The National Black United Front (NBUF) will host its 28th annual Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors on October 18, combining added significance for 2025 with the organization’s timeless goals.
The Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors is a spiritual, cultural and historical experience, which is a physical caravan of cars, buses and vans from Houston to the shores of Galveston.
The added significance of this year’s caravan speaks to an important anniversary for the culture and an acknowledgment of the challenging socio-political climate in 2025.
2025 significance
“This week, Oct. 16, 2025, represents 30 years since the Million Man March mobilization,” said Kofi Taharka, national chairman of NBUF. “We must pass on lessons learned in historic and contemporary activism, organizing and mobilizing.”
Taharka said NBUF believes in striving for an intergenerational movement, and shared this year’s caravan theme as evidence.
‘Standing on Business’
“This year’s Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors, we are ‘Standing on Business: Preserving Our History and Culture’ during times of trouble,” shared Taharka, founder of Black Guerilla Media. “This 2025 theme was given to us by an 11-year-old and a 25-year-old participant.
This year’s returning special guest will be Charlotte “Mama C” Hill O’Neal from the United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC) in Arusha, Tanzania. She is a veteran Black Panther, acclaimed multi-dimensional artist, author, film producer and African Traditional Religions (ATR) priestess.
Members and friends of NBUF alike are excited about this year’s journey to Galveston.
“The Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors is important because it is a living act of reclamation. It calls us to remember who we are.”
NBUF member Folade Madzimoyo
“The Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors is important because it is a living act of reclamation,” said NBUF member Folade Madzimoyo. “It calls us to remember who we are, to reach back and gather the fragments of our history scattered by captivity and colonialism.
“In the spirit of Sankofa—to go back and fetch what has been lost—we honor the memory of those who came before us, not as a ritual of mourning but as an affirmation of continuity.”
This year’s caravan will depart from NBUF headquarters (2428 Southmore Blvd., Houston, Texas 77004) at 7 a.m. sharp. Participants are scheduled to be on the beach at 29th St. and Seawall Blvd from 9 a.m. to noon.
“We hold a sacred ceremony with prayer, song, drumming, dance and speakers honoring our great Black/African and Indigenous ancestors whose shoulders we stand on,” said Taharka. “All faith traditions are welcome. We wear all white for unity and spirit.”
Although this year’s caravan holds added significance, the purpose of the 28th annual caravan remains the same as it was from the beginning.
Purpose
The purpose of the Sankofa Caravan is to:
- Honor our creator, divine mother essence and father essence
- Venerate/uplift and draw inspiration from our Black/African and indigenous ancestors
- Learn about our African, African in America and Indigenous spirituality, history and culture
- Receive blessings to achieve our goals and overcome our challenges
- Settle conflicts and disputes
- Energize ourselves for the work we must do today and in the future
As with all NBUF activities, the Caravan is not funded by grants or external sources.
“The caravan is free; however, your support to keep us strong and independent is vital,” shared Taharka. “Visit www.nbuf.net for general information and to sponsor or donate.”
Calendar of Events
While in Houston, Mama C will also be speaking/performing at the following events as a part of her annual “Heal the Community” tour.
Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., SHAPE Community Center (3903 Almeda Rd., Houston, Texas 77004). Host – Houston Alumni Chapter of the Black Panther Party & All Real Radio. FREE
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. NBUF HQ (2428 Southmore Blvd., Houston, Texas 77004). SANKOFA NGOMA – Host – All Neighborhoods Powerfully United (ANPU). FREE
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Shrine of the Black Madonna Worship Service (5309 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houston, Texas 77021). FREE
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. First Unitarian Universalist Church (5200 Fannin St., Houston, Texas 77004). FREEFor more information, visit www.nbuf.net, call 832-422-7806 or email nbufhouston@gmail.com. Or follow NBUF via Facebook @NBUFHOUSTON and IG @NBUF_HOUSTON.
