Sankofa (pronounced SAHN-koh-fah) is an African word in the Twi language of the Akan people of Ghana.

Sankofa is often associated with the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi." This translates to: "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten."

  • San- to return

  • Ko-to go

  • Fa-to seek and take

    The Adinkra symbol is represented by a bird with its head turned backward while its feet face forward carrying a precious egg in its mouth.

Sol (Spanish) noun[masculine]/'sol/ English translation: sun; angel.

“Amplifying Black and Brown Women's Care Work Narratives”

Welcome to the website of Sankofa Sol, a performance troupe dedicated to sharing diverse narratives through the transformative power of storytelling. Our work combines the artistry of theatre and the performing arts with the rigor of research to shed light on the lived experiences of Black and Brown women and their communities. Our current project highlights women nannies and the impact the pandemic has had on their livelihoods and families.

Our mission is to enlighten, empower, and celebrate the narratives of Black and Brown women's care work. We are passionate about excavating these vital stories, shedding light on the often-overlooked labor that shapes our society, and honoring the invaluable contributions of these women.

Throughout our journey, we have encountered remarkable women who have selflessly dedicated their lives to caregiving. Their efforts in nurturing, supporting, and protecting not only their own families but also the larger community deserve recognition.

To that end, Sankofa Sol utilizes various artistic mediums to bring these narratives to life. Through our evocative poetry and theatrical performances we aim to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level and create dialogues surrounding these essential stories.

Our performances delve into the unique experiences of Black and Brown women's care work, illuminating the challenges they face, the sacrifices made, and, most importantly, the resilience and strength they embody. By shedding light on these narratives, we hope to challenge societal norms, combat harmful stereotypes, and inspire collective action toward equity and justice.

We recognize that in today's fast-paced world, it is crucial to tell these stories in a concise and impactful manner. Our commitment to brevity led us to shorten our message while maintaining the essence of our journey and purpose: “Amplifying the narratives of Black and Brown women's care work.”

We invite you to journey with us in this exploration of Black and Brown women's care work narratives. Through the power of storytelling, art, and community.

Meet Our Team

Our team is comprised of a talented group of artists, educators, researchers, and practitioners hailing from a wide array of fields. With our expertise in Child and Family Studies, Education, Anthropology/Sociology, Africana Studies, Ethnic Studies, Theater, Performing, and Literary Arts, we bring a unique and powerful perspective to our performances.

Each member of our troupe brings a unique background and perspective. Our collective passion for creativity and social change resonates through the projects we undertake. By merging the worlds of research and the arts, we aim to craft performances that both engage and enlighten, fostering a deeper understanding of the issues we explore. We firmly believe that the multidisciplinary nature of our troupe is what sets us apart.


Whether it's utilizing dramatic storytelling, poetry, song, or engaging performance artistry, our troupe weaves together various art forms to create an unforgettable experience for our audiences. We are not simply performers but storytellers and conveyors of ideas.

  • Felicia V. Black (felicia.sankofasol@gmail.com)

    Felicia Black is the lead member of Sankofa Sol and owner of The WellSpring Center for Renewal. Felicia, an assistant professor of child and family development at San Diego State University in San Diego, CA; is a practitioner of Theater of the Oppressed and Playback Theatre.

  • Courtney L. Black (courtney.sankofasol@gmail.com)

    Courtney L. Black is a Cleveland-born poetess and multidisciplinary artist. Her background in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology, Theater, and Media fuels her passion for connecting people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. She is inspired by collaborative efforts that bring awareness to various social issues within the greater community. Furthermore, her artistic endeavors have strengthened her devotion to spirituality, the natural world, metaphysics, and popular culture. All of which support her through her journey of creative advocacy. A self-described transcendentalist, she aims not to be a writer who solely provides social commentary or observations but is proactive in using her pen and body to be an agent for true social change and community renewal. Ms. Black’s recent work includes her first self-published poetry collection titled, "ANIMALIA" her first cinematic poem titled, "SHAMEFUL", and an ongoing project titled The Golden Thread™.

  • Kimberley Folkes-Dunkley (kimberley.sankofasol@gmail.com)

    Kimberley Folkes-Dunkley is a community-based educator and doctoral student whose interdisciplinary work centers on Afro-Feminist Paradigms, acculturative stress among Afro-Caribbean Immigrants, and the experiences of African Diasporic populations within varying systems.

  • Shanice Swan (shanice.sankofasol@gmail.com)

    Shanice Swan is an early childcare provider with a specialization in child and family development, and infant/toddler care. Her interest is centered on parenting practices, specifically in the Black Diaspora. Mrs. Swan serves as the project coordinator for Sankofa Sol. Shanice is particularly drawn to the project because it resonates with her passion for parenting, given that many nannies are also parents.

  • Skye Pooler (sankofasol1@gmail.com)

    Skye Pooler is a second year Psychology major at SDSU, and serves as the research intern for Sankofa Sol. Skye is a local to San Diego and has three cats. She has been involved in the Criminal Justice Student Association, and Girl Gains. She is also a desk worker for the dorms at SDSU. In her free time she enjoys working out, hanging with friends, and reading.

Research Project(s)

Our ongoing research project titled, “Centering the Experiences of Black and Brown Nannies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Performance Inquiry,” explores the experiences of twenty Black and Brown women nannies and the profound impact the pandemic has had on their lives and families. Through poetic inquiry and verbatim theatre, we are providing a platform for these women to share their stories authentically and powerfully. By examining the challenges they face and the resilience they embody, our research aims to bring attention to their narratives, address systemic inequities, and foster understanding and empathy. Follow our research journey on our website and social media platforms.

Impact

Through our work, we aim to create lasting impact and positive change. By amplifying underrepresented voices, we challenge stereotypes, inspire empathy, and contribute to a more inclusive society. Our research findings are shared with academic and community-based audiences to inform policy, support advocacy efforts, and promote a greater understanding of the impact of arts-informed research and praxis.


Stay connected. Follow our journey.

Stay updated with our progress by following us on social media, subscribing to our newsletter, and exploring our blog. Engage with us, share your own stories, and be a part of our community of change-makers. Follow our journey as we empower voices and uplift them through the power of research, storytelling, and the performing arts.