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Logline
Sankofa Chicago, a transformative 3-part series, showcases how embracing the Sankofa philosophy empowers the confrontation of historical injustices, advocates for truthful education, and addresses generational challenges, reshaping narratives in modern-day Chicago and America.
Series Synopsis
Sankofa, a word in the Twi language of Ghana, means, “Go back and fetch it”.
Like its title, this docuseries is about Chicago's Black and Brown communities, finding its value through education on the History and shared values. If we want to comprehend racism in America, we must first grasp our past. To create a community that protects and values everyone, we must learn how our ancestors came to be in America and how they fought for the little freedom we have attained. It provides a sense of belonging and a medium of social and moral support to the young Black and Brown population through learning about their origins and how far they have come.
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Ultimately, "Sankofa" is a call to action, encouraging viewers to embrace the wisdom of our ancestors, learn from their struggles, and use that knowledge to create a more just and equitable future for all.
EPISODE 1: Sankofa Chicago
Sankofa Chicago is a documentary that delves into the meaning of Sankofa, which emphasizes the importance of knowing one's history to comprehend the present. The film explores the rich history of the Sankofa philosophy and its relevance to contemporary society through interviews with scholars, community leaders, and everyday individuals. The documentary showcases how Sankofa can be a powerful tool for promoting social justice, building community, and fostering personal growth.
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In Chicago, the documentary traces the steps of the Sankofa philosophy to address common issues affecting the Black community in Chicago and throughout America today. By sharing personal narratives and historical context, the film demonstrates how Sankofa can aid in understanding our cultural heritage and identity. Furthermore, it emphasizes how Sankofa can inspire us to confront the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism that still shape our world today.
EPISODE 2: The Untold
Sankofa Chicago: The Untold is a powerful documentary that is the second part of a three-part series exposing the inadequacies of American history curricula in Chicago Public Schools, a problem across the US. It highlights the overlooked contributions of Black and Brown people in American history. It explores methods of enhancing the current History and Social Science curriculum and alternative avenues for incorporating this vital history into other academic disciplines. The film stresses the significance of accurate representation and continuous learning, inspiring viewers to question conventional narratives and seek a more comprehensive understanding of American history.
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To bridge this education gap, we explore methods of enhancing the current History and Social Science curriculum and examine alternative avenues for incorporating this vital history into other academic disciplines.
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The film emphasizes the significance of accurate representation and continuous learning, encouraging viewers to question conventional narratives and pursue a more nuanced understanding of American history. Sankofa Chicago: The Untold challenges the conventional narrative and encourages viewers to question traditional narratives and seek a more comprehensive understanding of our past and present.
EPISODE 3: 2024
This threequel delves into the enduring legacy of intergenerational trauma within Black communities, examining its profound influence on mental health challenges and the staggering rates of incarceration. While illuminating the historical contributions of the black church as a source of support, the documentary primarily focuses on how inherited trauma intertwines with mental health disparities and contributes to the disproportionate incarceration of Black individuals in contemporary society.
KIDS SHORT DOC
"Sankofa Kids" evolved from the immense demand following kids in the first and two episodes of the Sankofa Chicago series. Featuring the same children, it captures their innocent yet insightful reactions to discussing race, ethnicity, and American history.
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This timeless short film provides a unique insight into growth and development by contrasting past and present viewpoints. Supported by sociology and psychology/teaching experts. The power of education, empathy, and dialogue among young adults, parents, and experts takes center stage in this documentary.
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With its 15-20 minute runtime, the film bridges knowledge gaps, making challenging aspects of American history understandable. Tailored for K-8 classrooms or university settings studying education, it equips educators and parents to navigate discussions on race and uncomfortable truths in history. 'Sankofa Kids!' aims to inspire curiosity and critical thinking in children, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history."
In 1915, Black History in the U.S schools started with Dr. Carter G. Woodson along with his Colleagues in Chicago.
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Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population.
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Between 2010 through July 2020, Black homicide victims accounted for 4,374 of the city's murders.