Sankofa 2026: 100 years of Black history

Blair’s 2026 production of Sankofa, written by student Evvaleen Robinson, kicked off this week with an incredible turnout. Entirely student-created and performed annually, with a new script and theme each year, the show honors Black History Month, which began as “Negro History Week” in February 1926, exactly one hundred years ago. In celebration of that centennial, this year’s production centered on a literal journey through the past, traveling across decades of Black history and culture.

Assata (Amen Worku), the main character, is a teenage student enrolled in an AP African American History class. As she works on a project for the class, her city works to strip its only museum dedicated to African American history and culture of its artifacts. With this occurring in the background, she is suddenly transported back in time, embarking on a journey through defining moments and movements of the past century.

The show opened with the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Students Madina Kante, Raynard Barkley, and Payton Newsome followed with a recitation of the poem “Ain’t That Bad,” a proud and powerful piece ending with the triumphant lines, “An’ ain’t we bad? / An’ ain’t we Black? / An’ ain’t we fine?”

From there, three vocalists delivered a stirring rendition of Beyoncé’s “Be Alive,” followed by “Fu-Gee-La” by the Fugees. The crowd gladly sang along to “Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe as the familiar lyrics—“It’s drivin’ me out of my mind…”—echoed through the auditorium. Musical numbers, vibrant choreography, and poetry readings joined together to bring each new decade Assata entered to life.

“I” by Kendrick Lamar stood out as one of the most electrifying moments of the first act. Following Sade’s “No Ordinary Love,” beautifully sung by Giselle Ayala Carreto, the performance filled the room with infectious energy as backing vocalists repeated, “I love myself!” over jazzy instrumentals. Music by The Chiffons, Marvin Gaye, and Soul II Soul further livened the night, soloists including Chloe Rodriguez, Sofiya Moore, Elina Alira, and Toftaa Fedhaa.

After three moving poetry readings, the first act concluded with “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round.” The sincerity and strength of the vocals lingered in the air even after the curtain closed. Act Two opened with “People Make the World Go Round” by The Stylistics, ushering in featured works by iconic artists ranging from Queen Latifah to Janet Jackson. A lively 70s dance mashup accompanied Assata’s continued exploration of Black culture and history.

At the beginning of the play, Assata feels disconnected from and impassive about her Black heritage. But as she gathers friends from different decades, witnesses the passion and unrest of the Civil Rights Movement, and helps return artifacts to their rightful owners, she finds the connection and sense of self she never had. She discovers that there is no right way to be Black and that there is nothing she has to do to earn ownership over her identity.

Rodriguez and Moore later recited the poem “A Culmination of Assata’s Journey,” while A’myah Lindsey took to the stage to honor the friendships built throughout the story with the song, “That’s What Friends are For.” The finale featured more dances and songs (Tyler, the Creator’s “I Killed You,” for one) before closing with an African Dance Medley. By the end of the night, the auditorium buzzed with the energy and joy of celebration.

Sankofa’s final performance will be held on February 14th. Don’t miss it!