Sankofa Video and Books

Love this place!! It’s a great hub for community, books, videos, and a delicious bite to eat. The place has an outside sitting area with several benches, its inside is warm and cozy, and there’s an outside sitting area that’s shaded as well. Go for the books or various activities and stay for the vibes. While you’re there, grab my book - Reflections of Healing

17th Annual Black People March on Washington Go online, come-in or purchase a gift card for that special gift for that right person...or better yet, Become the one known for "Giving A Great Book" as a gift!! Support All our people providing knowledge to the masses!!

I heard great things about this place and I decided to check it out. Upon entering it was empty so I thought I picked the perfect place for studying. I have about 5-7 hours of studying to do so I was looking for a location that I could comfortably do that. I am a full time student and I found several locations in the DMV that you can study and bring outside food/drinks. I was excited because I wanted to think I could've added them to my list. I understand it's a business but I think this place misrepresents itself as a space for community and lounge reading. I had a personal snack and was not ready for anything heavy, also I don't have funds to spend in a cafe all day. I asked for a straw for my kombucha and the lady at the cash register made a weird face that I would ask for that. At this moment it would've been appropriate to inform me of the no food policy. I ignore it and sit down and continue studying. I have been there now for over an hour and the same lady comes and lets me know that they don't allow outside food. That's ok, but it's how it was brought it to my attention. Walking back and forth, staring, but never greeting me as a patron. When she approached me she even mentioned the straw as if it was a problem that I even asked for it. I visit many different places in the DMV that advertise themselves as a bookstore and cafe, and I never feel obligated to buy as I sit and enjoy their space. Again, this review is for the person who is looking for a location to truly sit, study, and relax. I was not given the opportunity support the business, but the whole hour multiple eyes watched me to see if I would purchase, but I was never met with pleasantries. I guess they assumed an hour was more than enough time to spend some money. I am more irritated because at some point I would have decided to break away from study and have lunch. I felt like I was in a restaurant, with a focus on high turnovers and their over booked seating. If this is their business model then they should advertise as that, because I walked in this morning under the guise as this is a DC staple community bookstore/cafe you can lounge in and get work done and a great place to learn about new literature. The interaction I had today was so; "if you don't buying anything we don't want you here" energy that it prompted me to leave and go to another local business that offers the environment that I was looking for. I want to emphasis this review is for the people who have to study all day and want to feel welcomed regardless of how long you take to spend money. Bookstores are important for the community, engagement, resources, and I think it's important to support the ones that focus on that and not on how much money I can squeeze out of you as you enter the door.

When I say BLACKITY BLACK BLACK bookstore I mean that with every fiber of my being. The café was delicious! The coffee warms your soul, the food was amazing, & most importantly the books oh my gosh the books. There was knowledge and history flowing from every nook and cranny of this shop. It feels like a salon/barbershop were you can chop it up with all who enter. I will most def be back.