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As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of Independence (2026) and the 500th anniversary of its direct connection to the Middle Passage, this one-time panel centers an inclusive national narrative grounded in documented history. The discussion examines the presence of Africans in North America since 1513, the Middle Passage as the largest forced migration in human history (1526–1866), and the decisive role of enslaved and free Africans and their descendants in shaping Washington, D.C., and the nation. With a focus on the Potomac River and the D.C. region, panelists trace histories of arrival, survival, resistance, and community building. The program highlights the work of the Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project (founded 2011), which has documented 90+ Middle Passage arrival sites and supports remembrance ceremonies and historical markers honoring the 12 million Africans taken, the 2 million who perished, and the 10 million who survived to build the Americas. Topics include: The legacy of the Middle Passage Enslaved African labor in constructing national institutions, including the U.S. Capitol, White House, Supreme Court, and Smithsonian Black resistance, abolition, and civil rights activism The importance of African American cemeteries in Washington, D.C. The history of Georgetown’s Black community through the 30th anniversary edition of Black Georgetown Remembered Panelists: Ann Chinn, C.R. Gibbs, Lisa Fager, Erika Berg

Gems from Sankofa's Archives#SankofaDC #sankofa #washingtondc #poetry

#sankofa #nubia #nubiamusic #sudanesemusic #SudanonourMind

Explore Ethiopia’s history and cultural heritage in “Ethiopia: Modern Nation – Ancient Roots.” This discussion reflects on the country’s ancient traditions, key historical milestones, and the experiences that shaped Ethiopia into the nation it is today. A thoughtful look at Ethiopia’s past and the roots that continue to influence its modern identity.

A Biweekly Community Gathering.

Explore Ethiopia’s history and cultural heritage in “Ethiopia: Modern Nation – Ancient Roots.” This discussion reflects on the country’s ancient traditions, key historical milestones, and the experiences that shaped Ethiopia into the nation it is today. A thoughtful look at Ethiopia’s past and the roots that continue to influence its modern identity.

We came together at Sankofa to honor the legacy of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. The evening featured a powerful conversation with Dr. Greg Carr and Haile Gerima, followed by a grounded community discussion that opened space for shared reflections on literature, film, language, and cultural liberation. Featuring: Dr. Greg Carr & Haile Gerima Hosted at: Sankofa Video and Books #NgugiWaThiongo #DrGregCarr #HaileGerima #Sankofa #AfricanLiterature #AfricanCinema #PanAfricanism

Join author Nikesha Breeze in conversation with Professor Greg Thomas on A Mutiny of Morning, followed by a special screening of Stages of Tectonic Blackness | Return:Remember.