Sankofa Knowledge Exchange (SKE)

Where Past Wisdom Inspires Future Leaders

At Sankofa Knowledge Exchange (SKE), we believe in the power of history, lived experiences, and cultural pride to inspire the next generation of change-makers. SKE is not your typical leadership program; we are building a movement—one that empowers Black foster youth to rise as community leaders, educators, and advocates for family liberation.

What We Do

SKE is a dynamic, hands-on program where Black youth learn about their history, understand the systems impacting their communities, and discover how to challenge the status quo. Our participants dive deep into the rich history of Black resilience, resistance, and success while gaining the skills to lead workshops that teach professionals how to better support Black youth & families within child-serving systems. Through reflection, storytelling, and action, participants learn to turn their experiences into tools for personal healing and systemic change.

Program Highlights

  • History Meets Action: Participants connect the struggles and triumphs of Black liberation to today’s challenges in child welfare. We cover key moments in African American history—like the fight against Jim Crow, the impact of the crack epidemic, and the rise of cultural movements—all while examining how these histories intersect with the development of the child welfare state.

  • Leadership Training: We don't just teach history. Our youth are also immersed in facilitation training and are propelled to guide discussions, lead competency-building trainings, and use their personal expertise to inform and inspire others. By the end of the program, they’re ready to become educators in their own right, offering fresh perspectives on how cultural uplifting practices .

  • Personal Growth & Reflection: SKE offers space for deep personal reflection, where youth can explore their identities, their stories, and how they relate to broader systemic challenges and the enduring legacy of African Americans. We create a therapeutic environment where participants can share, heal, and grow together.

Join the Movement

Whether you're a young person ready to embrace your leadership potential, or a community member looking to support the next generation of thought leaders, Sankofa Knowledge Exchange offers something powerful and innovative. 

  • For Youth: This is more than a training program—it’s a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and becoming a voice for change and cultural positivity. We invite you to learn, grow, and lead with us.

  • For Supporters: Want to get involved? Whether through partnerships, donations, or simply spreading the word, your support helps us equip young leaders with the tools they need to create uplifting change, both internally and for all. Together, we can ensure that Black children and families are not only seen and heard but uplifted and empowered.

Interested in Learning More?

If you want to join the Sankofa Knowledge Exchange, support our mission, or bring our training to your organization, let’s connect. There are many ways to get involved, and we’re excited to share more about how you can contribute to this transformative work.