a powerful new emblem

Today, Metanoia unveils a powerful new emblem that speaks to the very soul of our mission, vision, and values. Our new look and language honor the wisdom and lessons that Metanoia has gathered over more than two decades of community development rooted, connected, and shaped by the young people, families, and places that make the neighborhoods truly remarkable. We also acknowledge the evolving context of our daily work to be here and live well. We preserved what was most precious, giving it a fresh expression that resonates clearly and powerfully. 

the spirit of the cowrie shell

Cowrie shells are not mere adornments; they carry profound meanings of spirituality and protection, life and rebirth, and prosperity and power. Each shell represents a facet of our community’s collective journey toward a future filled with promise and potential. 

In the heart of Chicora and surrounding historically Black neighborhoods, Metanoia’s mission is to amplify opportunities for a thriving community with young people, families, and the places they call home. The spirit of the cowrie shells underpins our deep respect for African ancestors and the paths of resistance and resilience they forged.  

The five values that guide Metanoia are reflected in this emblem: 

• We listen constantly, recognizing that understanding and empathy are the foundations of trust and positive relationships. The shells, ancient symbols of communication and exchange, remind us of the importance of this practice. 

• We walk with families, treasuring each journey toward creating secure futures for future generations. The cowrie echoes the nurturing aspects of our work. 

• Highlighted by the prosperity and power associated with the cowries, we build on strengths. By honing the unique assets – in both people and places – we ensure that growth is sustainable and rooted in the capabilities of people and the places they love and call home. 

• Akin to uncovering the hidden gems within the shells, we commit to a journey that releases the brilliance we hold within ourselves and our community. 

• We boldly reject barriers. Brought to the Americas as symbols of protection and resistance, the cowrie safeguards our shared values, aspirations, and commitment to overcoming generational limitations. The cowrie shells affirm this future is not just possible but imperative. 

Metanoia’s vision to live in a community where hearts are open to all that is possible and achievable is beautifully encapsulated in this new logo. The vibrant colors—ranging from the grounding shades of Bright Black to the hopeful tones of Ocean Views and Heart So Big—reflect our communal, joyous, and optimistic spirit. 

As we embrace this new visual identity, we invite you to join us in celebrating the richness of our history and the boundless potential of our future. Metanoia is committed to a journey of transformation that honors the past, engages the present, and envisions a future filled with promise and possibility. 

why not capitalize the new brand logotype? 

We are making a deliberate statement by choosing not to capitalize the word metanoia in this new logo. While our organization bears a proper noun name, this new design challenges grammatical conventions for deeper reasons.  

First, it is a testament to our commitment to humility, underscoring our prioritization of community over organizational prominence. Put simply, we are not the “main thing” in our work. Instead, the citizens we work alongside each day truly have the power for change. By acknowledging young people, families, and neighbors as problem solvers and solution-makers, we emphasize the collective power of the community.   

Second, we recognize that the essence of metanoia, the profound shift in heart and mind it represents, transcends any institutional identity. We believe that soul change leads to social change and that this transformation is more important than our agency itself. In honoring the transformative power inherent in the concept of metanoia ahead of our institutional identity, we signal a dedication to the profound work of personal and collective evolution.  

our approach 

In embarking upon this journey of renewing our mission, vision, values, and emblem/logo, we began as we always do. Listening.  

Metanoia listened to the whispers of the neighborhood we work alongside, the echoes of our past successes, and the voices of those intimately connected with the essence of our efforts. Through this dialogue, we forged a new cultural platform — a foundation of purpose, mission, vision, and values — that now fuels our journey forward.  Drawing from the heartfelt stories, aspirations, and wisdom of neighborhood families and elders, Jessica Boyd of Dreamseed crafted this simplified yet more symbolic logo for Metanoia while honoring our collective spirit and effort. 

Metanoia is more than an organization; it is an active pursuit toward a North Charleston region where every family and neighborhood thrives. We pledge to the Metanoia community that amidst logo changes, our unwavering mission endures honoring Chicora and historically Black neighborhoods, investing in young people and families, and lifting up a shared commitment to support every family's inherent right to thrive in the places they cherish as home.