Sankofa-on-the-Brazos: Celebrating African American Families in Washington County

“’Sankofa’ means ‘to retrieve’ in the native language of Ghana.  Represented by a bird with its feet walking forward and its head turned back clutching a precious egg, Sankofa reminds us that it is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.

This Juneteenth, join us at Washington on the Brazos as we continue our march forward while honoring our unique and storied past.  In partnership with Brenham National Bank and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter, we will be diving into the family histories of six families with deep roots in Washington County.  Each day, from June 20^th– 25^th, we will present the genealogical research done on these families tracing back to their pre-emancipation origins.  Video Presentations will be uploaded at 10:00 am each day to Washington on the Brazos’ Facebook Page and the Texas Historical Commission’s YouTube Page.

On June 26^th from 10:30 am-12:00 pm, the AAHGS will host a virtual genealogical workshop to present genealogical research methods and conduct a live Q&A session for beginner researchers on the basics of genealogical research to aspiring African American family historians.  This webinar will be recorded and uploaded to Washington on the Brazos’ social media channels for those unable to attend at broadcast time.  To attend our Webinar, please pre-register here.

In the afternoon from Noon-4pm, come visit us on site at Washington on the Brazos to celebrate Emancipation Day with performances, exhibitions, and presentations on African American culture and history in our state.  Join us for this celebration of freedom and liberty at the place Where Texas Became Texas!

In addition to the morning family presentations, there will be exhibits in the Visitor’s Center including family artifacts, documents, photographs and other memorabilia. Live exhibitions will run throughout the afternoon with site staff periodically live-streaming exhibitor presentations on social media channels.

Performances will take place throughout the day from the Fantasy Band (12:00- 1:30), the Mt. Rose Men’s Chorus (1:45-2:15), and the Brown Sugar Band (2:30-4:00).

This event is presented by Brenham National Bank, Washington on the Brazos Historical Foundation and the Texas Historical Commission.