Our Story
our vision, our journey.
The "Back to the Future" project was created because we believe that, in order to build a better future, we sometimes need to revisit the past. African culture teaches us this valuable lesson. The Ghanaian word "Sankofa" means "go back and retrieve it." The Sankofa bird symbolizes the importance of learning from the past to inform the future. This is why the Sankofa bird is depicted as turning back while carrying an egg, which represents past teachings for the future. The egg symbolizes the future, while the bird represents the past.
The birth of the back to the future project. The "Back to the Future" project was created during my time working with my business partner, Shireen, at Universal Tree. We firmly believe in the importance of paying homage to our roots and heritage. Both of us have a deep passion for travel and history; Shireen, being a teacher, brought a unique perspective to our discussions. We decided to combine the three elements we cherish travel, education, and cultural appreciation to make a meaningful difference in our community. However, the journey was not without its challenges. At times, we struggled to secure funding for our initiatives, which often required us to juggle two or three jobs throughout the year to keep our vision alive. One of our core slogans was "This is more than a holiday," as we found that, initially, many people failed to grasp the true essence of our mission. Much like the documentaries featured on the BBC that explore various cultures and countries, our goal was to educate and inspire change. Despite the financial hurdles, we remained steadfast in our commitment to our mission, often sacrificing our own lifestyles to pursue it. We believed that the cause was far more significant than our individual comforts, and we held onto the hope that, one day, people would understand the importance of what we were trying to achieve. Emotionally, the journey was both rewarding and taxing, as we navigated historical complexities and financial constraints. Yet, we knew it was vital to teach the youth that Black history is, in fact, world history. It did not begin or end with slavery; it is rich and multifaceted, encompassing countless contributions and stories that deserve to be told. Inspired by the footprints of our ancestors, the "Back to the Future" project was born, aiming to illuminate the past while paving the way for a brighter future. Through our efforts, we hope to empower others to recognize the significance of their heritage and to understand that learning from history is essential for creating a more inclusive and informed society.
Our Mission
Our Mission Our mission is to teach the world, including Africans and the children of the African diaspora, about the Black history that is often not included in traditional school curricula. We aim to highlight the global connections of Africa and its descendants, showcasing the significant contributions they have made throughout history from great empires and civilizations to cultural traditions, inventions, activism, and the legacies of kings, queens, and warriors, as well as music, culture, and artwork. Knowing your true history should always give you a sense of pride and identity, along with a moral compass that guides your actions and decisions.
Our Mission Our mission is to travel the world, exploring Black history, culture, identity, and traditions. We aim to educate others by creating what I like to call visual learning videos, showcasing the incredible contributions that Black people have made to history, culture, and society as we know it today and from the past. We understand that learning can be challenging for some, so we strive to teach history in a new way that is inclusive for all, including individuals with learning disabilities. Our visual learning videos provide an engaging experience where viewers can not only read but also see the steps that bring history to life. We also seek to dispel negative stereotypes and false narratives, teaching the true history, culture, identity, and traditions that deserve recognition. We want to instill pride in our heritage, embracing the sentiment expressed in the Jamaican crest: "Out of many, we are one people." This includes Africans, Caribbean individuals, South Americans, and all descendants of the African diaspora. We recognize that not everyone can embark on these journeys due to their expense, but our goal is to make you feel a step closer to the history you’re learning about through our visual learning videos. By learning from the past, we can build a better future. This is why the Back to the Future project is essential. By understanding our truth, we can inspire positive change and foster a history that we can all be proud of. Our mission is to connect our people through history and inspire meaningful transformation.
Empower
Growth
Vision
.My vision is to travel the world, researching Black history, culture, traditions, and identity. I aim to create materials that we can all learn from, inspiring future generations to be the best versions of themselves while learning from the past.
Our Vision Our vision is to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to inspire meaningful change and foster a sense of pride and belonging among Black people and people of color. We aim to challenge and dismantle the negative stereotypes that have long been perpetuated in society, recognizing that our identities are rich, diverse, and multifaceted. We envision a future characterized by true equality and diversity, where the lingering effects of colonialism are acknowledged and addressed. The historical erasure of our identities and histories must be confronted and reclaimed. By understanding our past, we can empower ourselves and future generations to embrace their heritage with confidence. Knowing our history goes beyond simply wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the names of influential figures like Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., or Bob Marley. It’s about embodying the lifestyle and culture that these leaders represented. This is why culture is essential; it informs our actions and helps us learn from the past. As we pick up the torch of knowledge and resilience, we embrace the principle of "each one teach one," passing down wisdom and experience to uplift our communities. Our commitment to education is at the forefront of our mission. We believe that through comprehensive and inclusive education, we can combat racism, oppression, colonialism, and discrimination. This education will not only inform our communities but also build bridges with others who share our vision for a more equitable world. To achieve our goals, we seek to collaborate with like minded individuals, projects, and organizations that share our commitment to social justice. Together, we can create more opportunities for our communities whether through job training, mentorship programs, or community development initiatives. By fostering unity and collaboration among our people, we can amplify our voices and drive impactful change. We also envision transforming the historical routes that once served as pathways for oppression such as the Middle Passage, or triangular trade route into educational and cultural centers that celebrate our history and contributions. These centers will serve as reminders of our resilience and strength, turning painful reminders of the past into powerful tools for unity and empowerment. Ultimately, our vision is to turn the very routes that once tore us apart into avenues for connection and opportunity, allowing us to build a brighter and more equitable future together.
