Sankore - Growing the Sankore Foundation Community

EMPIRICAL RESEARCH AND THE NEED

The overall purpose of THE SANKORE FOUDATION Corp. is to improve functioning among African American families by fostering a greater sense of racial identity. Theoretical accounts define racial identity as?the extent to which one takes on African centered values and demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the lives of other African people. Racial identity serves as a buffer against the factors that place African American families at risk for mental health problems. Empirical studies indicate that racial identity ?is associated with better psychological and ?social functioning among African Americans (Carter, 1991; Jefferson & Caldwell, 2002; Parham & Helms, 1985; Phelps, Tailor & Gerard, 2001). Thus, African Americans who identify strongly with their African heritage are more likely to be well adjusted and participate in activities that benefit their immediate surroundings.

SANKORE Community is the domestic vertebrae of THE SANKORE FOUNDATION Corp. Our submersion programs are by far the most unique element of the Sankore Foundation’s mission. However, it is also critically important that we strengthen our community domestically so as to create an atmosphere where the seeds of true culture can flourish.

Within the SANKORE Cultural Affairs curricula is SANKORE Community. SANKORE Community curriculum consists of the Sankore Kithchen, Sankore Cash Smart, and Sankore Media Outreach. The goal of Sankore Food Closet is to provide nutrient rich organic groceries at reduced cost to urban families. Families will receive two bags of organic groceries for a donation of $15. Every order is designed to assist in feeding a family of four for one week and include foodstuffs from the major food groups – meats/protein, grains/legumes, and fruits/vegetables. The Sankore Cash Smart curricula partners with professionals i.e. mortgage brokers, tax specialists, real estate agents, financial advisors like Money Matters South, etc. to provide financial literacy instruction with for the community. The Sankore Media Outreach serves the community through book clubs, cultural movie night, and provides a direct link to current events in Ghana. Stay abreast on dual citizenship updates, elections, relevant government information, business opportunities etc.

Also within the SANKORE Cultural Affairs curricula is SANKORE Education, an active resource for parents concerned about the quality of American public education. The parents we assist are those looking for a more challenging educational experience, nurturing environment, and greater emphasis on African and African American culture and history for their children. Our small network of African Centered Schools (ACS) blend and balance excellence in education with African and African American cultural prominence where racial identity and self-esteem are not compromised for improved academics.

SANKORE African Centered Cultural Affairs apply what empirical research suggests, and that is racial identity serves as a buffer against the factors that place African American families more specifically African American youth at risk for mental health problems. ACSS understand that parents and focus groups alike want not only higher teacher expectations and academic standards, more individual attention, assurances of their children’s safety, but a well-rounded education that includes African and African American values that reinforce a strong sense of self-esteem, self-love, and mutual respect.

SANKORE COMMUNITY PHOTO GALLERY