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
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.
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 the powerful second installment in a groundbreaking three-part series that reveals the inadequacies of the American History curriculum taught in Chicago Public Schools. However, this issue is not exclusive to Chicago and is prevalent throughout the rest of the United States. This documentary sheds light on the overlooked contributions of Black and Brown people throughout American history and the complex parts of that history often excluded from traditional curriculums.
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.
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
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.