The Sankofa Community Development Corporation (CDC) founded by Rashida Ferdinand in 2008, with the support of Lower Ninth Ward residents and stakeholders, is a 501 (c) 3 non – profit organization. Initially incorporated as the Historic Lower Ninth Ward Council for Arts and Sustainability our first project was the Sankofa Marketplace, a monthly community hub for local growers, musicians, chefs, merchants, and artists.

2008 – 2010

Focus: Neighborhood Restoration with disaster recovery

Key Activities: Volunteer-Driven Programs, community events and activities, community gathering, introduction to city government and private foundations.

2010 – 2013

Focus: Fresh Food for a Healthy Community

Key Activities: Youth Education Programs, development of fresh markets, partnership development, education-based work with schools.

2014 – 2022

Focus: Infrastructure for a Healthy and Resilient Community

Key Activities: Economic and Community Development Projects; climate resilient land transformation.

2023 – 2030

Focus: Comprehensive Community Economic Development for a Healthy, Resilient, and Thriving Community

Key Activities: Systemic Approaches to Community and Economic Development, Neighborhood Revitalization Planning, Advocacy and Policy-focused work