WISE - FAQ

The Sankofa is a mythical bird that flies forward with its head turned backwards, symbolizing that the wisdom from the past serves as a guide for planning the future.

Charter schools are tuition-free independent schools, designed and operated by educators, parents, community leaders and educational entrepreneurs. They are sponsored by organizations that monitor their quality and integrity, but allow them to operate free from the bureaucracies and red tape that commonly bound traditional public schools.

The Nguzo Saba is the seven African principles of Kwanzaa that embody the high moral values by which we strive to live. They are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

Dr. Carter G. Woodson was a renowned African American historian, author and journalist. He is most well known for founding the Association for the Study of Afro American Life and History in 1915, which was intended to promote and preserve the history and culture of African Americans. Through this organization Woodson founded "Negro History Week" in 1926. Later the week was expanded so that every February be known as National Black History Month. To this day his visionary efforts continue to bring awareness to the contributions and achievements of African Americans worldwide. Woodson died in 1950.

Interesting Fact: The original Negro History Week was scheduled to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.