Logline
Sankofa Chicago is a three-part docuseries discussing the importance of Black history education for all, irrespective of race, for shaping a better future for our youth.
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 so far. 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.
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
The documentary "Sankofa Chicago: "Sankofa: to know one's history is to understand the present" explores the rich history of the Sankofa philosophy and its relevance to contemporary society. Through interviews with scholars, community leaders, and everyday people, the documentary demonstrates how Sankofa can be a powerful tool for social justice, community building, and personal development. In Chicago, we are tracing our steps back to the roots to address common problems affecting the Black community in America and worldwide today.
Through personal stories and historical context, the film shows how Sankofa can help us to understand our heritage and cultural identity. It also highlights how Sankofa can inspire us to confront the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism that continue to shape our world today.
EPISODE 2: The Untold
Sankofa Chicago: The Untold is the second installment of a groundbreaking three-part series that exposes the shortcomings of Chicago's American History curriculum. Through powerful storytelling, this documentary sheds light on the overlooked impact of Black and Brown people on American history, exposing the shortcomings of current education curricula. With a focus on accurate historical representation and an ongoing commitment to learning, Sankofa Chicago: The Untold offers a unique and invaluable perspective on the past and present.
EPISODE 3: 2024
In America, mental health has been an essential topic of discussion among African Americans as it's been a problem to curtail mental illness because of socio-economic risk factors like racism, gun violence, substance abuse, trauma, etc. The church has been a unit of support for Black families and individuals since the age of slavery. It must imbibe the culture of providing mental health support by addressing poverty, racism, and crime without any bias.
FACTS
In 1915, Black History in the U.S schools started with Dr. Carter G. Woodson along with his Colleagues in Chicago.
Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population.
Between 2010 through July 2020, Black homicide victims accounted for 4,374 of the city's murders.