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

Malcolm X 100th Birthday Celebration Series

Malcolm X 100th Birthday Celebration Series

Join us as we kick off a historic series of events commemorating the centennial birthday of Malcolm X We begin this powerful journey with a special screening of Gil Noble's 1978 television documentary tribute followed by a discussion with A. Peter Bailey and Haile Gerima. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Malcolm X 100th Birthday Celebration Series

Malcolm X 100th Birthday Celebration Series

Join us as we kick off a historic series of events commemorating the centennial birthday of Malcolm X We begin this powerful journey with a special screening of Gil Noble's 1978 television documentary tribute followed by a discussion with A. Peter Bailey and Haile Gerima. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Teaching Malcolm X

Teaching Malcolm X

Join us for the second installment in our series commemorating the 100th birthday of Malcolm X—activist, orator, and enduring symbol of Black liberation. we'll discuss approaches that do justice to his radical voice and enduring impact with Haile Gerima! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Sudan On Our Mind: Stories from Sudan

03:32:18

Sudan On Our Mind: Stories from Sudan

A community gathering to share and reflect on powerful stories of conflict, resilience, and hope from Sudan. Come together to listen, learn, and connect. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Shifters : Shifters - Staged Play Reading

01:55:52

Shifters : Shifters - Staged Play Reading

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

Book Event - Girls with Pearls

48:08

Book Event - Girls with Pearls

Meet Author Kamika Lynette Bell at the "Girls with Pearls" book signing event! Join us for a memorable evening filled with inspiration—reserve your spot now! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Book Event - A River of Prophecy: Constructing a Sacred History of African Americans

02:02:28

Book Event - A River of Prophecy: Constructing a Sacred History of African Americans

Delve into the untold stories and sacred histories that have shaped African American identity and culture throughout the generations with author Dr. Nubia Kai. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5195158128951296

Joseph "FanFan" Louis Special Performance

01:33:08

Joseph "FanFan" Louis Special Performance

🎙️ 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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