May 2, 2008, 7-9:30
Books for Timbuktu Open Mic
This open mic Sankofa event will encourage students to read exerpts by African writers as well as share self-written pieces that honor Africa or Black writers. Entry Fee: at least ONE BOOK by an African author - there will be a prize
for the person that brings the most books by an African writer.
Arts Under the Stars at Sankofa
Every Friday 7 - 9pm Starting May...TBA
Who is Obama to me?"
A Community Conversation
3 Wednesdays, Ap. 23, 30, May 7
Panelists of artists/writers leading the discussion:
Layfayette Gilchrist, Muscian has released a new album, 3, on Hyena Records is a product of his
upbringing: beat-driven compositions with special attention to
improvisation.
Akili Ron Anderson is a lifetime
resident of Washington, DC. He has successfully practiced as a full time visual artist for
more than thirty years.
Valerie Maynard, Expresses spirituality in public works in stone,
wood, metal and ceramics.
Deanne Samuels,
An active member of the community, chairperson of Trinidad & Tobago
women committee, and executive director of Caribbean Students
Scholarship Funds Inc.
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Day II - Wednesday April 30, 2008
From 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Panelists of scholars and community activists leading
the discussion:
 Greg Thomas, Professor at Syracuse University, author of the book The Sexual Demon of Colonial Power:
Pan-African Embodiment and the Erotic Schemes of Empire ( Indiana
University Press, 2007).
Jared Ball, Dubbed by free speech radio News as "the first hip-hop presidential candidate," ran temporarily on the Green Party ticket. He is an assistant professor of communication studies at
Morgan State University.
Leo Edwards, Devoted his life by
intensifying cultural relations between the African Diaspora and North America,
in addition to being a cultural organizer and connoisseur of African-American art. Edwards has been
recognized for his work by the numerous awards received from the government of
Jamaica, Howard University and Mayor of Washington DC to name a few.
3pm, Sunday, May 4th, BOOK SIGNING:
RON WALTERS signing and discussing two of his books,
PAN AFRICANISM IN THE AFRICAN DIASPORA; An Analysis of Modern Afrocentric Political Movements. "Walters
presents a brilliant analysis of modern Pan Africansm. Walters, a
distinguished scholare of African American politics cultivates new
ground in the study of Pan African organizations and their politial
activites inside black communities. ...One of the best Black Studies
publications in recent years." James Turner , Cornell University
THE PRICE OF RACIAL RECONCILIATION, The issue of reparations in America provokes a lot of interest, but the
public debate usually occurs at the level of historical accounting:
"Who owes what for slavery?" ...The author concludes that the grand narrative of black
oppression in the United States---which contains the past and present
summary of the black experience---prevents racial reconciliation as
long as some substantial form of racial restitution is not seriously
considered. This is "the price" of reconciliation.
Wednesday May 7, 2008, "What is Obama to Me?"
Day III
From 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Panelists of Poets leading the discussion:
 Sunni Patterson, Emerging
from the musical womb that is New Orleans, artist and visionary Sunni
Patterson combines the heritage and tradition of her Native town with
an enlightened modern world view to create music and poetry that is
timeless in its groove. 
Laini Mataka, Poet whose publications include Black
Rhythms for Fancy Dancers, Never as Strangers, Restoring the Queen, and Being
a Strong Black Woman Can Getchu Killed. Her work has been included in a number of
anthologies including Sisterfire, 360 Degrees, In Search of Color
Everywhere and Day of Absence.
Aliya B. Bashiruddin-Carter of HU Poutre' poets, Premier
Poetry Organization that brings together writers, MCs and
Poets. Poutre' promotes Art and Poetry at Howard University,
continuously linking the Howard University Poetry scene with that of
the
broader Washington DC community.
Month-Long Book Drive
for the
University of Bamako, Mali
Bring your own books to drop off at Sankofa anytime before May 2
or
buy one of ours at 10% off
and drop them in the bin!
Rebuilding the Library in Timbuktu project is sponsored by African Studies Graduate Students Association (ASGSA) of Howard University that encourages the Howard University student
body and the public to donate books primarily by Pan African writers and books on History.
Nine hundred years ago, Timbuktu was celebrated as a major center of passage for all desert voyagers. It
was the center of trade where merchants from Tuareg and Fulani tribes,
for example, would trade gold and other desired items from the Nile to the Niger areas. Timbuktu not only celebrated a long history of commerce, it was also the citadel for scholarship for various empires spanning from the
Mali Empire (1300 b.c.) to the Songhai Empire (1400s b.c).
Books may be dropped off at Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe April 1 - May 2
Culminating open mic, May 2, 7:30 - 9:00pm
Entrance Fee: one book
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