Symbols of Service, Community and Hope
The Founders’ Board of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is guided by the belief that every child deserves access to exceptional care. The Board’s commitment to this vision included a significant investment in the Austin HOPE Center to help expand access to high-quality pediatric care for the children and families on Chicago’s West side.
The Adinkra symbols featured on the wall in the Lurie Children’s Waiting Room at the Austin HOPE Center, and described below, reflect the values, vision and dedication that shape the Founders’ Board’s commitment to the community.
About Adinkra Symbols
Adinkra symbols originated with the Akan people of Ghana and the Bono people of Gyaman more than 300 years ago. First appearing on ceremonial cloth worn by royalty and spiritual leaders, each symbol carries a distinct meaning often rooted in Akan proverbs. Together, they convey values such as leadership, resilience, unity, moral responsibility, spirituality and the importance of learning from the past.
The symbols chosen for the Austin HOPE Center celebrate the importance of community, resilience, service and learning—values that continue to inspire the work of Lurie Children's and the Founders' Board.
The Symbols
Akoben
War horn. A symbol of a call to action, readiness to be called to action, readiness, and volunteerism.
Boafo Ye Na
The rarity of a willing helper. It is a symbol of support, patronage, cooperation, and teamwork.
Mmeramubere
Female cross. Symbol of warmth, sunshine, and vitality.
Nea Onnim
He who does not know; from the proverb, "When he who does not know learns, he gets to know." It is a symbol of knowledge, life-long education, and continued quest for knowledge.
Nkonsonkonson
Chain. A symbol of unity and community
Nkotimsefo Mpua
The hairstyle of court attendants. A symbol of loyalty and a readiness to serve.
Nkyinkyim
Twisting. A symbol representing the tortuous nature of life's journey and, also, the toughness, versatility, and dynamism required to thrive in it. Willis notes that it is also a symbol of dedication to service.
Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan
Love does not lose its way home. Those led by love always end up in the right place.
Osram ne Nsoromma
Moon and star. A symbol of faithfulness, fondness, harmony, benevolence, love, loyalty, and femininity.
Sankofa
"Go back and get it!" A symbol of the wisdom of learning from the past to build for the future. From the Akan proverb, "Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri," meaning, "It is not taboo to go back for what you forgot (or left behind)."
Woforo Dua Pa A
When you climb a good tree. A symbol of support for good causes.
Wo Nsa Da Mu A
When your hands are inside (the dish). A symbol of participatory government, democracy, and pluralism. From the aphorism, "Wo nsa da mu a, wonni nnya wo," to wit, "When your hands are inside the dish, people don't eat everything and leave you nothing."
About the Founders' Board
Since its founding, the Founders' Board has been a dedicated volunteer organization committed to advancing the mission of Lurie Children's through philanthropy, advocacy, education and service.
Board members work together to build awareness, inspire generosity and support innovative programs and initiatives that help ensure every child receives world-class care.