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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, Jun 06Sankofa Video, Books & CafeCome vibe, perform, listen, and be part of something as spectacular as it is timeless. Be a part of Crescent Moon Nights - Open Moon Nights....@Sankofadc!
Fri, Jun 12Sankofa Video Books & CaféJoin us for a dynamic book talk on Cord Swell with author Brittny Ray-Crowell in conversation with Chantal James, an evening of insight, inspiration, and engaging discussion.
Sun, Jun 14Sankofa Video Books & CaféJoin us for a special evening with Mopreme Shakur as he shares an intimate and personal account of Tupac Shakur, the Shakur family legacy, and the stories behind THIS THUG’S LIFE. In conversation with Jordan Strudwick
Sun, Jun 14Sankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin Haile Gerima and Sankofa Video & Books for an evening of artistic expression and protest!
Wed, Jun 17Sankofa Video, Books & CafeNew Age Open Mic will be at Sankofa on June 17! Don't miss it!
Sat, Jun 20Sankofa Video Books & CaféJoin us for a screening and discussion of Uprize!, which tells the story of a 1976 student protest and their violent confrontation with South African police.
Mon, Jun 29Sankofa Video Books & CaféJoin us for a vibrant evening celebrating flavor, culture, and storytelling at our book and tasting event for Caribbean Cocktails: Drinks and Bites from the Afro-Latino Diaspora with restaurateur, chef, and mixologist Nelson German and Chef Andrea Lawson Gray!
Thu, Jul 16Sankofa Video Books & CaféJoin us for a conversation with author Sundiata Ramin on Soul Searcher: The Life and Legacy of Chuck Brown, honoring the music, spirit, and lasting impact of DC’s Godfather of Go-Go. Moderated by Jordan Strudwick
Multiple DatesSat, Jul 18Sankofa Video, Books & CafeThis summer, don’t miss Sankofa’s 6 week Kente Weaving Workshop for Kids! Young participants will learn the art and history of traditional Kente weaving in a creative and hands on environment. Appropriate for ages 10–15.
Multiple DatesSun, Jul 19Sankofa Video, Books & CafeThis summer, join Sankofa’s 6 week Kente Weaving Workshop! Participants will learn the art and history of traditional Kente weaving in a creative, hands on environment rooted in African cultural traditions and craftsmanship. Open to adults of all skill levels.
Sat, Aug 01Sankofa Video, Books & CafeIt's Watermelon Day 2026 - Brought to you by Bomani Armah A.K.A. Baba Got Bars and happening at Sankofa!
Fri, Sep 18Sankofa Video Books & CaféJoin us for a compelling book discussion of Unbury Our Dead with Song by Mukoma wa Ngũgĩ, featuring a rich conversation on Tizita music from Ethiopia with Prof. Carole Boyce-Davies. An evening of literature, memory, and sound you won’t want to miss.- Thu, Oct 15Sankofa Video Books & CaféDive into Blue Beach with author Karyn Parsons, best known as Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, for an engaging evening of storytelling, conversation, and community. A special book event you won’t want to miss.
Date and time is TBDSankofa Video Books & CaféJoin us for a special screening of THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE (2024), presented in collaboration with Positive Productions and Luuq Cafe. Followed by Q & A with the audience.
Date and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin author Lawrence Jackson for a powerful conversation on the Black literary voices that reshaped America between 1934–1960. Discover the untold stories of struggle, art, and activism that defined a generation.
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 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 us for Toni at Random with Dana A. Williams, a lively conversation celebrating the power, craft, and legacy of Toni Morrison, guided by one of today’s leading Morrison scholars.
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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