Sankofa Chicago: Juneteenth Screening

Sankofa Chicago: Juneteenth Screening & Q&A

Live in 11d 12h 37m 57s
Available June 19, 2025 10:00 PM UTC
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3 films in package
Episode 1: Sankofa Chicago
A journey through Chicago’s Black history and cultural heritage, Sankofa Chicago explores how reconnecting with the past can shape a more just and empowered present.
Closed captions available
Episode 2: The Untold
The second installment in the series, The Untold reveals hidden chapters of Black and Brown contributions in American history, challenging traditional narratives and sparking deeper conversations about our shared past.
Closed captions available
The Sankofa Experiment Teaser
"The Sankofa Experiment" is a short documentary that examines race, discrimination, and unfairness through storytelling and social experiments with diverse American families across generations.
$20This program of 3 films will broadcast live June 19th at 10:00 pm UTC. You will not be able to pause or rewind. After the live broadcast, you can access an on-demand recording any time until June 26th at 10:00 pm UTC. Once you begin watching, you will have 24 hours to complete your viewing. Need help?

Celebrate Juneteenth with a powerful virtual screening event featuring Episode 1 and Episode 2 of the award-winning docuseries Sankofa Chicago, along with an exclusive first look at the upcoming short film, The Sankofa Experiment.


This special event begins June 19 at 5:00 PM CT with a live premiere, followed by a Q&A panel discussing all three films, moderated by Kevin Ross of Two Guard Media Group, and featuring Director Vanessa Wright and cast members from each episode.


Sankofa Chicago explores the erased contributions of Black and Brown communities in American history and the urgent need for truth, representation, and healing. The Sankofa Experiment brings families together across generations to confront race, identity, and privilege in bold new ways.


All premiere tickets (including discounted tickets with promo codes) are valid for June 19th only.


Senior and student discounts are available—email info@sankofachicago.com to request a promo code.

After the premiere, all films will be available on demand through June 26 with a regular ticket purchase.

Sankofa Chicago explores the philosophy of Sankofa—emphasizing the importance of knowing one’s history to understand the present. Through personal narratives, historical insights, and interviews with scholars and community leaders, this documentary highlights how Sankofa can inspire social justice, strengthen community ties, and foster personal growth. It connects Chicago’s Black community to the broader struggle against systemic racism and celebrates resilience and cultural identity.

  • Year
    2021
  • Runtime
    68 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Genre
    Documentary
  • Subtitle Language
    English
  • Sponsor
    Illinois Arts Council, Department of cultural affairs and special events, Columbia College Chicago
  • Awards
    "Best Educational Film" Cannes World Film Festival
  • Director
    Vanessa Wright
  • Producer
    Vanessa Wright
  • Co-Producer
    Shelby Hawkins
  • Cast
    NANA YAW KAAKYIRE MARFO, TIMOTHY LANE, ORSON MORRISON, PSY.D, REVEREND DR. DONALD SHARP, REVEREND DR.GWENDOLYN MILLER, NATHAN FLESSNER, REBECCA GILTON-HARDIN, DOROTHY WRIGHT, DR. ROBERT HANSERD, SHANTRAM HAWKINS, PAUL POLK, PHLAVELIA RAY
  • Cinematographer
    Shelby Hawkins
  • Editor
    BLACK PUG FILMS
  • Composer
    James Parrish Smith
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