Sankofa Nola

Sankofa Nola At Sankofa Community Development Corporation, we believe health to be the cornerstone of a thriving community.

Building healthier communities in the Lower Ninth Ward by connecting fresh food access, environmental restoration, economic opportunity, and cultural vitality for generations to come. When individuals are healthy, relationships function better, families operate more easily and communities are more cohesive. This creates opportunities for increased safety, stability and overall viability. In holdin

g with foundational principles of community development, we believe that the power for true transformation lies within the community. We therefore work with residents and other stakeholders to identify locally felt social challenges and address them in thoughtful, culturally competent ways. We understand the power of the built environment in shaping health and therefore partner with other traditional community development organizations and non-profits to address the “social determinants of health” that trigger inequities. For us, the ultimate goal is to support the creation of a local environment that promotes positive health outcomes and builds healthier communities for generations to come. The Sankofa Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a 501 (c) 3 non – profit organization founded in 2008 by Rashida Ferdinand in alliance with community stakeholders in the Lower Ninth area following the Hurricane Katrina disaster to support health-centered community and economic development in the area.

We are incredibly grateful to Baptist Community Ministries for investing in Sankofa Community Development Corporation th...
08/25/2026

We are incredibly grateful to Baptist Community Ministries for investing in Sankofa Community Development Corporation through the Katrina 20 (K20) Grant! 🙌✨

Their support helps advance our community-led vision for a healthier, more resilient Lower Ninth Ward where environmental restoration, healthy food access, and economic opportunity work together to strengthen our community. 💚

Today, that vision includes community stakeholders working together to create:
🐦 A 40-acre restored wetland park that supports more than 80 bird species and nature-based spaces where Louisiana wildlife calls home.
🥕 The Fresh Start Market, bringing fresh produce and specialty items from local food-based small businesses at 5029 St Claude Ave.
🌱 Green gardens that create space for pollinators and locally grown food to flourish.
🏛️ A thriving nationally usaccredited Main Street corridor and resilience hub that supports sustainable community development.

Our shared success is measured by people coming together to create a more beautiful, just, and caring world for everyone. Thank you, Baptist Community Ministries, for believing in community-led solutions and investing in a future where clean air, healthy water, access to fresh food, and thriving neighborhoods are possible for everyone. 🌎🌾

🔗 Head to the link in our bio to learn more about our projects and how you can get involved!

08/25/2026

Are you someone who enjoys working outdoors, engaging with people, and helping bring community spaces to life? Sankofa CDC is looking for a hands-on Park Ranger to support events, field trips, volunteer days, Second Saturdays, tours, and other activities at Sankofa Wetland Park and our community spaces.

Interested? Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line Park Ranger.

08/24/2026

Are you a creative and analytical thinker with strong writing, digital marketing, and project management skills? Sankofa CDC is looking for a Digital Marketing Strategist to help grow our online presence, strengthen our storytelling, and use data-driven strategies to connect more people with our work.

Interested? Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line Digital Marketing Strategist.

Bid with purpose in August!Sankofa Community Development Corporation is proud to once again be part of Gulf Coast Bank &...
08/18/2026

Bid with purpose in August!

Sankofa Community Development Corporation is proud to once again be part of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company’s Auctions in August, an annual fundraiser that turns community generosity into meaningful support for local nonprofits.

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co. has been a valued supporter of Sankofa CDC’s work to build healthier, more resilient communities through wetland restoration, environmental education, local food access, and community-centered green spaces. We’re grateful for their continued investment in our mission and in the communities we serve.

This year, you can bid on several special items benefiting Sankofa:

🎨 “Beautiful” Spirit Vessels Art Print — A signed 5"x7" print featuring artist and Sankofa founder Rashida Ferdinand’s terracotta spirit vessel sculpture.

🍽️ Dickie Brennan & Company Gift Card — A $150 gift card redeemable at Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Bourbon House, Tableau, Pascal’s Manale, Acorn Cafe, Audubon Clubhouse and other Dickie Brennan & Company locations.

🧺 Fresh Start Market Local Goodies Basket — A collection celebrating local makers and growers, featuring raw cinnamon honey spread from Terry’s Beekeepers, Robin’s blueberry jelly, handmade bracelets from Daisy Doodles, Daddy’s kettle corn, field peas, Sankofa-grown oregano and thyme, Try-Me Coffee roasted beans and more.

Thank you to Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company for creating this opportunity and for continuing to support Sankofa’s goals. 💚

Bidding is open through August 31. Explore the auction and place your bids here:
https://www.gulfbank.com/auctions-august-1

08/13/2026

That's one hungry caterpillar! 🐛🌿

We recently spotted this black swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes) munching on our sweet parsley in the Sankofa Community Garden, a few blocks away from the Sankofa Wetland Park & Nature Trail.

While it may have quite the appetite, this caterpillar isn't an unwelcome garden pest. Black swallowtails are native to Louisiana and play an important role in our local ecosystem. And the biggest benefit comes after an incredible transformation: this hungry caterpillar will eventually become a beautiful black swallowtail butterfly. 🦋

Black swallowtails occur naturally throughout Louisiana in a variety of open habitats, including gardens, fields, wet prairies and freshwater marsh, pine savannas, and other areas where their host plants grow. This hungry caterpillar is a native part of Louisiana's ecosystem and is generally a welcome visitor to a wildlife-friendly garden, although it may eat a noticeable amount of parsley while developing they are generally non-destructive.

They grow into adult butterflies and that move from flower to flower on plants, drinking nectar and and contributing to pollination.

Caterpillars also play an important role in the food web. As a group, caterpillars provide protein- and energy-rich food for many birds and other wildlife, and are especially important to many songbirds when they are feeding their young.

As it moves through its life cycle, it supports our environment in several ways:

🌼 Pollinator in the making: As adult butterflies, black swallowtails travel from flower to flower drinking nectar and helping pollinate plants.

🦋 Beauty in our green spaces: Their vibrant wings bring color, movement, and a little bit of wonder to gardens and natural areas.

🐦 Food for wildlife: Caterpillars are a protein-rich food source for songbirds, especially when they're feeding and raising their young.

That's why we intentionally keep a special bed of host plants in the Sankofa Community Garden for caterpillars and other beneficial insects. Sharing a little parsley is a small price to pay for supporting pollinators, birds, and the biodiversity that helps our entire ecosystem thrive. 💚

Next time you spot a caterpillar munching on a garden plant, look a little closer before calling it a pest. You might just be looking at a future pollinator! 🐛➡️🦋 Help us spread the word by sharing this post with a fellow gardener or nature lover.

Sankofa CDC is seeking a Lead Farm Steward to help care for our growing spaces in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward. This ha...
08/11/2026

Sankofa CDC is seeking a Lead Farm Steward to help care for our growing spaces in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward. This hands-on role includes growing purple hull peas, okra, mirlitons, and other seasonal crops while supporting food access, environmental stewardship, and community education.

If you believe caring for the land is also a way of caring for your community, we'd love to hear from you.

To learn more about the connection between land, legacy, and stewardship, we encourage you to read this story about the Charleston family, who have cared for their Alabama farm for four generations:

https://capitalbnews.org/black-farmer-alabama-land-generations/?shem=dsdf,sharefoc,agadiscoversdl,,sh/x/discover/m1/4

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to: [email protected]

Spot the crown jewel of the wetlands! 👑🕊️The Great Egret is a regular visitor to Sankofa Wetland Park. These striking wh...
08/05/2026

Spot the crown jewel of the wetlands! 👑🕊️

The Great Egret is a regular visitor to Sankofa Wetland Park. These striking white birds are masters of patience. They stand perfectly still in our shallow waters before striking at fish and frogs.

When you see an egret hunting, you know our restored wetlands are full of life. They depend on healthy aquatic food chains to survive. Come see if you can spot one wading along the Birding Trail!

Paddle into peace at Sankofa Wetland Park! 🌿🛶Looking to escape the noise? Kayak through the ponds of the Lower Ninth War...
08/04/2026

Paddle into peace at Sankofa Wetland Park! 🌿🛶

Looking to escape the noise? Kayak through the ponds of the Lower Ninth Ward for a peaceful moving meditation. Float alongside birds, fish, turtles, and dragonflies while getting a great workout. Disconnect from the stress and paddle through beautiful hidden ponds filled with local wildlife.

Come reconnect with nature right in our community!
Best of all, it's completely FREE.

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026
📍 Sankofa Wetland Park & Nature Trail
6401 Florida Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117
Reserve your spot here: https://secure.everyaction.com/N08C7aRnE0OSs31-ciOwMQ2

08/02/2026

👀 Don't see anything? Look closer...

At first glance, these tiny baby fish are easy to miss but tell an incredible story about the Sankofa Wetland Park & Nature Trail. They have a huge impact on the success of our wetland restoration efforts.

Shallow, calm waters create the perfect natural nursery, where submerged plants, algae, and root systems provide both food and protection. Here, young fish find the food and shelter they need to grow safely before heading into deeper waters.

Seeing these young freshwater fish thrive proves that this restored ecosystem is doing exactly what nature intended—supporting life from the very beginning. Healthy wetlands mean a healthier planet for all of us! 🌾💧

What other hidden wildlife has caught your attention at the Sankofa Wetland Park and Nature Trail? 🌿🐟

Every thriving community has one thing in common: knowledge doesn't end with one generation. It gets passed on.We're hon...
07/30/2026

Every thriving community has one thing in common: knowledge doesn't end with one generation. It gets passed on.

We're honored to have our work highlighted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

At Sankofa CDC, we believe the strongest communities are built when young people and elders learn from one another. Corey O'Neal's passion for healthy cooking and Keith Craft's lifelong connection to the land and waterways of the Lower Ninth Ward remind us that wisdom grows when it's shared.

Thank you to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for recognizing the power of community-led, intergenerational change.

Read the story to see how we're restoring not only wetlands, but relationships, knowledge, and opportunity for generations to come: https://everychildthrives.com/wisdom-and-wonder-young-people-and-elders-leading-the-way/

Address

5200 Dauphine Street
New Orleans, LA
70117

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+15048729214

Website

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