At Little Ruth, we embrace all Americans’ stories and diverse versions of the American Dream.  This includes recognizing and embracing the history, story, and success of “Little” Ruth Campbell and her family.  Like many American families, the Campbells are middle-class African-Americans descended from West Africans who were brought to the United States during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The story of the Campbells’ ancestors is one of triumph, determination, and ingenuity through the most challenging of circumstances.  Their perseverance, hard work, and creativity—as well as that of later generations of African-Americans—led to the creation of an incredible culture that is uniquely American and is a beautiful blend of what would eventually be called “American” and “black” culture. Indeed, African-American (or black American) culture has grown into a worldwide phenomenon that permeates almost every country and community.  Likewise, African-Americans’ persistence and willingness to build on the foundation laid by prior generations in order to build up future generations has led to thriving households that contribute greatly to their communities.

The Asante people of Ghana, a country in West Africa, use adinkra to express a connection between verbal and visual representations in Akan culture.  There are hundreds of adinkra symbols, and they are linked to proverbs, folktales, folksongs, and popular sayings.  The symbols are often stamped onto cloth as ornamental designs.  While, historically, adinkra was reserved only for Asante kings, today the general Akan population wears adinkra cloth during significant occasions.