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

Nobody Can Give You Freedom: The Political Life of Malcolm X

Congo on Our Mind

02:30:58

Tuesday Jam Session with ARTIVISM LLC

01:35:11

Book Event : The Memoirs of Robert and Mabel William:

02:18:35

Thinking and Dreaming with the Black Archive

01:45:08

Palestinian Freedom Now Suite

01:42:42

Reflection of Healing - August 10 2025

01:26:38

ARTIVISM Tuesday Jam Session (08/26)

02:01:00

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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