Sankofa is an Akan (Ghana) word that means, "We must go back and reclaim our past so we can move forward;” so that we understand why and how we came to be who we are today, thereby gaining wisdom, power, and hope to make positive progress through the sharing of this knowledge.
Our Mission
Sankofa African American Theatre Company exists to engage and enrich the Harrisburg region around the African American perspective on relevant issues through thought-provoking theatre that reflects artistic excellence.
To carry out our mission, Sankofa AATC:
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Is an African American led organization
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Is Inclusive while focused on the African American experience and perspective
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Produces theatre that illuminates the history, culture, and life-experiences of African Americans
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Creates safe spaces for education, engagement, and empowerment around the African American experience
Evolution
In late 2015, members of Open Stage of Harrisburg leadership and actors from the cast of several August Wilson productions began to seriously dialogue about the need for a theatrical arena in which actors of color could take ownership of telling their own stories.
This dialogue lead to the formation of a founding strategic planning committee that worked for over nine months on developing a strategic plan for the organization, now known as Sankofa African American Theatre Company. The strategic planning process included a survey of the internal and external strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with implementing an African American theatre company.
From this strategic planning exploration, the organization’s mission and vision were developed to focus on the activities of Sankofa and develop and prioritize strategic objectives to ensure the sustainability and success of the organization. Sankofa African American Theatre Company was incorporated on June 6, 2017, and is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.