Parapet walls at station's East and West entrances.

Sankofa I and II, 2002
Akili Ron Anderson
Stained glass
51" l x 33" h x ¼" t (x 23 panels)

Click here to view Photo Gallery

Sankofa is composed of 23 stained glass panels depicting Sankofa birds set in a background of Kente cloth-inspired designs. In the Akan culture of Ghana, the Sankofa bird, with its head turned over its shoulder, signifies looking to the past for guidance for the future. Akili Ron Anderson, working with the community, used the image of Sankofa birds and Kente cloth to inspire residents to look back on their past to build the future of Columbia Heights. Sankofa reflects the cultural diversity that is part of the heart and soul of the local community. The artist said he created this design "as a symbol of the Columbia Heights community, rising and soaring toward a state of continued development."

Akili Ron Anderson is a DC artist. He has practiced as a full-time visual artist since 1970. Mr. Anderson creates art for the visual enhancement needs of cultural, religious, and public institutions. He designs, fabricates, and installs stained glass windows, sculptural forms, fine art paintings and theater sets.

This project was made possible in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.