The oral history project “Sankofa: Growing Up Black in Delaware” is a partnership of the Delaware County Historical Society and the Delaware African American Heritage Council. “Sankofa” is the African principle that suggests we can only move forward if we understand our past. The project’s purpose is to capture the stories of black elders who grew up in a nearly all-white town so that their recollections of challenges and achievements will help future generations.  These recordings give voice and show honor and respect to individuals who helped build community but who may not have been acknowledged for their contributions.

In the future, the public will be able to see the recordings of our participants and read transcriptions of their remarks. At present, we have produced a 15-minute compilation video comprised of segments from five participants’ recollections.

Individuals who have stories of growing up black in Delaware and wish to participate in our project are invited to call the Delaware County Historical Society at 740-369-3831.