Go back and fetch your past!

Sankofa, meaning “go back and fetch it” is a play adapted from the award-winning book by Sandy Lynne Holman ¨Grandpa, is everything Black Bad?＂ Centered around a young boy, Montsho, who has been deeply affected by the anti-blackness all around him, Sankofa emphasizes the importance of knowing the history of one's cultural heritage. 

Feeling low, Montsho arrives at Grandpa's house for their first Kwanzaa celebration, unsure about where all of the negative associations with the color black leave him and his black skin. Grandpa sizes up the situation in an instant and turns to the family Sankofa book. African diasporic historical figures leap off the pages as they “go back and fetch the past'' telling their remarkable stories of ancient Kemet, barnstormers, Black Wall Street, and more. Aunties and cousins help bring the seven principles of Kwanzaa to life as Montsho journeys from the gumbo pot in the kitchen to the backyard barbecue. Together they strengthen family bonds and rediscover the rich heritage that comes with being of African descent. 

Sankofa addresses anti-blackness while celebrating and honoring wisdom and knowledge from the African diaspora during Kwanzaa. Brought to you by the Culture C.O.-O.P. and Bike City Theatre Company, this beautiful story is sure to leave a lasting impression, whether it be one of pride in one’s ancestry, or admiration of the wonders of African diasporic history. 

The first step in a holistic approach to systemic change is through intergenerational and culturally relevant education. This play serves as an entry point for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about anti-blackness, and other historical and contemporary ism’s. Through this production, the Culture C.O.-O.P. and Bike City Theatre Company seek to start conversations, partnerships, and introduce their larger paradigm for change and services with the community.

About the Project

This collaboration began when Bike City core member J.R. Yancher attended a 2019 screening of The Cost of Darkness. Made by the Culture C.O.-O.P., the documentary deals with the history of race based policies and their systemic effects. Yancher and Culture C.O.-O.P. Director Sandy Holman spoke after the showing, setting the stage for this life altering collaboration. Sandy invited J.R. and Co-Producer Joseph Fletcher to intern with her organization during their graduate studies at U.C. Davis. Taking what they learned about cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion, they assisted in the development of this live performance piece as the focus of their theses. Created in co-design with the Culture C.O.-O.P., Sankofa was collaboratively written by Sandy Lynne Holman, Jordan Brownlee, and J.R. Yancher. 

About the Author

In her long career as an equity specialist, educator, counselor, and activist she has consulted with scores of organizations, including the National Center For Learning Disabilities, Understood.org, the Center for The Whole Child, the National Head Start Conference, the United States Navy and the United Way. Sandy has presented to thousands of youth and adults, locally and nationally as an author and advocate for holistic systemic change. She has been recognized with awards including the City Of Davis Lifetime Achievement Award, Ida B. Wells Risk Taker Award, and the Calvin Handy leadership award, among others. Sandy received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Davis and her M.S. in School Counseling with a focus on Education from California State University, Sacramento.

Culture C.O.-O.P. believes the first step towards holistic systemic change is through education and cultural competency across all ages and backgrounds, creating new ways for people to view and engage with one another. The play serves an entry point for Culture C.O.-O.P. to start conversations, partnerships, and introduce their larger paradigm for change and services with the community.

We would like to recognize Yolo Arts, the City of Davis, and the California Arts Council for making this possible.

Special thanks to Congregation Bet Haverim and their support via the Biberstein Social Action Fund. Cross cultural support is critical and greatly appreciated.

Our Cast