Sankofa International Inc. (Sankofa) Announced the Completion of its Documentary Film “400 Years and an Ocean Apart”
This documentary was inspired by the efforts of Mr. Richard C. Willis, founder and CEO of Sankofa, who led a group of nine African Americans on a God-willed journey to Ghana, West Africa in April 2004 to celebrate “Easter In the Motherland", and to reconnect them with their past. The film chronicles the journey of these nine individuals who heeded the call of Mother Africa and returned home to their roots to reclaim their birthright and embrace a new spirit of enlightenment.
(PRWEB) January 28, 2005 -- Nine months in the making, “400 Years and an
Ocean Apart” was a collaboration between Sankofa and C.A. Benjamin Associates,
LLC. The film is being shown to selected audiences throughout the month of
February 2005 in celebration of Black History month. Sankofa has also announced
that any additional showings can be requested by contacting Sankofa
International, Inc. Sankofa will also be returning to Ghana, West Africa again
in 2006 and beyond. The trips are open to anyone who is interested in “Going
Back, Giving Back, and Bringing Back - the knowledge of their heritage and the
wisdom of their past".
In addition to reconnecting African Americans
back to their African roots, the mission and great works of Sankofa is worthy of
attention. This organization serves as a true model for those who understand the
need to "Go Back, Give Back, and Bring Back". Sankofa strives to make a
difference in the lives of those less fortunate and to give a new purpose in
life to those more fortunate.
Sankofa International Inc.'s mission is to
enhance the quality of life of needy Africans living in rural African villages,
especially children. This is a holistic approach that includes, but is not
limited to, health care, basic education, housing, sanitation, and finance. With
continued oversight, Sankofa provides a consistent and organized foundation,
along with the technical guidance and assistance needed so that problem areas
can be addressed effectively at the grass roots level. Short to mid-term, the
expected outcome is continued growth and development to help eliminate problem
areas. Long-term, the expected outcome is the creation of villages and a people
who are self-sustaining.
Sankofa is currently operating within the
Ashanti region of Ghana and has been doing so since 1994. The two villages
targeted are Adum Afrancho and Odumasi. However, through effective outreach
programs, Sankofa has already begun to make a positive impact on other
surrounding villages. To date, SANKOFA has taken electricity into the villages,
restored the foundation for the aging village school, built a new wing for the
school, completed medical exams for over 300 students and teachers, awarded
Secondary School Scholarships to six graduating students, conducted HIV-AIDS
education, and implemented an international educational pen-pal program
involving village students and students in the United States.
Sankofa
International's founder, Mr. Richard C. Willis, envisions an Africa where rural
villages are self-sustaining and have all the comforts offered in most
communities in the United States. A graduate of the University of the District
of Columbia's graduate schools of Counseling and Psychology, Mr. Willis has
taken on a monumental task in relieving some of the burden from the government
of Ghana. In recognition and support of his efforts, the Supreme Chief of the
Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfou Osei Tutu II, Unanimously, along with his people agreed
to appoint Mr. Willis their Tribal Chief for Economic Development under the
stool name Nana Asamoah Akenten.
Since its founding in 1994, up through
1999, Sankofa had not received any corporate/government sponsorship; therefore,
for the most part, Sankofa founders have again paid out-of-pocket for the
Program, and individual donations made during fundraisers have been used to
cover program expenses in Ghana. To date, there has not been a time whereby
individual donations covered, in full, all expenses in Ghana. The Founders and a
handful of supporters have always made up the difference. Mr. Willis attributes
this to his faith in God and the dedication of Sankofa’s supporters.
Sankofa has received recognition both nationally and internationally for
its programs. For example, Fox T.V. news covered Sankofa's annual fundraiser and
aired portions of the program over the air. CNN and Comcast aired a story on
Sankofa. Also, the Prince George's Journal in Maryland printed a front page
article on Sankofa's efforts. In Ghana, the Ghana News printed an article
covering medical exams and scholarships for village students. Additionally,
Sankofa officials were interviewed on Ghana's FM radio station. Finally, as a
result of Sankofa's efforts, Sankofa officials were invited to the palace of
Otumfou Osei Tutu II, the Supreme Ashanti Leader.
Sankofa International
Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity as is continually looking for both public and
private support to continue this worth-while mission.
Richard C. Willis,
Chief Executive Officer
Yaw Fobi Agyapong, Treasurer
Everett W. Hackney,
Secretary
PO Box 27174
Washington, DC 20038
Telephone: (301)
627-8492
E-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots
Web Site: http://www.sankofaintl.org
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/1/prweb202380.htm