Sankofa | Black-owned Bookstore | Washington DC

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Home: Welcome

We're Expanding!

Sankofa Video and Books has been part of encouraging literacy in the black community since its inception in 1997, offering books, movies and events by people of African descent. In order to increase its local impact, the bookstore is partnering with Mypheduh Film Inc. and Sankofa Institute to expand its physical space and offerings.

Help Develop 2714 Georgia Ave.

Since '97

Founded by Shirikiana and Haile Gerima and named after the internationally acclaimed film SANKOFA they produced. It's symbol, the Sankofa Bird, looks backward constantly checking as she moves into the future.

Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe is liberated territory that hopes to be a place where thoughtful consideration of the past and future can take place via books, films, and programming particularly generated by and about people of African Descent.

I want to know more

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Black
Lions,
Roman Wolves

Support today by making a tax-deductible donation towards final completion costs of Black Lions, Roman Wolves, the 5-part, 10-hour-plus documentary film by Haile Gerima.

Haile Gerima's
next film:

Featured Books

sankofa gift card

Can't decide on a gift? How about a gift card!

(You can even schedule it ahead.)

Upcoming Events

Threads

Official Sankofa Apparel

MISSED A LIVE EVENT?

Catch the replay at SankofaTV

Haiti on our Mind

02:06:24

Haiti on our Mind

oin us for a powerful community gathering exploring the enduring impact of Haiti and Haitians in the United States. WPFW radio voices Eugenia Charles, Jordan Strudwick, and special guests Charlot Lucien and Dr. Leslie Alexander will lead a thoughtful discussion on Haiti’s revolutionary legacy, cultural influence, and continued struggle for justice. The evening will close with a live musical performance by the soulful Hassan Mubarak. Come for the conversation, stay for the rhythm, and honor the spirit of Haitian resilience. If you feel pinned down and want to contribute, register to perform at the event and sing your song of solidarity with the Haitian people here!oin us for a powerful community gathering exploring the enduring impact of Haiti and Haitians in the United States. WPFW radio voices Eugenia Charles, Jordan Strudwick, and special guests Charlot Lucien and Dr. Leslie Alexander will lead a thoughtful discussion on Haiti’s revolutionary legacy, cultural influence, and continued struggle for justice. The evening will close with a live musical performance by the soulful Hassan Mubarak. Come for the conversation, stay for the rhythm, and honor the spirit of Haitian resilience. If you feel pinned down and want to contribute, register to perform at the event and sing your song of solidarity with the Haitian people here! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Honoring Malcolm X with Dunbar HS Students

56:21

Honoring Malcolm X with Dunbar HS Students

Join us for the eighth installment in our series commemorating the 100th birthday of Malcolm X -activist, orator, and enduring symbol of Black liberation. Honoring Malcolm X features a presentation by Dunbar High School students. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Malcolm X and The Arts

02:31:43

Malcolm X and The Arts

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Malcolm X and Literature

01:44:59

Malcolm X and Literature

Join us for the sixth installment in our series commemorating the 100th birthday of Malcolm X—Presentations and discussion with Laini Mataka, Nubia Kai, Kenneth Carroll, Kelly Navies and Brian Gilmore! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Epigenomic Awareness as a Key to Black Mental Health: The Disruptive Effects of Not Knowing

01:52:46

Epigenomic Awareness as a Key to Black Mental Health: The Disruptive Effects of Not Knowing

Join Dr. Benson Cooke as he discusses the powerful connection between genetics, environment, and mental health, and how understanding epigenomics can help improve well-being in the community! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

100th birthday of Malcolm X—Presentations and discussion with A. Peter Bailey

02:36:24

100th birthday of Malcolm X—Presentations and discussion with A. Peter Bailey

Congo on Our Mind

01:57:48

Congo on Our Mind

In Honor Of Malcolm X Centennial Birthday - Join Haile Gerima and Sankofa Video & Books in this space of Artistic Expression and Protest! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Ti Jak and the Amazing Seeds Chidren's Book Event

40:25

Ti Jak and the Amazing Seeds Chidren's Book Event

Join us for a special children’s book event with Haitian author Marie Josée Arthus! Through vibrant storytelling and powerful themes of growth and hope, this inspiring event is perfect for young readers and families. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

New Arrivals

Never Miss An Event!

Open Book

Our Hours

The Bookstore is open 10am - 8pm everyday.

Sankofa Cafe is now open 8am - 10pm .

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