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 core principles and possibilities of a system, challenging the status quo and envisioning a fundamentally different future.
• Constellations & Coalitions: The importance of intentional community building and collaborative networks for collective impact.

I. The Imperative of Reflection and Recommitment

The speaker frames the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States as a critical juncture demanding honest reflection and renewed commitment. Acknowledging the inherent contradictions within the nation’s history – its lofty ideals juxtaposed with its brutal realities of stolen land and labor – she emphasizes that the “poetry has not yet met the practice.” Despite this, a persistent longing for alignment between aspiration and reality fuels continued progress. She urges the audience, despite feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm, to recommit to shaping a future that fulfills America’s potential, stating, “the time for us to make that possibility real is right now.” This call to action is rooted in the Akan principle of Sancofa – learning from the past to inform a wiser future.

II. Historical Context and Systemic Examination

America’s story is characterized by both brilliance and brutality, a duality stemming from its founding on ideals of freedom built upon exploitation. The speaker stresses the necessity of a “thorough examination” of existing systems, mindsets, and relationships to identify and dismantle harmful patterns. This requires rigorous self-inquiry, asking difficult questions about individual and collective complicity in perpetuating harm. She cautions against simplistic categorization, advocating for nuanced understanding and recognizing that everyone, regardless of identity, can contribute to or perpetuate harm. The speaker highlights the persistent presence of “genius” within communities across the nation, emphasizing the need to unlock and leverage this untapped potential.

III. The Shift in Demographics and the Opportunity for Evolution

The speaker forecasts significant demographic shifts, specifically noting that by 2042, the United States will no longer have a single racial majority. Simultaneously, the nation is experiencing unprecedented age diversity, with six generations often coexisting within communities. This convergence of diversity – racial, ethnic, and generational – presents a unique opportunity for evolution. However, realizing this potential requires overcoming institutional barriers and ingrained habits that prioritize conformity over leveraging the strengths of diverse perspectives. She uses the example of differing technological comfort levels between generations (e.g., zooming vs. large font sizes) to illustrate the need for inclusive practices that value all contributions.

IV. Moving Beyond "Lazy Proxies" and Prioritizing Proximity

A central argument revolves around the detrimental impact of “lazy proxies” – reliance on superficial indicators of merit like educational pedigree or social connections – in evaluating leadership and potential. The speaker advocates for prioritizing “proximate leaders” – individuals deeply embedded within the communities they serve, possessing firsthand expertise and understanding. This approach, championed by New Profit, moves beyond mere representation and focuses on valuing lived experience. She emphasizes that overlooking the input of those closest to the challenges hinders genuine systemic change. Maintaining strong community ties is also crucial, distinguishing between one’s immediate circle and the broader community.

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

The speaker outlines three key tools for enabling an American evolution:

1. Accelerating Trust through Adjacent Action: Building trust through collaborative problem-solving and shared experiences, even with those initially perceived as different or unfamiliar.
2. Radical Imagination: Challenging the accepted narrative and envisioning a future rooted in core principles of justice and equity, as articulated by Toni Morrison: “Dream the world as it ought to be.” She clarifies that “radical” refers to getting to the root of a problem, not fringe ideologies.
3. Proximity and Partnership: Actively seeking out and valuing the contributions of diverse problem-solvers, particularly those operating outside mainstream power structures.

She also emphasizes the importance of constellations and coalitions – intentional community building and collaborative networks – as essential for sustained progress.

VI. The Power of "Like-Heartedness" and Collective Action

Drawing on the wisdom of a Samoan climate activist, Briana Fuin, the speaker introduces the concept of “like-heartedness” as a more valuable basis for collaboration than “like-mindedness.” Focusing on shared values and aspirations – a longing for a better future for oneself, family, and community – allows for flexibility in tactics and methodologies. She highlights the abundance of problem-solvers already working towards positive change, emphasizing that solutions are not found in news cycles but within communities.

VII. Conclusion: An Invitation to Participate in an American Evolution

The speaker concludes by acknowledging her own position as standing “on the shoulders of giants” and expressing confidence in the collective capacity to overcome current challenges. She reiterates that the choices made today will shape the narrative of the next milestone, urging the audience to actively participate in an “American evolution.” Despite the difficulties, she emphasizes the immense resources available and the potential for a transformative future, stating, “This is not a moment that is beyond us.”

Notable Quote:

“I don't work with people who are like-minded. I work with people who are like-hearted.” – Briana Fuin, Samoan climate activist.

“Dream the world as it ought to be. Don't let anybody, no matter what studies they've done, credentials they have, followers they claim, don't let anybody convince you that this is the way the world is and therefore must be.” – Toni Morrison.