#SaveSankofa - Seattle’s Black Community Theater Calls for Help

Seattle is known for its vibrant arts scene and has been a hub for creativity and expression for years. From music to dance to theater, the city has been a breeding ground for artistic innovation. However, for the Black community, finding spaces to showcase art and culture has often been a challenge. That's where Sankofa Theater comes in - a unique grassroots space that has become a beacon for Black art and culture in Seattle.

"My desire for Black art is to have a home. There are very few spaces where we can express ourselves properly. And I do believe that art is the keystone of expression. Without expression, the beauty that we have cannot exist. Having places to express yourself might be the most crucial part of who we are," said theater supporter and activist Jason Beverly, echoing the sentiments of many Black artists and creatives in Seattle.

Black art has always been groundbreaking and history-making in Seattle, inspiring and moving the needle forward. Sankofa Theater, named after the symbol that represents learning from the past to move forward, has become a symbol of the legacy of Black art in the city. The theater is not just a performance space, but a community-driven initiative that aims to create a safe and inclusive space for Black artists to showcase their talents, connect with the community, and foster creativity.

"What makes Sankofa Theater unique is that it's one of a kind. It's grassroots. It's built by the community," said Arte Noir Executive Director and Sankofa Theater supporter Jazmyn Scott.

The theater has been nurtured by the efforts of the Black community in Seattle, coming together to create a space that reflects their culture and values. It has become a place where Black artists can see themselves, feel a sense of belonging, and connect with others who share their experiences.

For many Black artists, Sankofa Theater has become a lifeline, providing them with a platform to showcase their art and pursue their dreams. "Black folks have always been about the arts, whether it's our dance, whether it's our music, we've always been creators of art, and there's just not enough places for us to be able to showcase it as Black creators," said Nate Miles, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Government Affairs for Eli Lilly and member of the NAACP National Foundation Board of Directors. The theater has become a space where Black artists can find support, connect with like-minded individuals, and turn their dreams into reality.

However, like many other cultural spaces in Seattle, Sankofa Theater is facing challenges. Gentrification, rising costs, and the closure of many community spaces are threatening the existence of this vital cultural hub. 

"As spaces are closing due to gentrification and rising costs and all of these things, we lose out on our cultural spaces, so we have to save Black art spaces like Sankofa. It's on you to join us," said Converge’s Community Queen and Theater Supporter Trae Holiday.

The importance of preserving spaces like Sankofa Theater goes beyond just Black art. It is about preserving culture, history, and humanity. It is about providing a sense of belonging, home, and connection for the Black community, as well as promoting diversity and inclusivity in the arts.

"I want Seattle to be a place where when people from other cities travel to Seattle, they don't have to ask where the Black folks are, where's the Black bar? Where's the Black culture?” Scott said. “You'll be able to find it in every community and every neighborhood.”

Investing in spaces like Sankofa Theater is not just about supporting Black art, but also about enriching the entire artistic and cultural landscape of Seattle.

You can find out more about the #SaveSankofa effort on their website.