A Ministry of Earthen Vessels Community Church
Sankofa (Akan Twi) – “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten”
Journey (Modern English) – travel or passage from one place to another
Purpose Statement
To create a safe environment where individuals will explore their thoughts and feelings on race and ethnicity, learn from one another, seek to further educate themselves, and promote change.
Vision Statement
People will be capable of having authentic and gracious conversations about race within their circles of influence.
How We Began
Sankofa Journey started as a response to the murders of Ahmaud Aubrey, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Hurt, angry, disappointed, and very tired, we knew we needed to minister to our community somehow. We invited a few close friends to a back porch; three families, black and white, of varying religious backgrounds, intentionally conversed about our individual experience, ignorance, and ideology about diversity and equity. From there, we utilized social media, inviting friends to join us for discussions. Soon those friends invited others and the discussions continued.
What We’re Doing
Developed a series of four phases of discussions.
Met with over 200 people for small group discussions including Town of Norwood employees.
Created special discussion series on relevant topics including MLK’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Understanding Critical Race Theory, and Rev Fred Shuttlesworth.
Invited speakers from various backgrounds to share their story.
Led three trips to Alabama for an immersion experience.
Facilitated quarterly book clubs by authors from various backgrounds.
Organized local trips to Bristol, RI to understand the slave trade presence in the Northeast.
Join the Discussion
If you want to be a part of our book clubs, discussions, or experiences, or would like us to come speak with your group, email us at info@justclay.org.
EVCC 