What’s In a Name?
Line of Sight (2017) by Fahamu Pecou
“Do you know what your name means?” my father asked.
The question surprised me. Since kindergarten, having a name like Fahamu Pecou made me a target for jokes and ridicule. My friends had names like James, Quincy, Keion, and Norman. When my peers weren’t teasing me, teachers stumbled and fumbled over pronouncing my name- if they tried. I hated my name. I was seven years old when my father asked me that fateful question. I was secretly plotting to change my name to Gary Absent by then. ‘Gary’ after my favorite tv star Gary Coleman, and ‘Absent’ because I figured it would ensure I was first when our class lined up alphabetically.
“My name means something?” I asked dubiously.
“Yes, son. Your name Fahamu means ‘understanding’ in Swahili. Swahili is an African language spoken in countries like Kenya and Tanzania”, my father said matter-of-factly. He explained that he and my mother gave my siblings and me African names to remind us of where we came from.
Instantly at that moment, I not only fell in love with my name, but I became immediately enamored and curious about any and everything from Africa. Learning the source of my name opened new worlds to me and, as a result, new ways of seeing myself.
As my art has taken me around the world, I am constantly reminded of the power of language. Not only has my name been a bridge to a rich history of culture, ideas, and creativity, but it has also been a portal to self-discovery. It is also a resistance to linguicide, a blatant attempt at cultural erasure. The African diaspora is rich with keys to our self-discovery. Embedded in our art, music, movement, food… and yes, even our names, you will find us alive and well. ADAMA is founded on the importance of these keys of self-discovery.
The rewards of these discoveries have been lifelong. They continue to color my experiences, inform my decisions, and give life and meaning to my work in the world. My parents gifted me with the legacy of Black memory and language. It is a gift I wish to share with other Black girls and boys attempting to find purpose and affirmation.
We invite you to journey with us… to see yourself as if for the first time.
Welcome to ADAMA.
Welcome home!
Dr. Fahamu Pecou
#EveryWhereWeGoThereWeAre