What does sekani mean in The Hate U Give?

Decoding Sekani: More Than Just a Name in “The Hate U Give”

Names, right? They’re more than just labels. In Angie Thomas’s “The Hate U Give,” they’re practically characters themselves, loaded with meaning about who people are, where they come from, and what they dream of. And speaking of names with serious weight, let’s talk about Sekani Carter, Starr’s little brother. His name? It’s a whole story in itself.

So, what’s the deal with “Sekani”? Well, it’s got roots in African culture, specifically the Tumbuka people from parts of Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. The basic meaning? “Laugh” or “joy.” Seriously, how perfect is that in a book that tackles some seriously heavy stuff? Think about it: police brutality, racial injustice – all that darkness. “Sekani” is like a little spark of hope, a reminder that even when things are tough, there’s still joy to be found.

But here’s a cool twist I learned: “Sekani” might also be linked to “people on the rocks,” which comes from the Sekani language (also known as Tse’khene). Apparently, “Sekani” is a kind of anglicized version of that phrase. It adds another layer, doesn’t it? It hints at the strength and grit it takes to get by when life throws rocks at you – something the characters in “The Hate U Give” know all too well.

In the book, Sekani is like this little bubble of innocence. He’s Starr’s baby brother, so he’s still a bit shielded from the harsh realities of Garden Heights. Plus, his parents made the call to send him to Williamson Prep, which keeps him a little further away from the racial tensions bubbling over in their neighborhood. Honestly, Sekani’s innocence is a big part of what drives the older characters. They’re fighting for a world where kids like him can grow up without all the fear and injustice. Makes you think, right?

And you know Maverick, Starr’s dad? He’s all about making sure his kids are proud of their Black heritage. Giving Sekani an African name that means something positive? That’s totally in line with Maverick’s style. It’s like a way of saying, “We’re proud of who we are,” and pushing back against all the negative stereotypes. I remember when I first read the book and Maverick explained that Sekani means joy and happiness in the movie – it really hit home how intentional that choice was.

Here’s a fun fact: after “The Hate U Give” movie came out in 2018, “Sekani” became super popular! It was one of the fastest-rising boy names in 2019. I think that says a lot about how much the book resonated with people, especially parents who loved the name’s meaning and what it stood for.

Bottom line? Sekani’s name is way more than just a name. It’s a symbol of joy, toughness, and hope for a better tomorrow. It shows what the Carter family values, how connected they are to their roots, and how determined they are to protect their kids from a world that can be pretty unfair. And the fact that the name is catching on? That’s proof that the book’s message is sticking with people and inspiring them to make a change.