"Reclaiming our past, reading for our future."
About Us
Our Mission
Founded in 2020 by educator and literacy advocate Tiffany Thomas, Sankofa Essential Books curates the most essential new and used works in African American history, culture, literature, and thought. We serve readers of all ages — from young learners discovering their first heroes to lifelong scholars of Black excellence.
We honor the spirit of Sankofa — “go back and reclaim it” — by offering books that uplift our past, empower our present, and inspire our future. Every title we carry reflects our belief that literacy opens doors, culture builds confidence, and knowledge sustains community.
Our collection includes literary fiction, non-fiction, children’s and young adult literature, poetry, biographies, and works by both legendary and contemporary voices. Whether you're building your personal library, supporting a young reader, or seeking deeper cultural understanding, we are here to guide your journey.
Sankofa Essential Books is more than a bookstore — it is a movement for literacy, culture, and empowerment.
Meaning of Sankofa
Sankofa comes from the Twi language of the Akan people of Ghana.
It is formed from three parts:
- San — to return
- Ko — to go
- Fa — to retrieve, seek, and take
Together, Sankofa teaches us:
Go back and reclaim what has been lost or forgotten, so we can move forward with wisdom and purpose.
It reminds us that our future becomes stronger when we honor and learn from our past. By returning to our roots, we gather the lessons, traditions, and stories that guide us toward a better tomorrow.