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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2025 53 Since the beginning of humanity, people have used symbols to communicate complex ideas and represent abstract concepts. These visual patterns and designs hold deep significance, conveying everything from a person's social status to an entire language. In 2010, Betty Ann James, founder of the AACC, visited Ghana and discovered the Adinkra symbols of the Akan people. The Akan traditionally stamp these symbols — a visual language representing beautiful and meaningful proverbs — onto fabric for clothing, scarves, rugs, and jewelry. Inspired by this art, the AACC chose the Adinkra symbol Gye Nyame as their club logo. Pronounced "jee nyam-eh," the symbol translates to "Except for God, there is none," representing the omnipotence of a higher power and serving as a perfect representation of the club's culture. The origin of Adinkra symbols dates back to the 19th century. After the Asante army defeated the Bono people, they captured the Bono king, Nana Kwadwo Agyemang Adinkra. According to their tradition, the symbols are named after him. The Asante army took Adinkra's decorated robe and the art of printing as trophies. Over time, the tradition of stamping symbols on fabric spread from the Bono to the Asante and other Akan kingdoms. African symbols like Adinkra are seen in modern applications from high fashion to street art, tattoos, and digital designs. In today's globalized world, the Gye Nyame symbol, has traveled beyond Ghana to become a powerful emblem for the African diaspora. This one simple yet profound message resonates with people seeking to connect with their heritage and express their spirituality. Gye Nyame is more than just a design on a piece of fabric. It is a philosophy, a historical artifact, and a powerful, living symbol of faith. The symbol's timeless message acknowledges a higher power, reminding us that there is a force far greater than ourselves woven into the fabric of our lives. The next AACC meeting is Monday, Nov. 3 at 6 pm in The Lodge Game Room. This year's Holiday Party will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13. For more information, contact Club President, Jocelyn Doucette, at cjs1speed@gmail.com. ~ Regina omas African American Cultural Club AACC members Betty Ann James, Rose omas, Connie Bowen, Carol Carter, Letha Sellers, Doc Sellers, and Beverly Blackshear e Adinkra stamps were carved out of wood Weaving sample featuring the widely recognized adinkra symbol, Gye Nyame, late 20th century (Asante people), woven, dyed, and printed cotton Don't Miss Four Seasons Annual Hanukkah Party starring Perry Goldstein: Fiddler On The Roof Sing Along & America's Favorite Game Show "Name That Jew!" On Dec. 21, Perry Goldstein returns to The Lodge Ballroom for his famous Hanukkah Extravaganza. This year, he will be bringing back the popular "Fiddler On The Roof Sing-Along" featuring your friends and neighbors. The words will be on the big screen, so you can sing your hearts out to your favorite "Fiddler" songs. As an added attraction, we will be playing America's favorite game show, "Name That Jew." Which famous celebrities are Jewish? You will find out that night. Bring your phone, because you will need it to play the game. Valuable prizes are in store for the winner. As always, a dessert nosh and coffee will be served. And the cost of this fun event? FREE! Tickets will be available to reserve your spot. Pick them up at the front desk at The Lodge starting Dec. 10. Questions? Contact Perry at perry.goldstein@gmail.com. This will be Perry's best Hanukkah party, so don't miss it. ~ Perry Goldstein Jewish Culture Club