By Xochitl Armién, with adaptations from Joseph Fletcher
Edit/Blog/Publishing Team
Our empowering and educational workshop to production for the whole family is back! Available for free on Vimeo, from December 26 – January 1, watch at your leisure for the week of Kwanzaa. Sankofa, meaning “go back and fetch it” is a play adapted from the award-winning book by Sandy Lynne Holman ¨Grandpa, is everything Black Bad?＂ Centered around a young boy, Montsho, who has been deeply affected by the anti-blackness all around him, Sankofa emphasizes the importance of knowing the history of one’s cultural heritage.
Feeling low, Montsho arrives to Grandpa’s house for their first Kwanzaa celebration, unsure about where all of the negative associations with the color black leave him and his black skin. Grandpa sizes up the situation in an instant and turns to the family Sankofa book. African diasporic historical figures leap off the pages as they “go back and fetch the past” telling their remarkable stories of ancient Kemet, barnstormers, Black Wall Street, and more. Aunties and cousins help bring the seven principles of Kwanzaa to life as Montsho journeys from the gumbo pot in the kitchen to the backyard barbecue. Together they strengthen family bonds and rediscover the rich heritage that comes with being of African descent.
Sankofa addresses anti-blackness while celebrating and honoring wisdom and knowledge from the African diaspora during Kwanzaa. Brought to you by the Culture C.O.-O.P. and Bike City Theatre Company, this beautiful story is sure to leave a lasting impression, whether it be one of pride in one’s ancestry, or admiration of the wonders of African diasporic history.
The first step in a holistic approach to systemic change is through intergenerational and culturally relevant education. This play serves as an entry point for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about anti-blackness, and other historical and contemporary ism’s. Through this production, the Culture C.O.-O.P. and Bike City Theatre Company seek to start conversations, partnerships, and introduce their larger paradigm for change and services with the community.
Contact/Social Media:
Web: https://www.cultureco-op.com, https://bikecitytheatre.org,
Facebook: @TheCultureCOOP, @bikecitytheatre
Instagram: @theculturecoop_ , @bikecitytheatre
For press inquiries, interview requests, and additional information email us info@cultureco-op.com.
We All Have A Heritage 