February 21, 2026 (Sat) 7pm
SANKOFA PROJECT
First Baptist Church, 1112 E Broadway in Columbia
$25 General | $5 Student with I.D. | FREE Child 12 & Under.
DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 P.M.
SANKOFA PROJECT
A Journey Through Black Music and Artistry in America
Conceived and Curated by Patrick Dailey
In the West African tradition, the Adinkra symbol of “Sankofa” depicts a bird with its head turned backwards while its feet face forward carrying a precious egg in its mouth. The word itself means “go back and fetch it” and is further understood as “looking back to move forward”. Sankofa Project: A Journey Through Black Music and Artistry explores the rich tapestry of vocal music created by African Americans. An ideal program for any commemoration of African American history and culture, the program features the music and stories of musical figures across genres such as Marian Anderson, Harry T. Burleigh, Sam Cooke, Florence Price, and Margaret Bonds performed by the Sankofa Quintet; five young HBCU alumni artists making their mark on the performing arts world. Along with the powerful music, audiences will be treated to the powerful histories of these legendary artists through narration and dramatic interpretation. The music and artistry of African people is much like that precious egg in the mouth of the bird, full of vitality and sustainable resources. Sankofa Project uses the traditional concert medium while expanding its boarders. In experiencing this program, all will be inspired by these pivotal artists of the past and determined to move forward in creating a brighter future for us all.
Sankofa Project premiered in September of 2022 in conjunction with the International Florence Price Festival and Opera Philadelphia and has since been presented by these organizations throughout Philadelphia. Additional iterations include presentations in Cleveland, OH (October 2024-Cleveland Institute of Music), and New York City, NY (September 2025-Madison Sounds Concert Series)
PROGRAM
Songs We Sang in a Strange Land
Songs and Stars of the Stage
Songs of HBCU Composers (optional inclusion)
Songs of Resistance and Change
Songs of Faith and Hope
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