Events and Media
Award-winning Author • Educator • Speaker
EVENTS
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TEDx Talk - "Iowa Nice" Interrupted, Iowa from an African American perspective.
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Wednesday, April 17 - 9am to 4pm
Keynote Speaker, Workplace Wellbeing Conference
Iowa Healthiest State Initiative
Des Moines, IA
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Thursday, April 18 - 2pm to 3pm
CultureAll Open Book with Abena Sankofa Imhotep
Pella, IA
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Saturday, April 20 - 1pm to 3pm
Keynote Speaker, St. Paul AME Church Gospel Tea Brunch
Des Moines, IA
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Sunday, September 22-25
Okoboji Writers Retreat
Great Lakes of Okoboji, IA
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We Are Iowa - "The Color Purple"
January 8, 2024
The African American Museum of Iowa and FilmScene are partnering for a pay-what-you-can showing of "The Color Purple." Watch the interview here.
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Des Moines Public Library - I'm a Rosie Reader Early Literacy Initiative
January 4, 2024
Principal Willie Montgomery and author and early literacy advocate Abena Imhotep share tips and tricks on encouraging your child to read.
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We Are Iowa - Meet the recipient of the 2023 Iowa Author Award
November 6, 2023
Author recognized for children's book. Watch the interview here.
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Iowa Author Award
October 20, 2023
Author Abena Sankofa Imhotep receives the prestigious 2023 Iowa Author Award in the children's book category for Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe.
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Fearless, Business Record - Leading Fearlessly: Books that shaped the women we have become -
October 16, 2023
October is National Book Month and local leaders share a book that influenced them or helped shape their confidence.
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Insight on Business - Writer, Podcaster, Consultant & Educator meet Abena Imhotep
August 25, 2023
She is one of the most outspoken people I know. Abena Imhotep was last on our broadcast in 2019 urging people to treat every Friday as "Black Friday". Meaning they should make it a point to shop at Black owned businesses each week. And, it works. Today we're here to talk about her new book, "Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe".
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Des Moines Register - Iowa Juneteenth Neighbors Day
June 17, 2023
Abena Sankofa Imhotep, author of "Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe" talks with illustrator Meanz Chan and Glo Rose, author of "Dad How Do I Hope?" at the Des Moines Public Library booth during the Iowa Juneteenth Neighbor's Day Celebration at Western Gateway Park on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Des Moines.
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dsm Magazine - A Broader Cast of Characters: Iowa authors create new children's books rooted in inclusive themes
May 2, 2023
Abena Sankofa Imhotep’s first children’s book, “Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe,” explores themes of tradition, family and community.
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Greater Des Moines Partnership - Make Time To Visit Local Author Abena Sankofa Imhotep at the 2023 DSM Book Festival
March 10, 2023
For the past few years, Abena Sankofa Imhotep has worked on their first book, “Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe,” gaining inspiration from becoming a grandparent and working in an afterschool literacy program. The idea for the book came after the Midwest derecho in August of 2020.
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Business Record - Belonging
March 10, 2023
Author, activist and executive director of Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group Abena Imhotep challenged the “unassailable cultural narrative” of “Iowa nice.”
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Urban Experience Magazine - Abena Imhotep, author of Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe
March 1, 2023
10 Questions for Abena Sankofa Imhotep
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Worst Things First Podcast - The Literary Emancipator
February 20, 2023
W.T.F.P's fourth season arrives with the presence of the multi-layered ABENA SANKOFA IMHOTEP, a highly revered creator, public speaker and empowerment facilitator currently enjoying the success of her most recently authored children's book "Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe."
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Iowa Public Radio - Exploring the Power of Names
January 27, 2023
Author Abena Sankofa Imhotep, who serves as the executive director of Sankofa Literary and Empowerment Group and Sankofa Literary Academy, decided to legally change her name to embrace her West African heritage. "There's nothing more powerful than knowing who you are," she said.
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Iowa Public Radio Talk of Iowa - Iowa families share unique holiday traditions
December 22, 2022
There are plenty of time-honored traditions across cultures, but some households put their own twist on the holiday season.
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Hello Iowa - Meet the Author: Abena Sankofa Imhotep
December 20, 2022
Reading is critical for learning, and a new book can help emerging readers improve their skills. Author Abena Sankofa Imhotep shares details about a new children’s book Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe.
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Iowa Public Radio Talk of Iowa - Derecho makes for a silver lining in Des Moines author's children's book
November 29, 2022
Des Moines-based author and advocate Abena Imhotep seeks to promote literacy and lifelong learning in her community by celebrating works by Black authors.
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The Culture Buzz - Abena Sankofa Imhotep, Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe
October 9, 2022 Abena Sankofa Imhotep shares insights about the creation of her excellent children's book, Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe. This story shares themes of friendship, legacy, and heritage.
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Fearless, Business Record - Just Say No!
March 13, 2022
A conversation on saying "no" and why it can sometimes be the better choice.
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Black Iowa News - Black Iowa activist, TEDx speaker: 'Survival is our cultural ethos'
February 3, 2022
Celebrating Black History Month: Black Iowa News invited Black Iowans to share their feelings about the importance of teaching Black history, voting rights and more — in their own words. The Declaration.
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dsm Magazine - Abena Imhotep's Top Spots
January 18, 2022
Here, Imhotep shares some of her favorite local spots where you can experience the city’s rich diversity.
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Black Iowa News - Unfastening the gates: Racial justice is focus of first semester at Drake University's Bright College
November 1, 2021
“This is a longing that I’ve had forever, and I know it’s the right place and the right time,” she said.
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Black Iowa News - Unfastening the gates: Drake University's Bright College prioritizes diverse students
October 30, 2021
When Imhotep, who gave a TEDx Des Moines talk last year, first heard that Bright College would challenge typical recruitment methods, upend antiquated ideas about model students and revamp college financing to recruit a diverse student body to work collaboratively, excitement overtook her.
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