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Categories: commentary,
By Hazel Rosetta Smith
January, the first month of the new year has passed on. The celebratory crystal ball dropped on Times Square announcing 2024. We made resolutions again to make changes and plans of completion of projects too long on hold.
Then oops, the demons of doubt came along saying we have taken on more than we can chew. The best of our heartfelt plans got shredded and minor changes were activated. Unfortunately, that is how too many of us roll. Starting out enthusiastic, full of determination and too soon giving up on what was a possibility for change. The motivation and energy to “do the work” feels far-fetched.
Sankofa is a word in the Twi language of Ghana that translates to “Go back and get it.” The word has also been adopted as an important symbol in an African-American and African Diaspora context to represent the need to reflect on the past.
The Sankofa bird with its head turned backward is a part of the Asante Adinkra symbols used by the Akan people of Ghana to symbolize taking from the past and bringing it into the present to make positive progress to build a successful future.
Step back and revisit those resolutions from prior years; anything worth doing necessitates time, fortitude, and serious study. Not even God gives us what we want when we want it, and He is in the miracle business.
Resolutions do not have to be focused on changes. Before you decide to take on something new or even something that you wanted to achieve and did not, do the research, and do not give up until you have checked all avenues. Give respect to what you have done and take pride in yourself.
I remember my sorrowful thoughts when COVID-19 came along. New York was mandated to shut down and stay in. Loss of life and loved ones was on every mind. Loss of work was traumatic. I was contracted for performances of my plays and excited to be and bring a blessing to those audiences. Within a few days, those contracts were undoable pieces of paper and returned deposits were requested, rightfully so. It was natural to feel devastated and ask how long, Lord, how long?
I spent my shut-in days thinking back in prayer and meditation on all that God had done for me and brought me through. I discovered that if I concentrated on positive thinking and refused to wallow in the throes of negativity, my faith would carry me through and all would be well in God’s time.
Three years later, I am rejoicing that the Greater Hood AME Zion Church in Harlem is bringing back my play THE FLIP SIDE OF THE COIN-THE BROTHERS SPEAK! on February 17, 2024. Like the Sankofa bird, I am looking back and bringing forward what I have done that can help somebody. Remember what you have in your hand.
[Hazel Rosetta Smith is a journalist, playwright, and artistic director for HSTM-Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries. Contacts: misshazel@twc.com and online www.hazelrosettasmith.com]
