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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
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. In conversation Author Jamila Minicks,
Sat, Dec 13Sankofa Video & BooksMagical Mirrors Book Fair is a celebration of our everyday practice of providing literature that reflects the diverse beauty, talents and personalities of Black children!
Sat, Dec 13The Moorland-Springarn Research Centerከጸሃፊ ተካልኝ ገዳሙ ጋር "አብዮታውያን በነገስታት ዙፋን ላይ" በተሰኘው መጽሐፍ ዙሪያ ያዘጋጀነውን ውይይት በሳንኮፋ ተገኝተው እንዲካፈሉ በአክብሮት እንጋብዛለን።
Sun, Dec 14Sankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin our conversation! A community gathering to share and reflect on powerful stories of conflict, resilience, and hope from Sudan.
Sat, Dec 20Sankofa 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.- Fri, Jan 16Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
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!
Date and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin us for an empowering and fun evening celebrating Pretty Girl County, the latest YA novel from Prince George’s County native Lakita Wilson!- Date and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin us for What Happened to Riverbend? - a special advance look and community conversation centered around the film’s production, disappearance, rediscovery, and the importance of reclaiming our narratives through independent Black cinema.
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 us for an inspiring evening of reflection and discussion at the "In the Hour of Chaos" Film Screening and "Freedom Moves" Book Event featuring filmmaker H. Samy Alim in conversation with moderator Dr. Msia Clark!
Date and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & CafeExplore the powerful themes of rebellion, justice, and transformation at the book event for Toward a More Perfect Rebellion by Josslyn Luckett. Engage in an insightful discussion with the author about the forces that shape our world and the pursuit of a more just future!
Date and time is TBDSankofa Video, Books & CafeJoin us for a community discussion with Nature, Environment, and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF), where we explore the importance of telling Africa’s stories from an African perspective. Hosted By Shirikiana Gerima!
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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