's political climate, where far-right ideologies threaten to undermine progress toward a diverse and inclusive society, Sankofa calls for embracing cultural and ethnic differences or their contributions to an inclusive culture. It is essential to critically examine and challenge societal norms that marginalize these contributions, especially when they don't align with the dominant white Christian standards. We can create a future where everyone feels respected, included, and empowered. Cultural and ethnic differences are embraced for their contributions to an inclusive society and rejected due to the lack of alignment with perceived white Christian standards. Through the spirit of Sankofa, we can forge a future where diversity is celebrated and every individual feels respected, included, and empowered. This calls for embracing cultural and ethnic differences and challenging norms marginalizing these contributions.Read more about this authorRead less about this author