The Akan people of Ghana are known for their Adinkra symbols. Each symbol has an underlying piece of wisdom attached to it.
Asase Ye Duru is particularly special because it brings us back to the soil.
Asase Ye Duru means “the earth has no weight,” meaning the importance of Earth can’t be measured. The symbol pays homage to all Earth does for us.
But the symbol is also a warning, reminding us that any harm we cause Earth comes with consequences.
The impacts of climate change are anti-Black because our communities are disproportionately impacted by it. Air pollution, heat waves, viruses like COVID, and natural disasters are only going to get worse.
The negative effect on our community is so powerful that 86% of Black doctors believe they need to be discussing impacts of climate change with Black patients.
Earth is in danger. We must protect it. This looks like reducing our carbon footprint, buying locally and avoiding supporting capitalist corporations, and sharing resources.
The Akan proverb “Tumi nyina ne asase, [means] ‘All power emanates from the earth.” We must respect the soil.