The 29th Annual Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors is a FREE spiritual, historical and cultural experience designed to honor African, African in America and Indigenous Ancestors. Participants wear white for spirit experiencing prayer, drumming, dance and song. Some participants meet in Houston to caravan to Galveston, others go directly to Galveston for the Beach Ceremony. Significant walking is generally required. Prepare like you would for a day at the beach with towels, chairs, water, snacks, sunscreen etc. Registration is FREE, Donations and Sponsorships are encouraged.
The History of the Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors
Let us look at the history of this amazing experience. The Creator and Ancestors spirit was sweeping through the country in the form of the African-centered movement throughout the 1990’s. This movement emphasized reconnecting to African history, culture, spirituality, and traditions, placing Africa at the center of our worldview. One manifestation of this sweep was the release of the movie SANKOFA by independent film director Haile Gerima in 1993. This film helped to expose to a wider audience our understanding of African history, cultural and spiritual traditions. The acclaimed work built upon centuries of effort put in by our historians, cultural and spiritual practitioners to reclaim our traditions.
Honoring our Ancestors.
The Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors is a journey of remembrance, connection, and collective responsibility.
We return to the places where our ancestors lived, labored, struggled, resisted, survived, created, and made a way for those who would come after them.
BEFORE WE MOVE FORWARD, WE REMEMBER.
Important Sankofa Caravan Details
HOUSTON ARRIVAL
6:00 AM
National Black United Front Headquarters
2428 Southmore Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77004
Participants driving with the caravan should arrive no later than 6:00 AM.
CARAVAN DEPARTURE
7:00 AM SHARP
Cars will depart together and caravan to the ceremony site in Galveston.
The drive from Houston to Galveston generally takes approximately one hour.
Please follow the instructions of onsite organizers throughout the caravan.
BEACH CEREMONY
9:00 AM TO 12:00 PM
GALVESTON, TEXAS
Seawall Blvd.
Near 29th–32nd Streets
Galveston, Texas 77550
The Sankofa Caravan will gather along the Galveston shoreline for the annual ceremony honoring our ancestors.
CEREMONY LOCATION:
[29TH & SEAWALL
PARKING:
NO PARKING IS ALLOWED ON THE BEACH SIDE OF SEAWALL BLVD.
Loading and unloading will be permitted on the beach side of Seawall Blvd.
During the ceremony, FREE PARKING is available on a first-come, first-served basis at:
McGuire/Dent Recreation Center
2222 28th St.
Galveston, Texas 77550
Limited free parking may also be available on some surrounding side streets.
Paid parking lots are available throughout the general area.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms are available:
Inside the McGuire/Dent Recreation Center
Outdoors near 29th St. & Seawall Blvd.
TIP: Arrive early. Free parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
LODGING
NBUF does not have a dedicated hotel or motel for Sankofa Caravan participants.
STAYING IN HOUSTON
If you are staying in Houston, we recommend looking for lodging in the general area of NBUF Headquarters:
2428 Southmore Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77004
The Texas Medical Center area is one centrally located option for Houston lodging.
STAYING IN GALVESTON
If you prefer to stay in Galveston, look for accommodations near:
29th, 31st, or 32nd Streets & Seawall Blvd.
These areas will place you close to the beach ceremony.
BEACH CEREMONY LOCATION
SEAWALL BLVD. | GALVESTON, TEXAS
The Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors will gather along the Galveston shoreline for our annual ceremony of remembrance, honoring, and connection to those who came before us.
CEREMONY AREA: Near 29th–32nd Streets & Seawall Blvd.
Use the map for the ceremony area and nearby parking locations. Parking is not permitted on the beach side of Seawall Blvd. Free parking is available at the McGuire/Dent Recreation Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
McGuire/Dent Recreation Center
2222 28th St., Galveston, TX 77550
Please allow time to park and walk to the ceremony area. Follow all directions from onsite organizers when you arrive.
Exploring Galveston
HISTORY, CULTURE & COMMUNITY
While you are in Galveston, take time to explore the city's rich Black history and support Black-owned businesses.
Galveston holds an important place in African American history, including the history surrounding Juneteenth and the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas.
We encourage Sankofa Caravan participants to extend their visit beyond the ceremony and learn more about the people, places, and stories that have shaped Black life in Galveston.