Sankofa Chicago: The Untold

Sankofa Chicago: The Untold is a powerful documentary installment in a groundbreaking three-part series that reveals the inadequacies of the American History curriculum taught in Chicago Public Schools. This documentary sheds light on the overlooked contributions of Black and Brown people throughout American history and the complex parts of that history often excluded from traditional curriculums. To bridge this education gap, the film discusses ways to improve the current history and social science curriculums by looking into alternative ways to incorporate this crucial history into other academic disciplines. Throughout our exploration, the emphasizes the importance of accurate representation and ongoing learning, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of American history. Sankofa Chicago: The Untold challenges the conventional narrative and encourages viewers to question traditional narratives and seek a more comprehensive understanding of our past and present.Saturday, September 12th, 2026 at 12:00pm 12:00 p.m. | Lunch reception (with warm refreshments)1:00 p.m. | Film Screening of Sankofa Chicago: The Untold2:00 p.m. | Moderated discussion with director Vanessa Wright and program conclusion This program is made possible with generous support from The Vivian G. Harsh Society. About the Speaker Vanessa Wright is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of Tellers Untold Media, a Chicago-based media company dedicated to preserving and sharing underrepresented stories. She is the creator and director of the Sankofa Chicago documentary series, which began with Sankofa Chicago, winner of Best Educational Film at the Cannes World Film Festival and currently available on PBS. Her second film, Sankofa Chicago: The Untold, examines gaps in how American history is taught, centering on Chicago Public Schools and the often-overlooked contributions of Black and Brown communities. Her latest project, The Sankofa Experiment, explores race and discrimination through the experiences of six families from different racial backgrounds. Wright is also a professor at Columbia College Chicago. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Photo credit: Vanessa Wright.