The Sankofa Project was started by the Office of Equity and BHS AP African-American History teacher Korey Whitfield. A team of staff, students and community partners started the Sankofa project in 2025 to celebrate Black History beyond the month of February. The Sankofa project organizes community events that highlight Black Excellence and history. Save the dates for Sankofa events happening this school year!
January 15, 2027 – Sharing Our Stories 1-3pm a celebration of Black Excellence through sharing tales of resistance, identity and joy and interactive workshops that both educate and uplift the participants
February 17, 2027 Legacy and Light 5-7pm a celebration of music and dance that features local performing artists, BSD bands and a shared meal
April Date TBC Sankofa Slam an exploration of poetry and spoken word featuring original poems written by BSD students
May 17th Sankofa Symposium 5pm-7pm an opportunity to learn from our students about Black History events, people and movements
Sankofa Slam! Poetry Cipher Thursday April 9, 2026 5:30-7 pm @ Richard Kemp Center Original poems by BHS Poetry Club, EMS and HMS students and Racial Justice Academy poets. Featuring resident storyteller and parent Ferene Paris from All Heart Inspirations.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15th 1-4 pm- Legacy & Light Arts Event @ Contois Auditorium/City Hall Visual Arts Show featuring BHS student art, Musical Performances by Jeh Kulu Dance & Drum, A2VT, Mikahely, Green Mountain Gospel Choir, Obi the Voice God and BSD Students. Lunch catered by Yalla Eats!!! Learn more!
Thurs Jan 15th– Sharing Our Stories: Breaking Barriers & Building on Brilliance” Highlighting Black Male Excellence 1-3 pm @ Main Street Landing
The Meaning of Sankofa and The Goal of Our Sankofa Project
Sankofa is a Twi word from the Akan people of Ghana that is used in Black history to represent the idea of learning from the pastπ to create a better future. The mythical bird has its head turned backward while its feet point forward. The egg in the bird’s mouth represents the knowledge of the past that can be used to create wisdom. The word Sankofa translates to “go back and get it.” It’s based on the proverb, “It is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot.”
For the BSD Equity Office’s Sankofa Project, we evoke this symbol and message to drive our goal of moving Black History & Excellence forward as a more prominent and consistent part of our school and community. Sometimes, we must return and bring those we left behind. We strive to affirm that Black History is American History and African History is World History that extends far beyond Black History Month.
Historically, the Burlington School District has left marginalized students behind, particularly Black and Brown students; it is time for us to ensure all marginalized groups, especially Black and Brown students, are seen, heard, and treated with the utmost respect and dignity they are entitled to. We must hold ourselves accountable to ensure these students receive the best education possible. We must use the resources necessary to honor our heritage, nurture excellence, and develop the brilliance these students already possess. We must not continue to deny and rob them of excellence in education.
Click here to view the events from the Sankofa Calendar from the Spring of 2025
Reading to End Racism w/ LeVar Barrino, Flynn Elementary Student Success Coordinator
