


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.

Give Meaningful Gifts
new and rare books • independent films • handcrafts
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events



Beyond the Wire Film ScreeningSat, Aug 22Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe


Haiti on Our MindSun, Aug 23Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
Curtis Family Senior Choir WorkshopWed, Aug 26Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
Film Screening - MaestraSat, Aug 29Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
Book Talk - This is Me with Dr. E Faye WilliamsFri, Sep 04Sankofa Video Books & Café
Poetry as Protest - New Age Poetry Showcase and Open MicWed, Sep 09Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
HU African Diaspora Literatures Chair's Series at SankofaSat, Sep 12Sankofa Video Books & Café
Book Event - Blue Beach with Author Karyn ParsonsThu, Oct 15Sankofa Video Books & Café
Shake, Stir & Sip: Wine Cocktails for Every OccasionDate and time is TBDSankofa Video Books & Café
Sip, Savor, & Pair: Pairing Wine with Culture, Conversation, and CuisineDate and time is TBDSankofa Video Books & Café- Outdoor Screening - RESIDUEDate and time is TBDSankofa Video Books & Café

The Silent Architects: Women, Power, and the Unseen Hand in Ugandan Politics - Past, Present, and Future.Date and time is TBDSankofa Video Books & Café
Film Screening - THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE (2024)Date and time is TBDSankofa Video Books & Café
Book Event - The Indignant Generation: A Narrative History of African American Writers and Critics from 1934-1960Date and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & Cafe
Book Event - Alive and Paranoid with Musa SpringerDate and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & Cafe
The Subtext of Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat - How to read a filmDate and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & Cafe
New Arrivals

Opening Hours
Store Hours
Mon-Sat: 11:00am - 8:00pm
Sun: 11:00am - 6:00pm
Cafe Hours
Mon-Thu: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Fri & Sat: 9:00am - 11:30pm
Sun: 9:00am - 9:00pm

visit us
We are located across the street from the Howard Business School, minutes away from the historic U Street and Shaw neighborhoods. Metrorail stations Petworth, U Street, Columbia Heights and Shaw-Howard are located approximately .8 miles away. 70 & 79 buses offer convenient stops nearby.




















