Sankofa Video Books & Cafe is a unique establishment located in a vibrant community. This brand aims to promote culture, diversity, and education through the combination of a bookstore, a video rental shop, and a cozy café. With a welcoming atmosphere and a wide range of offerings, Sankofa Video Books & Cafe is a haven for book lovers, film enthusiasts, and coffee connoisseurs alike.
The brand prides itself on its diverse selection of books, catering to all interests and genres. From bestsellers to niche publications, visitors can explore a plethora of literary treasures. Additionally, Sankofa Video Books & Cafe curates an extensive collection of films, providing an opportunity to discover movies from various cultures and eras.
The café within the establishment offers a tranquil space for guests to relax and enjoy a carefully crafted cup of coffee or indulge in a delicious snack. A commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing is central to the brand's philosophy, as they prioritize environmentally friendly practices and support local suppliers.
Sankofa Video Books & Cafe is more than just a place to eat, read, or watch. It is a cultural hub that fosters community engagement and encourages intellectual discourse. With a warm and inviting ambiance, this brand invites individuals from all walks of life to embark on a journey of knowledge and enlightenment.
Amenities and More
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Identifies as women-owned
- In-store shopping
- Identifies as Black-owned
- In-store pick-up
- Quick visit
- Small business
Reviews
Warm, welcoming, Afro-Centric video, bookstore and cafe. There’s also a little performance stage. The cafe serves an excellently strong mocha.
What a great bookstore! The staff were super helpful and very knowledgeable. I had a smoothie at the cafe and it was super yummy. I can't wait to go back!
Sankofa is a whole vibe. Amazing, friendly service from the cafe to book store counter - they make you feel like family. Coffee, smoothies and food are also really good - the ful is everything! They keep old, new, rare, famous and little known authors’ books and everything in between. I love the community events hosted there but even on a random day you never know who you will connect with. Today, my family and I chatted it up with a renowned photographer Roy Lewis who has captured the likes of Audre Lorde, Alice Walker, Gwendolyn Brooks, Nikki Giovanni, Muhammad Ali and more and low and behold, found out he had also photographed my aunt, a prominent West African Dancer and teacher, in Chicago in the 60s and he even had a book with her on the cover. It doesn’t get much better than that!
I loved the energy in the space. There were people of all ages in the space which made the experience a good one. I didn't have a meal but I had a smoothie which was good. I ended up purchasing 2 books for my 1 year old to enjoy in a couple years.
I knew I had to visit this place and didn’t get a chance to do so for the many trips I took to DC. This time around I made it work; from the moment I stepped in, till I read all I could from all the available books written by or about Black people, till I talked to good people there, grabbed a cool chai latte - an amazing cooler - and had two items of the menu (one vegan one carnivore 😂) and until I said bye - I felt black pride ✊🏾 I felt represented, I felt like I belong, I honestly felt that I needed more of this. It’s very therapeutic and the infotainment is eye opening. Give thanks 🙏🏾 until I come next time either with my own book to put on the shelf or to just grab a coffee - Peace be with you brethren and Sistrens!! ✊🏾
Rare find! Sankofa is a must-visit for the best in the latest books, nicely curated talks, impressive rare books, and friendly customers. The cafe offers smoothies, lattes, vegan options, breakfast, bakery items, and Wi-Fi. The book collection includes one of the largest selections of children's books, rare books, film, art, sci-fi, health, spirituality, biographies, history, music, and more from across the African diaspora. It is one of the few long-standing black-owned businesses that remain on Georgia Ave. The front patio is a nice place to spend a warm day with a book or a friend.
Great experience the books are awesome. The venue is great for reading , doing computer work, just chilling. Also venues, the get together for Juneteenth was cool many talented people in area with great VIBES!
If you are looking for a bookstore that celebrates Black Culture to the fullest, this is where you need to come! Every single peice of literature in the store, is written and features Black excellence. From children's books to autobiographies, and even science fiction; the genres are all present. They also have a cafe with delicious paninis! The searing area is great for a Spring or Summer day. I highly recommend this bookstore!
Location
2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Hours
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