Ishangi

sankofa african temple, inc. executive director

Akua N. Ishangi, Executive Director of Sankofa African Temple, Inc., is an educator, folklorist, performing artist, and entrepreneur. Since 1971 she has toured with the Ishangi Family Dancers as one of its’ primary dancers while also serving as the company’s administrator and business manager. Her expertise garnered two grants from Arts International enabling the dance company to perform at the PANAFEST celebration in Ghana, and at the Roots Homecoming festival in the Gambia, West Africa. The company has traveled extensively in Africa, the Caribbean, North and South America, and has received international acclaim for its artistry and professionalism.

Her economic development projects include:

1. a water purifying operation in Nima, Accra Ghana
2. a computer center in La, Accra Ghana teaching computer literacy and skills
3. and a quilt making cottage industry with the women of Tanji, the Gambia

Akua Nyamekye Ishangi believes that culture and tradition give us identity and direction, and as the Executive Director of Sankofa African Temple, Inc., she is one of the primary developers of the Memorial Hall and Ancestral Gardens at Ishangi Kunda, as conceptualized by Baba Kwame Ishangi. This project is envisioned as a harbor for the safekeeping of our precious histories, guarding our cultural legacies and reaffirming our ancestral and present-day accomplishments.

The Memorial Hall and Ancestral Gardens are envisioned as a global site of cultural and social memory.  It is to be comprised as a mix of centers, dedicated to museum quality exhibitions, spiritual worship, meditation, contemplation and learning.  Akua Ishangi is joined in this undertaking by a collaboration of community, cultural and business organizations as well as private donors to ensure it's success.

Mrs. Ishangi is curator of three major African art exhibitions:  “Africa’s Living Arts: the Ishangi Journey,” presented in 2004; “Africa’s Living Arts: the Spirit of the Masquerade,” presented in 2007; and "Africa's Living Arts: Textiles - Silent Oratory" exhibited at the Ritz Theater & La Villa Museum in Jacksonville, Florida, February 8, 2009 - September 30, 2009; and lectures on contemporary African life and culture in schools, museums and cultural institutions throughout the United States. The Ishangi collection includes over five hundred pieces of traditional African art including sculptures, textiles, carvings, masquerades, household items, musical instruments, and ritual implements.

akua n. ishangi - Curator