Sankofa: Our Journey Back to Fetch It
As a Black family traveling full-time, we live the ancient wisdom of Sankofa—
reaching back to reclaim our heritage while forging new paths forward
Beyond Memory: What Sankofa Truly Means for Black American Identity and Future
The Bird That Looks Back
Sankofa teaches us that wisdom comes from understanding where we've been. For our family, this means every mile traveled in our RV is an opportunity to reconnect with the stories, places, and people that shaped our ancestors' journey through America. The Sankofa bird, with its head turned backward while its feet face forward, reminds us that we can move into the future while honoring our past.
Heart-Shaped Wisdom
The heart-shaped Sankofa symbol reminds us that heritage is emotional—not just historical. As we visit historically Black communities, plantations, and Underground Railroad sites, we're healing generational trauma and building pride in our children's identity. Each destination becomes a classroom where our kids learn that their ancestors were resilient, brilliant, and worthy of celebration.
Path Forward Through the Past
"Go back and fetch it" isn't about dwelling in history—it's about gathering the strength, knowledge, and resilience of our ancestors to navigate today's challenges. Our RV lifestyle embodies this: mobile yet grounded, modern yet deeply connected to tradition. We're creating new memories while honoring old ones, teaching our children that they stand on the shoulders of giants.
Reclaiming Our Narrative, One Mile at a Time
Heritage Research Every Stop
Before arriving in any new city, we research its Black history. From the Harlem Renaissance in New York to the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, each destination becomes a living classroom for the kids and a reconnection with our collective story. We visit museums, historical markers, and cultural centers, documenting our journey through photos, videos, and journal entries that will become family heirlooms.
Genealogy Adventures
We've traced family roots across multiple states, discovering cousins we never knew existed and documenting stories that almost faded away. Our RV becomes a mobile research station, carrying archives, photos, and the tools to piece together our family puzzle. From courthouse records to cemetery visits, we're reclaiming names, dates, and stories that slavery tried to erase. Each discovery is a victory, each connection a celebration.
Community Connections
Sankofa teaches us that no journey is solitary. We seek out Black communities, support Black-owned businesses, and share our experiences to inspire other families. Each connection strengthens the web of support that sustained our ancestors through generations. We attend family reunions, church services, and community events, weaving ourselves into the fabric of Black America wherever we travel.
Teaching Through Travel
The kids learn history not from textbooks, but from standing on the ground where it happened. They've walked the Edmund Pettus Bridge, visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and explored Gullah Geechee communities. These experiences shape their identity, giving them a deep understanding of who they are and where they come from. Roadschooling becomes heritage education.
How We Help You Begin Your Sankofa Journey
Our travels have taught us that every Black family deserves to know their story. We've transformed our journey into services that help you reconnect with your heritage.
Genealogy Research Services
Let us help you trace your family's journey through America. We specialize in African American genealogy, breaking through research barriers and connecting you with your ancestral story. From census records to slave schedules, we fetch what was almost lost. Our expertise in navigating complex historical records helps you discover names, places, and stories that complete your family narrative.
Start Your ResearchHeritage Website Design
Your family's story deserves a beautiful digital home. We create stunning websites that showcase your heritage journey, complete with family trees, historical photos, and narrative timelines. Perfect for sharing with future generations and preserving your legacy. Each site is custom-designed to reflect your family's unique story and cultural heritage.
Design Your SiteHeritage Travel Planning
Planning your own Sankofa journey? We help families create meaningful heritage travel experiences, from selecting significant destinations to connecting with local historians. Turn your vacation into a journey of discovery and reconnection. We provide detailed itineraries, historical context, and practical tips for traveling with children while exploring African American heritage sites.
Plan Your JourneyReady to Begin Your Sankofa Journey?
Join other Black families who are reclaiming their heritage and building stronger futures through understanding their past.
Join the Sankofa Community
Resource Library
Access our curated collection of Black history resources, genealogy tools, and heritage travel guides.
Visit Resource Library →Family Stories
Read inspiring stories from other Black families who have embarked on their own Sankofa journeys.
Heritage Map
Explore our interactive map of significant Black historical sites across America.
Community Forum
Connect with other families, share research tips, and find travel companions for heritage journeys.
Our Sankofa Journey in Photos
From family reunions in Louisiana to historical landmarks across America, our photo gallery captures the moments that make our Sankofa journey meaningful. Each image tells a story of connection, discovery, and pride.
View Sankofa GalleryLatest Sankofa Stories
The Hidden Foundations of Freedom
During our travels, the Robbins House showed us that the African American story isn't just part of history—it's the foundation. Discover the quiet courage of one free Black family in Concord and how their resilience is inspiring our family's journey.
Read More →Walking Where They Walked
Our visit to Colonial Williamsburg wasn't just a history lesson—it was a profound connection to our ancestors. Learn how we're teaching our children about slavery's reality while celebrating Black resilience and achievement.
Read More →Mandeville Memories
Returning to Grandma's porch in Mandeville, Louisiana, we discovered that Sankofa isn't just about visiting historical sites—it's about reconnecting with living family and preserving stories before they're lost forever.
Read More →