children's
center
Sankofa Children’s Center
at the African American Museum
In Dallas County & Beyond
Chairs: Dr. Rosie Sorrells and Dr. Michele Anderson
Team Lead: Sankofa Children’s Book Club, Johnnie Brashear
Team Lead: Hall of Famers Reading and Curriculum, Dr. Delores Seamster
During 2025–2026, the Sankofa Children’s Center continued providing Dallas youth with enriching cultural, artistic, and literacy experiences through partnerships with the African American Museum, Dallas ISD, and the African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP).
The Center hosted several fine arts performances, including the Salazar Drum Line, Harrell Budd Elementary Choir, Bush Elementary’s The Lion King Theatre Group, and the Dallas ISD Elementary Honor Choir. Events attracted many families and Museum guests.
The inaugural Sankofa Children’s Book Club, piloted at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, engaged students in reading, history, critical thinking, and cultural learning. Dr. Charmaine Price suggested the name “Sankofa,” reflecting the program’s belief that learning from the past helps children move confidently into the future. Students participated in interactive activities, author visits, museum tours, art projects, and discussions featuring culturally significant books.
Despite leadership transitions and building renovations that limited access to the Center’s dedicated space, programs continued through the support of the African American Museum, volunteers, Dallas ISD, and community partners.
2026–2027 Priorities
The Center will focus on expanding the Sankofa Book Club to additional schools, strengthening partnerships, recruiting volunteers, restoring its dedicated space, and engaging more community leaders and AAEAHP Hall of Famers with students.
Our Fine Arts partnership with Dallas ISD will continue to showcase student performances throughout the year. In addition, we will offer monthly art, craft, and museum-inspired experiences for children.
The Sankofa Children’s Center remains committed to inspiring young people through literacy, culture, history, and the power of community.
Hall of Famers Reading and Curriculum
The AAEAHP Hall of Famers are highlighted in The Sankofa Children’s Center to provide children with an opportunity to learn about the lives, contributions, and accomplishments of AAEAHP Hall of Fame awardees. Through their stories, children discover powerful examples of survival and resilience. Through art and craft activities, storytelling, reading, and interactive discussions children are encouraged to see themselves as achievers, Museum staff and volunteers support these experiences, and Hall of Famers are asked share their stories, or engage young visitors in conversations about their journeys and accomplishments.
The connection between the Sankofa Children’s Center and the Hall of Fame is also reflected in the museum’s physical space. AAEAHP Hall of Famers are prominently displayed on the museum’s lower level near the Sankofa Children’s Center, allowing children and families to connect the stories they hear and the activities they complete with the individuals whose achievements are being recognized.
The Sankofa Children’s Center is located in the African American Museum Dallas, 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas 75210. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Make a contribution
thank you for your generosity
Contribute to our program by submitting a piece of history to display on our digital wall or by donating toward our scholarships.
For more information, call Dr. Alfred L. Roberts, Sr. (214) 478-7228 or Ms. Gwendolyn Brantley at (972) 298-6980 or fill out the contact form below.