In every human endeavour, signs and symbols aid a lot in communication. So in our Association, we have carefully chosen some signs and symbols to do most of the talking for us. We are Africans and we pride ourselves as being Ghanaian youth who have the interest of our community at heart. It isn't too clear if Members are conversant with the colours and symbols that represent us as one body. Let's see:
Our Name
During the mobilization period, the founders found out that ours is about the third time that Jacobu Youth Association has been born. Many fail to fully grasp the significance of our common name. To some, the name intimates that every youth in Jacobu is a member whether or not s/he is fully registered. Others think Members, especially the leaders, are only exploiting the name to their own selfish end and there are a countless others who would want nothing to do with the Association regardless of whatever name we may adopt. Let it be noted that Jacobu Youth Association is a more human-friendly than most organized institutions we find in town. It is an mother-name which encompasses all other youth groups, clubs, unions and organizations in town.
It is also common knowledge that this latest resurrection of the Association is by far the most promising and potentially powerful to reach high places. Our destiny is in our hands.
Our Logo
As Ashantis we chose our most recognized logo from the index of Adinkra symbols. These symbols are wealthy source of knowledge and wisdom for each individual pattern has its distinct meaning and cultural significance. The Jacobu Youth Association has adopted the symbol 'Ese Ne Tekrema' as our official logo. This represents friendship and collaboration. Our elders say, "Inasmuch as the teeth fight with the tongue, they still stay together. Hence our motto is 'Together We Build.' We rather choose unity over divisiveness irrespective of where it is coming from, be it political, religious or factional. To us the most important factor to consider is the advancement of the common land we all share - the land called Jacobu.
Our Colours
Colours have a powerful, though benign, influence on our lives. Our moods and disposition are almost always affected by the natural colours that surround us. For us as an Association, we choose to be identified by colours blue and white. Aside the affective influence they may have on us, each individual colour has its meaning that it communicates to those who understand the language of colours.
Blue:
Blue is the overwhelming "favorite color." Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable, and committed.
The color of ocean and sky, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming. However, not all blues are serene and sedate.
Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic -- an engaging color that expresses exhilaration. Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring.
Indigo, a deeper blue, symbolizes a mystical borderland of wisdom, self-mastery, and spiritual realization. While blue is the color of communication with others, indigo turns the blue inward to increase personal thought, profound insights, and instant understandings.
Blue is the least "gender specific" color, having equal appeal to both men and women.
Blue is the only color which maintains its own character in all its tones...it will always stay blue; whereas yellow is blackened in its shades, and fades away when lightened; red when darkened becomes brown, and diluted with white is no longer red, but another color – pink.
White:
White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection.
White means safety, purity, and cleanliness. As opposed to black, white usually has a positive connotation. White can represent a successful beginning. In heraldry, white depicts faith and purity.
In advertising, white is associated with coolness and cleanliness because it's the color of snow. You can use white to suggest simplicity in high-tech products. White is an appropriate color for charitable organizations; angels are usually imagined wearing white clothes. White is associated with hospitals, doctors, and sterility, so you can use white to suggest safety when promoting medical products. White is often associated with low weight, low-fat food, and dairy products.
Our Motto
Together We Build is more than just a motto. It is a philosophical catch-phrase that succinctly sums up our vision and mission as a modern-day youth group.
The keyword, together, really means one for all, all for one togetherness. It connotes unity that permeates borders and boundaries. Simply put, our Association looks beyond political, religious, factional, partisan, social standing, wealth, sex, creed, clan, educational and financial fragmentations. We welcome every individual who commits to the success of our movement. Our march is heading to the apex of the hill on which our city sits.
As a 21st century youth network, the onus is upon us to undo the comeuppances from the past, and create better foundation for the future. It all begins and ends with humans. It is better we build these structures together as one people. It is also faster, easier and more convenient to be in unison than at loggerheads with our own extended selves.
God be for us all.
