We originally thought of naming the project with a variation of the Bantu word Ubuntu, which means "I am because we are". Unfortunately, there are too many copyright issues relating to the Linux operating system of the same name. We are grateful that this impediment existed because it led us to brainstorm further and eventually select a word based on the Adinkra symbol "Sankofa". We added an "i" on the end to incorporate AI into the name. Originating from the Akan people of Ghana, the Sankofa symbol is often depicted as a mythical bird with its head turned backward and taking an egg from its back. The symbol embodies the idea of looking to the past to gain wisdom and knowledge that can be used to build a better future. We feel that this is a perfect metaphor for The SankofAI Project.

"Vision without action is only dreaming, action without vision is only passing time, vision with action can change the world." Nelson Mandela

Even when we achieve our ambitious goal to build NIASET, a super Pan-African dataset that is representative, accurate and inclusive for all Africans, our work will not be finished. There is currently a massive demographic shift happening in Africa as people move from rural areas to large urban centers in search of opportunity. Millions are now living in slums and informal settlements without electricity, clean water and protection against rampant crime. Food insecurity and poverty are endemic. Yet despite these challenges, music and art flourish amidst the squalor; often the only antidote to desperation. Elements of traditional culture morph into dynamic, modern expressions of street art, fashion, dance and sound. We have seen this in Soweto (South Africa), in the Bariga slums of Lagos, Nigeria and in countless other urban centers. Magnificent explosions of color and creativity. We are truly witnessing Africa's Renaissance. A rebirth conceived in struggle and suffering.

Many of the wonderful customs of the Himba, Surma and other endangered peoples of Africa will sadly disappear with time. Fortunately, they will live on in NIASET and inspire new artistic expressions. They will be proud, dynamic and determined to claim Africa's place in the modern world. Our task will not be complete if our project fails to provide sustainable tools and infrastructure to ensure that these developing hybrid cultures will be equally represented in NIASET and in future AI models. How many Basquiats or Picassos are being forged in the urban angst of the new Africa? We can't wait to find them.

We are looking for photographers, regional team leaders, digital archivists, and data annotators to join as volunteers when The SankofAI Project begins operations in Africa in 2026. If you want to be part of our effort to ensure that African tribes and traditions are accurately and ethically represented in AI models, just click on the link below and fill out the form. We'll keep you updated on our progress and any volunteer opportunities as we become operational.