Postcard from the Past: Ntosake, 1993

The first Ntosake was a “women’s weekend.” In 1993, Gamaliel women were hungry for a space to explore their potential as leaders in a society that often underestimates their power and strength. At the close of the weekend, Rev. Dr. Brenda Hayes of the African Methodist Episcopal Church gave a sermon on the word “Ntosake,” which comes from several African indigenous languages and means “she who comes with her own things.” The women present declared themselves to be Ntosake.