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Since '98

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.

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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

  • Free Amharic Language Classes
    Free Amharic Language Classes
    Multiple Dates
    Free Amharic Language Classes
    Sun, Nov 10
    Sankofa Video & Books
    Nov 10, 2024, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
    Sankofa Video & Books, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Nov 10, 2024, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
    Sankofa Video & Books, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Join us for a free language class taught by Kamau Grimes every Sunday!
  • Congo on Our Mind
    Congo on Our Mind
    Congo on Our Mind
    Sun, Nov 10
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Nov 10, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Nov 10, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Join Haile Gerima and Sankofa Video & Books in this space of Artistic Expression and Protest!
  • RESTRICTIONS ON FREE SPEECH & EXPRESSION IN THE CARIBBEAN
    RESTRICTIONS ON FREE SPEECH & EXPRESSION IN THE CARIBBEAN
    RESTRICTIONS ON FREE SPEECH & EXPRESSION IN THE CARIBBEAN
    Mon, Nov 11
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Nov 11, 2024, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Nov 11, 2024, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    JOIN RALPH THORNE, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION (BARBADOS), DR. NATHAN WANGUSI (KENYA), MARCIA WEEKES (BARBADOS) & EUGENIA CHARLES (HAITI) IN A DISCUSSION AT SANKOFA!
  • Book Event - The American Psyche: Black and White
    Book Event - The American Psyche: Black and White
    Book Event - The American Psyche: Black and White
    Thu, Nov 14
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Nov 14, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Nov 14, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Join author S.J. Claybon for a discussion about his book, "The American Psyche: Black and White." Moderated by Winslow Woodland.
  • Book Event - Not In My Name: Reparations Now
    Book Event - Not In My Name: Reparations Now
    Book Event - Not In My Name: Reparations Now
    Fri, Nov 15
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Nov 15, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Nov 15, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Join us at Sankofa for a book presentation by Hehimetu Ra Enkamit, Ph. D.
  • Film Screening: Lynden
    Film Screening: Lynden
    Film Screening: Lynden
    Sun, Nov 17
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Nov 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Nov 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Join us for an exclusive screening of the documentary film "LYNDEN," followed by a discussion featuring Haile Gerima, Amsalech Burke, and Elilita Warden on the topic of trans-racial adoption
  • Herbal Workshop - Boost Your Immunity
    Herbal Workshop - Boost Your Immunity
    Herbal Workshop - Boost Your Immunity
    Fri, Nov 22
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Nov 22, 2024, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Nov 22, 2024, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Join us for an exciting herbal workshop where we will discover the healing powers of herbal medicine. Discuss ways to boost your immunity, protect your body against illness, and rid your body of any infection/illness. Make your own herbal tea blends and tinctures!
  • Jazz Night with David White and Edge Theory
    Jazz Night with David White and Edge Theory
    Jazz Night with David White and Edge Theory
    Fri, Nov 22
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Nov 22, 2024, 8:00 PM – Nov 23, 2024, 12:00 AM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Nov 22, 2024, 8:00 PM – Nov 23, 2024, 12:00 AM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Experience an evening of great music, people and vibes at Sankofa!
  • Film Screening: TEZA
    Film Screening: TEZA
    Film Screening: TEZA
    Sat, Nov 23
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Nov 23, 2024, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Nov 23, 2024, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Join us 7PM Saturday, November 23, for a special screening of Haile Gerima's 2008 film, TEZA and a discussion with actress Araba Evelyn Arthur-Johnston!
  • GAZA ON OUR MIND
    GAZA ON OUR MIND
    GAZA ON OUR MIND
    Sun, Nov 24
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Nov 24, 2024, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Nov 24, 2024, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Calling all artists, poets, singers, playwrights, towncryers in the DMV! 
  • Love Vibrations
    Love Vibrations
    Love Vibrations
    Sat, Dec 21
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Dec 21, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Dec 21, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Join us for a special performance by legendary performers Free Benjamin and Ayanna Gregory!
  • Baraka the Playwright
    Baraka the Playwright
    Baraka the Playwright
    Date and time is TBD
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Date and time is TBD
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Date and time is TBD
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Honoring the incredible Amiri Baraka! Featuring a powerful dramatic play reading, celebrating his impactful legacy. Let’s come together to honor his contributions and the indelible mark he left.
  • TONI MORRISON and the GEOPOETICS of PLACE, RACE and BE/LONGING with Author Dr. Marilyn Mobley
    TONI MORRISON and the GEOPOETICS of PLACE, RACE and BE/LONGING with Author Dr. Marilyn Mobley
    TONI MORRISON and the GEOPOETICS of PLACE, RACE and BE/LONGING with Author Dr. Marilyn Mobley
    Date and time is TBD
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
    Date and time is TBD
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Date and time is TBD
    Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Author Dr. Marilyn Mobley will be at Sankofa Friday, October 18, 7:00pm - 9:00pm!
  • Stepping Out: The Unapologetic Style of African Americans Over Fifty
    Stepping Out: The Unapologetic Style of African Americans Over Fifty
    Stepping Out: The Unapologetic Style of African Americans Over Fifty
    Date and time is TBD
    Sankofa Video, Books, & Café
    Date and time is TBD
    Sankofa Video, Books, & Café, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Date and time is TBD
    Sankofa Video, Books, & Café, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    Join us as we welcome Connie Briscoe into the space the brains behind Stepping Out: The Unapologetic Style of African Americans Over Fifty!
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MISSED A LIVE EVENT?

Catch the replay at SankofaTV

Washington Informer Election Night Watch Party 2024
03:02:09

Washington Informer Election Night Watch Party 2024

Join us for an Unforgettable Evening! 🗓️ Save the Date: November 5, 2024🕖 Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST📍 Venue: Sankofa Video Books & Cafe📺 Live Stream on WIN-TV The Washington Informer invites you to a special live-stream Let's Talk on WIN-TV event hosted by Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes. This event will bring you real-time results, and commentary on local races and the historic Presidential election. Highlights: 🎙️ Host: Denise Rolark Barnes 📰 Exclusive Coverage: Election Results 🎥 Featured Guests: Public Voices 💬 Interactive: Join the Discussion Join Us: 🏢 **In-person or Online 📌 Reserve your spot now! Stay connected with the Washington Informer for a memorable and insightful night!
Haiti on Our Mind
02:51:14

Haiti on Our Mind

New Arrivals

Join our Sustainer Program!

Would you like to help Sankofa continue to offer free or near free programming to the public?  Join our Beta Sustainer Program!  By committing a certain amount of funds to Sankofa per month, you support the enriching events that you are used to!

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Open Book

Our Hours

The Bookstore is open 10am - 8pm everyday.

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Sankofa Cafe is now open  8am - 10pm .

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