In the ancient Afrikan wisdom system the planting of cultural seeds in knowledge, bears the proverbial fruits of wisdom. In Afrikan culture, seeds have historically been used as a metaphor for regeneration, birth, growth, new beginnings, planting, development and the bringing forth of new life. The seeds of Afrikan humanity were planted deeply into the ancestry that produced Afrikan American cultural traditions and expressions. In established farming traditions, a seed must be planted deeply into fertile ground to take proper root. In absence of the soil being properly prepared, tilled, fertilized, watered and nurtured the seed will not take firm root, be able to break ground and reach its seed potential. Actually, the seed is a wonderful analogy for the Nguzo Saba Principles. The seed must first of all have Umoja (unity), a mixture of the proper ingredients in sun, water, earth, shade and care to be able to grow. Next the seed must have Kujichagulia (self determination), after being planted to direct itself beneath the ground with the determination to break ground and move toward the light. Then the seed needs Ujima (collective work and responsibility), by all forces united and working as stakeholders to assure the final bearing of good fruits. For the Village the seed is Ujamaa (cooperative economic), once harvested giving profits back into the social community network. The seed definitely needs Nia (purpose), to move through the different passageways of growth necessary for reaching its seed destiny or living potential. The seed certainly has Kuumba (creativity), in every detail of moves, spirals, expanding twists and stretching forth in an attempt to reach maturity above the earth. And finally, the seed represents Imani (faith), that the Village has in the sustenance that the seed will bring as an abundant crop to the community. It is not coincidental that the ancient Afrikan wisdom system used the symbolism of the Sankofa Bird, holding a seed in its mouth as a connection of the past, to the present and future. Among the many traditional Afrikan celebrations, such as Kwanzaa the planting and harvesting of the “first fruits” was essential to the life of the community and culture. At the Afrikan Centered Education Collegium Campus, our scholars represent the potential seeds of a bountiful and healthy harvest. Our professors like the farmer must prepare the right ingredients to assure healthy and abundant first fruits. Just as the great and mighty Baobab Tree starts out as a seed and grows to become the living example of hundreds of years of collective wisdom. We want our good work to be planted in good soil, grow to maturity with strong healthy roots representing the collective excellence of who we are as a people. So, that no matter how strong the contemporary educational winds blow and how much mis-educational turbulence is in the air. We just as the mighty Baobab Tree stands tall, may bend and bow, but never break.
About Me
- Baba Bullard
- Baba Kevin Bullard serves as the Executive Director for the Afrikan Centered Education Collegium Campus, an independent Pre K-12th grade public contract school situated in a multiplex of three building on a unified 40 acre campus. Baba Bullard has authored and conducted professional development in Afrikan Centered curriculum and design, culturally relevant strategies and approaches, educational leadership, Afrikan Centered learning assessments, human relations, teacher training, and Afrikan centered pedagogy. His current project involves developing an accreditation, credentialing and licensure process for teachers and institutions demonstrating excellence in Afrikan Centered Education practices. His other interests include social, ethnic and cultural research areas that relate to human development, child development, urban educational school reform and transformational systems. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D in Educational Administration through the University of Missouri, Kansas City’s Division of Urban Leadership and Policy Studies in Education.
