Sankofa, a word from the Twi language of Ghana, translates to “go back and get it.” It is often depicted by a bird with its body facing forward and its head turned back, holding a precious egg. This and other Sankofa symbols remind us of the importance of learning from the past.
Now is a critical time when opportunities for open-minded consideration and civil discussion of hard truths about our nation’s history are being threatened. Please consider making a donation to help the Collaborative continue to support these foundations of our democracy. Donations may be made by check made out to Trent House Association, the Collaborative’s fiscal agent, or via PayPal by clicking here or on the button below.
Sankofa Collaborative celebrates nearly 10 years of programming and resource sharing! Our mission is to build the capacity of individuals, groups, and organizations to learn about, present, and discuss the complex and difficult issues in the history and current experiences of African American citizens of New Jersey. You can click here to learn how our initiative began in 2017, and about the many community members who came together to make it happen.
The Collaborative’s first workshops drew capacity audiences who later expressed the need and desire for more in-depth examination of African American history. They also asked us to find a way to share information and ideas beyond the workshops. In response, the Sankofa Collaborative has presented numerous in-person and virtual programs and developed a website and weekly email to share additional resources. Visit our Past Programs page to find materials and recordings of past programs.
Currently four New Jersey organizations – 1804 Consultants, The New Jersey Historical Society, Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum and the William Trent House Museum – comprise the Sankofa Collaborative. Our work is generously supported by grants from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, the New Jersey Historical Commission, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Patient First.
We invite you to click here to join our mailing list to receive a weekly email that includes program announcements, news about upcoming events in and around New Jersey, and curated articles and resources.
We also hope you will visit our website frequently to learn about upcoming events and to access the wealth of resources we have gathered for educators and others who share our vision: That all residents of New Jersey know, acknowledge, and appreciate the critical role and contributions of African Americans to the history, development, and current affairs in our State.
