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Home: Welcome
Sankofa
Video· Books · Cafe
A sanctuary for Pan-African culture
since '98.
“We revolt simply because,
for many reasons,
we can no longer breathe”
– Frantz Fanon
Featured Books
Upcoming Events
Sat, Nov 15Sankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin us for an evening celebrating Black Crosswords: In Our Own Words! Meet the creator behind the work, hear reflections, and get your copy signed! Only at Sankofa!
Sun, Nov 16Sankofa Video, Books & CafeCalling all Artists in the DMV! Join Haile Gerima and Sankofa Video & Books in this space of Artistic Expression and Protest! Featuring a special Musical Performance by Munit Mesfin!
Mon, Nov 17Sankofa Video, Books & CafeNu Chika Enabuka is thrilled to bring "Draw Your Name" to Sankofa, a unique and engaging event that allows people to discover what their name looks like in Amharic letters (Fidel)!
Sat, Nov 22Sankofa Video, Books & CafeCelebrate the brilliance and legacy of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o with us at Sankofa! Join the conversation with Dr. Greg Carr as we honor one of the greatest literary voices of our time.
Sun, Nov 23Sankofa Video, Books & CafeExperience a powerful reading of The Trial of Dedan Kimathi by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Micere Githae Mugo. Centered on the Mau Mau uprising, the play reclaims the story of a revolutionary leader and exposes the violence of colonial rule. A timeless tribute to resistance.
Fri, Nov 28Sankofa Video, Books & CafeExplore Ethiopia’s rich history and enduring cultural heritage in Ethiopia: Modern Nation – Ancient Roots. Join us for an engaging discussion on the stories and milestones that shaped this remarkable nation.
Sat, Nov 29Sankofa Video, Books & CafeSankofa invites you to our writing workshop with Mama Laini Mataka! A powerful continuation of a journey into words, wisdom, and self-expression you won’t want to miss!
Sat, Nov 29Sankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin author Sumayya Lane for a special reading and discussion of her delightful children’s book, The Vegetarian Fox.
Sun, Nov 30Sankofa Video, Books & CafeCalling all artists, poets, singers, playwrights, towncryers in the DMV! Join our bi-weekly community gathering and discussion!
Fri, Dec 05Sankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin author Edmund Ghareeb in conversation with Greg Thomas as they discuss Enemy of the Sun, a powerful collection that brings to light the poetry and resilience of Palestinian voices.- Sat, Dec 06Sankofa Video, Books & Cafeከጸሃፊ ሽፈራው እንቁባህሪይ ጋር "ታሪክ ነፀር" በተሰኘው የታሪክ መጽሐፍ ዙሪያ ያዘጋጀነውን ውይይት ተገኝተው እንዲካፈልኡ በአክብሮት እንጋብዛለን።
- Fri, Dec 12Sankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin us for an evening with acclaimed Washington, DC–based author Chantal James, as she presents her latest novella, published October 28, 2025. Be part of the discussion, meet the author, and explore the layers beneath the mirror’s reflection.
Date and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin us for a special presentation in honor of Patrice Lumumba’s 100th birthday, featuring Elvie Banda, Jordan Strudwick, Bousaina Ibrahim, and Batool Ibrahim and Munyang Tengen, as they delve into the documentary Soundtrack to a Coup d'État, unpacking its layers, musical score, and implications
Date and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin our conversation with author and author co-host of Revolutionary African Perspectives on WRFG 89.3FM at Sankofa! Moderated by Evan Wright!- Date and time is TBDLocation is TBDJoin us for a conversation with designers Lily and Zeze on Ethiopian fashion and beyond!
Date and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin us for an unforgettable experience at our Kente Weaving Workshop with Master Weaver Kwasi Asare on Watermelon Day at Sankofa! Don’t miss your chance to learn from the best!- Date and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin Tewodros Aklilu for a conversation on Ethiopian Jazz: Then and Now, followed by a jam session!
New Arrivals
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.
Films by The Founders
Never Miss An Event!
Our Hours
The Bookstore is open 10am - 8pm everyday.
Sankofa Cafe is now open 8am - 8pm .
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