The Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels: A Journey Through History and Heritage

Date Posted: February 4, 2025

Established in 1995 by curator Angela Jennings, the Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels is a traveling treasure trove of history, culture, and innovation. Designed to educate and inspire, the museum showcases the profound contributions of African Americans from 1860 to the present, delivering a rich narrative suitable for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

The museum’s name, Sankofa, derives from a Ghanaian term meaning “to retrieve the wisdom of the past to build the future.” True to its name, this mobile museum offers a deeply immersive experience, connecting visitors to the triumphs and struggles of African American history, from the painful days of slavery to the modern civil rights movement.

Angela Jennings founded the museum after discovering that her honor student nephew lacked understanding of African American history. Since then, she has traveled across the United States, the US Virgin Islands, West Africa, and Europe to assemble a collection of rare artifacts, art, and memorabilia. These pieces rival the offerings of traditional museums, making Sankofa one of the foremost African American history collections on wheels.

Highlights of the museum include:

  • Historical Timelines: Spanning from slavery, the era of King Cotton, and Emancipation to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.
  • Notable Figures: Learn the stories of trailblazers such as Ida B. Wells, the Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and President Barack Obama.
  • Inventions by African Americans: A unique display showcasing the creative genius and groundbreaking achievements of Black inventors.
  • Interactive Dramatizations: Jennings brings history to life with captivating presentations and storytelling, offering audiences both the pain and pride of African American history.

By connecting historical events to modern struggles and achievements, the museum fosters critical thinking and empowers individuals to draw lessons from history to inform the present and future.

Whether through original artwork, curated artifacts, or engaging storytelling, Sankofa offers an unforgettable exploration of African American heritage. With a focus on education, enlightenment, and empowerment, Angela Jennings invites communities everywhere to experience the journey.

Southern Crescent Technical College is honored to host this moving museum in honor of Black History Month.  The community and students are invited to view this tribute on the following dates:

Tuesday, February 11 from 11am to 4pm at our Henry County Center located at 300 Lakemont Drive, McDonough

Thursday, February 13 from 11am to 4pm at our Griffin Campus located at 501 Varsity Road, Griffin