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Who We Are & What We Do
Sankofa, a word from the Twi language of Ghana, translates to “go back and get it.” At Cafe Sankofa, we embody this principle by reconnecting with our community—“going back and getting” the spirit, strength, and stories of the Southside neighborhood—while cultivating deep, lasting roots that empower and uplift our neighbors.
Our Vision:
A future where all people in Syracuse's Southside community have equitable access to healthy food, wellness programming, and health-related education and resources, regardless of their ethnicity or socio-economic status.
Our Mission:
To support, educate, and provide the Southside community with healthy options, guided by principles of community engagement and collaboration.
Meet the Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Sequoia Kemp
SECRETARY
VICE PRESIDENT
Jaznea Brumfield
Derek Galloway
TREASURER
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
​Chanell Pickard
Jaynelle Nixon
Khija Rockett
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
Chelsea Turner
​Linda Briggs
Courtney Williams
BOARD MEMBER
Jo Benett
Our Building
Our space holds a rich history within the Southside community. Originally a beloved neighborhood grocery store, it has evolved into a vibrant hub for wellness, community engagement, and personal enrichment.
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Through the Sankofa Wellness and Resource Center, we provide a range of programs and resources, including reproductive health services, yoga classes in partnership with The Syracuse Yoga Collective, a community garden that fosters neighborhood connection, and discounted food boxes through the CNY Food Bank’s Food $en$e program, among other initiatives.
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As one of the few Black-owned and led nonprofits in the city, we are dedicated to promoting equity, empowerment, and opportunity. Additionally, we offer our space for events that align with our mission, including gatherings focused on wellness, education, and community enrichment.
What You'll Find Inside
The Cafe
Our cafe area is a shared commerce space operated by local businesses.
Sankofa Reproductive Health and Healing Center
Community space
Our space is available for rent for any programming in line with our mission, including workshops, lectures, exercises classes, celebrations & more.
Workout Classes
The Sankofa Reproductive Health and Healing Center provides essential reproductive health resources and supports wellness through education, services, and community-focused programs.
Green Gate Project | Nourish Syracuse
Provides nutrition education, urban agriculture workshops, and smoothie taste tests.
Opportunities for all to connect with their body at an affordable price.
Brunch N Bible Study
Brunch N Bible Study is a monthly bible study open to women of all walks to equip them with spiritual tools and practices that can be applied to their self-care routines and spiritual exploration processes.
Looking for a space to use?
If you're interested in renting our space, get in touch! We welcome fitness, wellness, and community enrichment events that align with our mission. Discounts are available for our members hosting these types of events.