Sankofa Cultural Foundation of Alaska

Sankofa Cultural Foundation of Alaska Sankofa Cultural Foundation aims to broaden affirm & celebrate African American culture with the arts

11/24/2025

# Commemorating Sankofa Dance Theater’s 30-Year Anniversary

About a month ago, journeyed to Savannah, GA, to take part in the grand celebration of Sankofa Dance Theater’s 30th Anniversary!

What an extraordinary experience it was! Sankofa Alaska had the privilege of connecting with the roots of the directors while delving into the company’s origins. The love, passion, and unity were profoundly felt, resonating throughout the entire event. This celebration gathered performers, artists, and enthusiasts from around the world, all bonded by a shared admiration for the rich cultural heritage represented by Sankofa Dance Theater. Attendees were treated to a series of stunning performances that highlighted the vibrant rhythms, intricate movements, and colorful personalities that characterize the Sankofa style.

The event also facilitated shared memories, offering guests an opportunity to learn about the history and evolution of the dance theater, while gaining insight into the artistic vision of Tonya Sherman , that has fueled its success over the past thirty years. Participants left feeling inspired and revitalized, carrying with them a renewed dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural traditions cherished by Sankofa.

As one attendee beautifully expressed, “It was more than just a celebration—it was a reminder of the power of art to unite people and honor the stories of our ancestors.” As the festivities drew to a close, a sense of hope for the future lingered, with many eagerly anticipating what the next thirty years hold for Sankofa Dance Theater.

Next on the agenda for Sankofa Alaska is the much-anticipated 10-year anniversary celebration. Stay tuned for announcements about dates, showcases, and festivities. This will be an event you definitely won’t want to miss!

From Whence We Came!

Thank you Tonya for your dedication, perseverance, leadership and commitment! This would not be if not for you.
We love you!

We are Thrilled to be returning to West High School  to facilitate our C.A.C.O. Residency Program.What is C.A.C.O.?The C...
08/31/2025

We are Thrilled to be returning to West High School to facilitate our C.A.C.O. Residency Program.

What is C.A.C.O.?
The Cultural Arts Community Outreach Residency Program is a project initiated by the Sankofa Cultural Foundation of Alaska in partnership with designed to preserve and educate about cultural heritage. This initiative engages participants in various artistic activities such as art, music, dance, and literature to promote cultural vibrancy, exchange, and unity.

Join Our Residency
Our residency program invites participation from schools, clubs, businesses, and the broader community. During this residency, we share principles from our Jami Curriculum, which includes not only essential life lessons but also culturally significant information.

For bookings, please reach out to us at **[email protected]**.

“Cultural Enrichment through the Arts “

Sharing from  :Happy Kwanzaa!!!Day 7!!HABARI GANI?!(Swahili for - What’s the News?)Imani! This translates to “Faith!”Ima...
01/05/2025

Sharing from :

Happy Kwanzaa!!!
Day 7!!

HABARI GANI?!
(Swahili for - What’s the News?)
Imani! This translates to “Faith!”

Imani embodies a deep-seated belief in and commitment to the values that enrich our family, community, people, and culture. It encourages us to seek both inner reflection and spiritual elevation, striving for a better quality of life for ourselves and those around us.

How do you incorporate faith into your daily life? Do you believe that your life’s journey has influenced your understanding or expression of faith?

Asè

Sharing from  :Happy Kwanzaa!!!Day 6!!HABARI GANI?!(Swahili for - What’s the News?)Kuumba! This means creativity.Today i...
01/04/2025

Sharing from :

Happy Kwanzaa!!!
Day 6!!

HABARI GANI?!
(Swahili for - What’s the News?)
Kuumba! This means creativity.

Today is one of our favorite celebrations. ❤️

On this special day, we honor the incredible power of creativity in fostering a vibrant and thriving community. We are blessed to have many talented artists among us who channel their creative energies into diverse art forms like dance, painting, music, and writing. Their creations evoke deep emotions and provide new insights into the world around us.

However, creativity extends beyond the arts. It plays a vital role in everyday problem-solving, such as finding the safest route home or managing essential tasks like balancing finances, relationships, work, and health. It can even be as simple as sharing a photo on social media with a clever caption.

What creative skills do you have that can help build and strengthen our community?

Asè

Sharing from  Happy Kwanzaa!!!Day 5!!HABARI GANI?!(Swahili for - What’s the News?)Nia!! Which means purpose.This princip...
01/02/2025

Sharing from

Happy Kwanzaa!!!
Day 5!!

HABARI GANI?!
(Swahili for - What’s the News?)
Nia!! Which means purpose.

This principle encompasses four essential concepts: Collective vocation, Heirs and custodians of a remarkable legacy, Generational responsibility, and the integration of personal and social purpose.

Collective vocation highlights our shared duty to build, nurture, and protect our cultural legacy and history, allowing us to reclaim our historical significance and greatness as a community.

As heirs and custodians of a distinguished legacy, contemporary African Americans are tasked with preserving and transmitting our cultural heritage to future generations.
Generational responsibility serves as a reminder that our actions and words reflect a commitment to either uphold or neglect our cultural duty to future African American generations.

Personal purpose and social purpose are interconnected, and Nia inspires us to pursue personal excellence while fostering cultural awareness within our community.

Have you discovered your life’s purpose? Does it resonate with the betterment of your community? In what ways are you honoring the legacy of your ancestors?

Join us today at the Fairview Rec Center for the Community Celebrations, where we will delve deeper into this principle!

5 PM to 6 PM!!

See you there!!

Asè!

Sharing from  Happy Kwanzaa!!!Day 4!!HABARI GANI?!(Swahili for - What’s the News?)Ujamaa!!! This means Cooperative Econo...
12/30/2024

Sharing from

Happy Kwanzaa!!!
Day 4!!

HABARI GANI?!
(Swahili for - What’s the News?)
Ujamaa!!! This means Cooperative Economics.

Ujamaa, the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, highlights the significance of mutual support and establishing businesses that uplift the entire community. This is reflected in the social media movements like , , and .

The fundamental concept of these initiatives is to promote the circulation of money within the community, which in turn boosts job opportunities and average income while fostering business growth and expansion. As a result, the community’s purchasing power is enhanced, paving the way for greater economic development.

We must understand that by joining forces, we can accomplish far more than we could alone. The more we collaborate and uplift one another, the stronger and more prosperous our community will become.

Asè!

How do you support local black businesses, thereby contributing to the economic well-being of the community? Do you agree that collaboration ultimately benefits the collective?

What strategies do you have in place to prioritize support for Black-owned businesses, followed by other local enterprises?

Asè!

Sharing from  Happy Kwanzaa!!!Day 3!Habari Gani?(Swahili for - What’s the News?)Today’s Kwanzaa principle is Ujima, whic...
12/28/2024

Sharing from

Happy Kwanzaa!!!
Day 3!

Habari Gani?
(Swahili for - What’s the News?)

Today’s Kwanzaa principle is Ujima, which means Collective Work and Responsibility. This principle highlights the significance of collaborating to strengthen our families, as the health of our families is inherently tied to the health of our communities. Each person has the responsibility to prioritize the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of their families and neighborhoods. The success of an individual is intertwined with the overall health of the community, reinforcing the saying that “it takes a village.”

Collective effort is vital for building and sustaining a robust community. By acknowledging the challenges our community faces and working together to address them, we can pave the way for a brighter future for everyone.

How do you plan to foster collective work within your community?

Join us today at the Fairview Rec Center for the Community Celebrations, where we will delve deeper into this principle!

5 PM to 6 PM!!

See you there!!

Sharing from  :Happy Kwanzaa!!!Day 2!HABARI GANI?!(Swahili for - What’s the News?)Kujichagulia, which translates to Self...
12/27/2024

Sharing from :

Happy Kwanzaa!!!
Day 2!

HABARI GANI?!
(Swahili for - What’s the News?)

Kujichagulia, which translates to Self-Determination.

It is essential for every individual to engage in self-reflection by contemplating three fundamental questions:

Who am I? – This question seeks to clarify one’s identity.
Am I genuinely the person I claim to be? – This prompts an assessment of one’s cultural heritage and authenticity.
Am I reaching my full potential? – This encourages an embrace of cultural grounding.

These inquiries extend beyond personal identity; they explore the historical and cultural contexts that shape our lives. They resonate with collective identity and are intricately connected to cultural and historical practices. At the heart of these practices lies the pursuit of self-determination.

Self-determination entails making choices for oneself and taking control of one’s life. It is vital for individuals to possess the freedom to make their own decisions and chart their own paths. When individuals can confidently answer these three essential questions, they are more likely to cultivate a strong sense of self-determination. This empowerment enables them to confront life’s challenges and overcome obstacles. By embracing cultural grounding, individuals can draw strength from their heritage and traditions as instruments of self-empowerment. Thus, reflecting on one’s identity, cultural background, and potential is crucial, as it fosters greater self-awareness, self-determination, and a sense of fulfillment.

Are you actively involved in the vital journey of uncovering your authentic self?
Are you working together towards personal development, not just for your own advantage but also for the benefit of the community?
Do you have a clear sense of your true identity?

Join us today at the Fairview Rec Center for the Community Celebrations, where we will delve deeper into this principle!

5 PM to 6 PM!!

See you there!!

Sharing from  :Happy KwanzaaHABARI GANI?!(Swahili for - What’s the News?)Kwanzaa is a week-long festival that pays tribu...
12/27/2024

Sharing from :

Happy Kwanzaa
HABARI GANI?!
(Swahili for - What’s the News?)

Kwanzaa is a week-long festival that pays tribute to African American culture, history, and community. This occasion is a time for celebration, gathering with others, and reflection – representing both endings and new beginnings. Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and continues until January 1st, New Year’s Day.

While Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, it serves as a time of observance that honors African-American traditions and customs. It is an inclusive celebration that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of race or religion. The principles and teachings of Kwanzaa provide valuable insights into African-American culture and values, making it accessible to anyone eager to enhance their understanding of these vibrant traditions.

The first principle is Umoja, which signifies Unity.

Umoja: To strive for and uphold unity within the family, community, nation, and race.

How do you envision your role in fostering unity within your community? In what ways do you actively practice and promote unity?

Join us for the community celebrations today at Fairview rec center!!

5 PM to 6 PM!!

See you there!!

Join  this year’s Kwanzaa festivities! Enjoy a fun community gathering featuring trivia games, dynamic speakers, delicio...
12/18/2024

Join this year’s Kwanzaa festivities! Enjoy a fun community gathering featuring trivia games, dynamic speakers, delicious food, and much more. This event is open to all members of the community.

The festivities will take place from December 26 to December 31 at the Fairview Recreation Center, daily from 5 PM to 6 PM.
On January 1, we will host a community potluck at the Nave from 6 PM to 8 PM. Community members are encouraged to bring pre-packaged items to share and to engage in fellowship with one another.

Learn about Kwanzaa and its seven principles and discover how they apply to All Walks of Life. Together, we can foster a brighter future for ourselves and the next generations.

Share the News and Bring A Friend!

“Cultural Enrichment through the Arts”

Address

Anchorage, AK

Telephone

+19079032245

Website

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