Project Update: Sankofa Chronicles Expanded with Powerful New Partnerships and Milestones

We are proud to share exciting updates in the development of The Sankofa Chronicles, our multimedia curriculum designed to infuse social and emotional learning (SEL) into schools and communities across the nation.

Capturing the Spirit of Ubuntu at Morehouse College

In March, The Sankofa Chronicles reached a major milestone with the filming of a powerful Ubuntu Circle at Morehouse College. Produced by our longtime media partner, CWK Network, this gathering captured a deep exchange of stories, reflection, and dialogue grounded in the African principle of Ubuntu—“I am because we are.” This content served as a vital component of the curriculum’s multimedia experience, bringing connection and community directly into the classroom.

The Ubuntu Circle filmed at Morehouse College featured discussions on key aspects of responsible decision-making and relationship skills.

• Responsible Decision Making: Participants explored the importance of considering the consequences of their actions, both for themselves and their community. They emphasized the need for clarity of purpose and aligning decisions with one’s values. The discussion also touched on managing one’s responsibilities to maintain a positive presence in social settings. Participants highlighted that considering the emotional impact of decisions and being present in social settings are essential aspects of responsible decision-making.

• Relationship Skills: The Ubuntu Circle also delved into the importance of communication, accountability, respect, and integrity in fostering healthy relationships. The participants emphasized the importance of in-person communication for better understanding. The significance of accountability in close relationships was discussed, with one participant noting the importance of helping friends be their best selves. Participants stressed the importance of respect and integrity, and the value of being open to different perspectives in relationships.

CWK Network, the creative force behind all the multimedia content for The Sankofa Chronicles, also captured key commentary and insights from several distinguished thought leaders, including:

• Mr. Ken Palmer, Board Chair of the Martin Luther King, Sr. Collaborative, offering critical context on the project’s vision and mission.
• Dr. Nicole Taylor, Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Education at Spelman College, speaking on SEL and youth development.
• Dr. Ebony O. Lumumba, Chair and Associate Professor of English at Jackson State University, who shared rich insights on heritage, healing, and the transformative power of storytelling. Dr. Lumumba also emphasized that part of responsible decision making is taking care of yourself so that you can care for the community.

A Transformative New Partnership with Jackson State University

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between The Sankofa Chronicles and Jackson State University (JSU), a key step in expanding our reach into the Mississippi education landscape. At the forefront of this partnership is Dr. Lumumba, whose leadership and scholarship brought invaluable insight to the project—especially in shaping the integration of Ubuntu Circles within the curriculum.

This partnership with JSU strengthened our ability to serve schools and communities with high-impact, SEL resources, and it reinforced the deep academic and community roots that power the project.

Next Steps: Sharing the Work

As momentum continued to build, sharing the work was vitally important. Our next steps included presenting The Sankofa Chronicles at principal meetings, school board presentations, and education-focused conferences to invite more school districts into this important conversation. These strategic engagements were critical for scaling the impact of the project and ensuring it reached the students and educators it’s designed to serve.