Robert E. Lee should be changed to Sankofa High School, because it is a name that allows representation for everyone. The schools motto would be Leading, Excelling, and Educating as a representation and acronym for how the school would be moving forward. The school would still be allowed to use the name LEE, but for future references as an acronym and something that represents the voices of the student body. The word Sankofa means to go back and understand your history so you aren’t bound to repeat it. It would be a perfect fit for a name change, because it does not celebrate one person in history. It is universal and should be understood to remember every part of our history.

Albert Einstein left society with his wisdom to learn and grow from being quoted, saying, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” The word Sankofa originates from the Akan Africans. It represents a bird twisting its neck back, grabbing an egg in its mouth as a representation of reaching back into the past before we can move forward. Sometimes in order to fly, we must remember we have wings and believe they are capable enough to do so. Robert E. Lee is capable and due for a name change. Robert E. Lee High School is named after a confederate and controversial past. A past full of racial injustice and inequality is what we’re moving away from and into a future of peace and equality for everyone. Moving forward we must always remember to learn and grow from the history that molds who we are today. I declare the name Sankofa as a new proclamation of change, being the true symbol of liberty and justice for all.

Furthermore, the name Sankofa is in accordance with the district’s name change policy and is not named after any living or deceased person. It also does not conflict with any other school. It is supported by the students of Lee since there is currently a Sankofa club, which was founded by me with the help of three other girls at Lee (Tiah Jacobs, Shacoria Davis, and Amiah Williams) and our Sponsors (Mr. Benyard and Assistant Principal Skipper) earlier this school year. It has provided volunteer opportunities, annual educational performances, and supported voter registration sign-ups at the school. Leaders in the club have spoken at several community events as panelists on political and social issues outside of Lee. Also, Sankofa has been responsible for teaching history and educating the student body at Lee with inclusiveness to all backgrounds. Please sign the petition in support of this name change.