Sankofa and the American Evolution: Going Back to Move Forward | Tulaine Montgomery | TEDxBoston

Sancofa: Recommitting to an American Evolution

Key Concepts:

• Sancofa: An Akan (Ghanaian) proverb and principle meaning “go back and get it,” emphasizing learning from the past to build a better future.
• Proximate Leaders: Individuals deeply immersed in and possessing expertise within the communities they serve, prioritizing lived experience over traditional credentials.
• Lazy Proxies: Reliance on superficial indicators of merit (e.g., school attended, family connections) instead of genuine expertise and impact.
• Adjacent Action: Building trust through collaborative problem-solving and shared endeavors.
• Radical Imagination: Returning to the root of systems and envisioning a world as it ought to be, challenging the status quo.
• Constellations & Coalitions: The importance of community building and collaborative networks for driving change.

I. The Imperative of Reflection and Recommitment

The speaker begins by framing the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States as a moment for critical reflection, not uncritical celebration. Acknowledging the “complex feelings” shared by many (demonstrated by a show of hands from the audience), she highlights the inherent contradictions within the American narrative – bold aspirations juxtaposed with historical injustices. Despite these contradictions, a persistent longing for alignment between “poetry and practice” fuels continued efforts toward a more just and equitable nation. She emphasizes that the time to realize this potential is now, urging the audience to recommit despite feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm. The central question posed is: what do we want America to become and how must our systems and relationships evolve to achieve that vision?

II. A History of Contradictions & the Need for Rigorous Examination

America’s story is characterized as “brilliant and brutal, beautiful and deeply broken,” founded on ideals of freedom yet built on “stolen land with stolen labor.” This historical tension is not a relic of the past but a present reality. The speaker stresses the necessity of a “thorough examination” of systems, mindsets, and relationships, demanding “rigorous inquiry” into how individuals and leaders perpetuate harm, even unintentionally. She cautions against simplistic categorization, advocating for nuanced understanding and recognizing the complexity of human motivations. The speaker emphasizes that everyone, regardless of identity, has the potential to perpetuate harm and must actively investigate their own complicity.

III. The Power of Proximate Leadership & Dismantling Lazy Proxies

A key argument centers on the importance of elevating “proximate leaders” – those deeply embedded within the communities they aim to serve. This is distinguished from mere “representation” or identity politics; it’s about valuing lived experience and expertise. The speaker critiques the prevalent use of “lazy proxies” – relying on superficial indicators like educational pedigree or social connections – as barriers to genuine progress. She argues that dismantling these proxies is crucial for accessing the “abundance of genius” present in communities across the nation, citing Martha’s Vineyard as just one example of many “magical places” brimming with untapped potential. Confusing one’s immediate circle with the broader community is cautioned against.

IV. Demographic Shifts & the Opportunity of Diversity

The speaker highlights two significant demographic trends shaping the future: the projected absence of a single racial majority by 2042 and the unprecedented age diversity within communities, with six generations often coexisting. These shifts, while potentially challenging, are presented as a source of immense opportunity. She acknowledges the potential for intergenerational friction (illustrated with the example of differing comfort levels with technology) but argues that institutions must be built to leverage this diversity, rather than attempting to “fix” it. The convergence of racial, ethnic, and age diversity represents a unique moment to draw upon a wider range of perspectives, resources, and insights.

V. Tools for Recommitment: Trust, Partnership, and Imagination

To facilitate this “American evolution,” the speaker proposes three key tools:

1. Accelerate Trust through Adjacent Action: Building trust not through shared beliefs (“like-mindedness”) but through collaborative action and shared goals (“like-heartedness”). This involves working with individuals who may initially seem unfamiliar or even unsafe.
2. Proximity and Partnership: Actively seeking out and valuing the contributions of proximate leaders and problem solvers, moving beyond traditional power structures and resource allocation methods. She references the work of New Profit, an organization connecting with hundreds of such individuals.
3. Radical Imagination: Embracing a vision of the world as it ought to be, challenging the notion that the current state of affairs is immutable. She quotes Tony Morrison: “Dream the world as it ought to be. Don't let anybody convince you.” The speaker clarifies that “radical” refers to getting to the root of a problem, not to fringe ideologies.

VI. The Importance of Community & Constellations

The speaker emphasizes the vital role of “constellations and coalitions” – building strong communities and collaborative networks. She cautions against postponing community engagement until goals are achieved, arguing that community is essential for sustaining the work itself, providing “medicine” and “lifeblood.”

VII. Conclusion: A Call to Action

The speaker concludes by acknowledging her own position as standing “on the shoulders of giants” and expressing confidence in the collective capacity to address the challenges ahead. She reiterates that the choices made now will shape the narrative of the next milestone, urging the audience to join her in an “American evolution.” Despite the difficulties, she emphasizes the abundance of resources and the potential for positive change, asserting that the future is not beyond our reach.

Notable Quotes:

• “Listen, it is not sentimental to go back for what you left behind.” – Akan Proverb (Sancofa)
• “Dream the world as it ought to be. Don't let anybody convince you.” – Tony Morrison
• “I don't work with people who are like-minded. I work with people who are like-hearted.” – Briana Fuin (Samoan climate activist)

Data/Statistics:

• Projection that the United States will have no single racial majority by 2042.

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