All Videos

Join us for a screening of Shirikiana Gerima’s film Through the Door of No Return (1997), a personal confrontation of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Join us for a screening of Shirikiana Gerima’s film Through the Door of No Return (1997), a personal confrontation of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Join 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 Jamal Gray

Have you ever sought to learn more about the meaning of Sankofa? Join us for this Activist Archiving event with Zakiya Collier and Munyang Tengen, where we will discuss building autonomous archives within Black communities.

Join us for a screening of Haile Gerima’s 1979 film BUSH MAMA at Sankofa, followed by a conversation with the filmmaker. The film follows Dorothy, a young Black mother confronting poverty, state surveillance, and systemic injustice as she fights to protect her family.

Join us for a screening of Haile Gerima’s 1979 film BUSH MAMA at Sankofa, followed by a conversation with the filmmaker. The film follows Dorothy, a young Black mother confronting poverty, state surveillance, and systemic injustice as she fights to protect her family.

A FILM ABOUT THE SALVADORAN DIASPORA IN WASHINGTON D.C.THROUGH THE EYES OF SALVADORAN ARTISTS Join us for an evening of a film screening under the stars on our patio presented in collaboration with Positive Productions Inc.

oin us for a deeply moving and collaborative session of creative expression at Sankofa Video & Books, where we honor the remarkable, often unsung Black women who have shaped our lives and legacies. In this workshop, facilitated by Brazilian researcher Sara, participants explore the power of memory as a technology of resistance and community building. Through drawing, personal storytelling, and a collaborative reading of the works of Beatriz Nascimento, we reflect on the profound influence of matriarchs and the importance of preserving our ancestral histories. Video Highlights: • (6:15 - 9:18) Memory-based activity: Sharing personal stories of mothers, grandmothers, and mentors. • (48:00 - 59:19) Collaborative reading: Exploring Beatriz Nascimento’s work and the metaphor of the "book in the chest." • (52:56 - 55:04) Understanding the history and contemporary significance of the Quilombo. • (1:12:00 - 1:16:00) A critical discussion on the depiction of Black lives in cinema and media. • (1:47:00 - 2:00:38) Reflections on maintaining "liberated territories" and the importance of Afro-diasporic connection. This session bridges experiences between Brazil and the United States, fostering a space to reconnect with our creativity and ancestral roots away from the over-stimulation of modern life. Thank you for being part of this liberated territory with us. #CreativeExpression #AfrodiasporicMemories #BlackWomen #AncestralWisdom #SankofaBooks #Quilombo #BeatrizNascimento

Join us for an inspiring community reading circle hosted at Sankofa Video & Books, where we dive into the profound work of Brazilian intellectual and activist Beatriz Nascimento. Led by researcher Sarah Shabier from the University of São Paulo, this session explores themes of black radical thought, the legacy of the Quilombo, and the connections across the African diaspora. Video Highlights & Timestamps: • 0:00 – Welcome and Event Introduction • 4:13 – Participant Introductions & Book Shares • 16:07 – Biography of Beatriz Nascimento and the preface by her daughter, Bethânia Nascimento Gomez • 31:50 – Discussion: Nascimento's interview on the role of black people in history • 35:45 – Reinterpreting the Quilombo: Beyond a site of rebellion to an organized, autonomous society • 57:49 – Reflections on displacement: Nascimento's travels to Portugal and Angola • 1:06:25 – Exploring the 'Atlantic' perspective and historical trauma • 1:30:38 – The Quilombo as a Verb: Reconnecting with ancestry and community healing • 1:40:00 – Final reflections on the power of community reading circles About the Book: The Dialectics in the Sea offers a critical and revisional perspective on the history of black people in Brazil, emphasizing the need for black subjects to be at the center of their own narrative. Connect with us: For more events and information, visit sankofa.com or follow Sankofa DC on social media.

Sankofa Video Books & Café, 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA Join author Sule Greg Wilson in conversation with Malik Wilson on Rhythm ’n’ Spirit: African Wisdom for Universal Connection, an inspiring exploration of African wisdom, culture, and the power of human connection.

Join us for an evening of poetry, folklore and film screening of Dhalinyaro, presented in collaboration with Positive Productions and Luuq Cafe. Dhalinyaro is a 2017 Djiboutian drama film directed by Lula Ali Ismaïl, the first Djiboutian woman to direct a feature film.

Join us for an evening of poetry, folklore and film screening of Dhalinyaro, presented in collaboration with Positive Productions and Luuq Cafe. Dhalinyaro is a 2017 Djiboutian drama film directed by Lula Ali Ismaïl, the first Djiboutian woman to direct a feature film.

Join us as we discuss Togetherness, a poetry anthology celebrating ten years of Poetry Meets—a collective expression of community storytelling. Togetherness unfolds their story as a dance, a call-and-response, a prayer, and more.

JOIN US FOR AN ENGAGING, IMPACTFUL YOUTH MUSIC WORKSHOP DESIGNED TO INSPIRE CRITICAL THINKING ABOUT THE MUSIC OUR YOUTH CONSUME DAILY.

Join 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!

If you feel pinned down and want to contribute, register to perform at the event and sing your song of solidarity with the Haitian people

Come for the conversation, stay for the rhythm, and honor the spirit of Haitian resilience. If you feel pinned down and want to contribute, register to perform at the event and sing your song of solidarity with the Haitian people

Two years ago, young Kenyans took to the streets on June 25th -first in 2024, then again in 2025 -demanding relief from a crushing cost of living and accountability from their president. The world watched. The movement shook a government. In collaboration with the 6.25 Movement!

Join us at Sankofa for a special conversation with Lawrence Burney on his debut essay collection, No Sense in Wishing. In conversation with Zandria Robinson! Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Join us for a Post screening discussion of Uprize!, which tells the story of a 1976 student protest and their violent confrontation with South African police. Followed by a conversation with Sandra Rattley!