Building a thriving ecosystem where environmental health, wellness, food access, and economic growth flourish together

K20: Honoring 20 Years of Community-Led Transformation

The Lower Ninth Ward is a national model for how communities create their own solutions. Our projects and K20 events showcase the ecosystem we’ve built together—from wetland restoration with ecological research, to the green grocery retail space that anchors our Main Street revitalization.

Sankofa Community Development Corporation transforms communities through connection and proven science. What started as residents leading the recovery of their community has become a replicable model for holistic community development.

Our integrated approach works because we address everything together:

• Environmental Health: 40-acre wetland park with capacity to store 8MIL gallons of stormwater
• Food Access: Fresh Start Market serving 800+ households with affordable, healthy food
• Economic Growth: Commercial corridor revitalization using sustainable green infrastructure systems
• Community Connection: Safe spaces for people to gather, plan, and thrive together

Environmental Impact

• 40 acres of restored wetland ecosystem
• 100+ bird species returned to the area
• Storage capacity of 8 million gallons of stormwater management
• Living laboratory for green infrastructure
• 10,000 square feet of urban vegetable and pollinator gardens with more to come
• Replicable model for  other communities

Community Health

• Green grocery open daily, eliminating a former USDA food desert designation
• 30% savings on groceries compared to corporate chains
• 800+ households served by Sankofa Food Pantry
• Family-centered healthy cooking demonstrations in our community kitchen
• STEM education for youth through K-12 partnerships
• Outdoor recreation activities

Economic Development

• Health-centered development projects that address social determinants of health
• Circular economy creating jobs and supporting local farmers, fishers, and food producers
• Main Street revitalization project with Fresh Start Market operating as anchor  and MainStreet Headquarters development coming soon 

Sankofa Wetland Park & Nature Trail Experience relaxation and restoration in our 40-acre restored wetland. Walk the trails, birdwatch, or join our kayaking, fishing and STEM activities every Second Saturday.

Sankofa Fresh Start Market More than groceries—it’s where community lives. Fresh & affordable produce, seafood, and staple foods, plus healthy cooking demonstrations and neighborhood connections.

Community Events From Bayou Fest to Sunset Stroll and K20 commemorations, our events bring people together around shared values of health, sustainability, and joy.

Founded by Lower Ninth Ward residents, Sankofa CDC proves that communities create the best solutions for themselves. Led by CEO Rashida Ferdinand, we’ve spent 20 years building an integrated model that other communities want to replicate.

Our name means “go back and get it”—from the Akan peoples of Ghana and Sierra Leone, honoring our history while building our future. We believe in uplifting healthy environments for everyone and that real change happens when we practice equity and justice for all, through respect, resource investments, and mission-aligned partnerships.