The employee resource groups are holding a Winter Necessity Drive. Donate now through Nov. 2.
Sankofa Black Alliance
To become a member of the Sankofa Black Alliance employee resource group, please submit a membership form so you can be informed of upcoming meetings and events. There is no cost associated with membership and no time commitments. Members can attend as many meetings and events as they would like. Individual membership in ERGs is strictly voluntary and open to all employees who are interested in joining, regardless of identity. Refer to the ERG benefits and guidelines for more information.
Resources
- Black Intellectuals & Labor 1900–1954 [pdf] — slides from Stacey Akines' presentation at the 2/27/25 Sankofa meeting
Sankofa is a word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The literal translation is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind,” meaning that you can't know where you're going unless you know where you came from.
Mission Statement
The mission of Sankofa Black Alliance is to help promote a welcoming and supportive environment throughout Carnegie Mellon University. The group will be a resource that encourages community engagement, cultural awareness education, and support for members through workshops, discussion groups and social events.
Leadership
Gloria Darko, Co-Lead
Gloria Darko joined Carnegie Mellon University in 2022 as an assistant director of admission within the Office of Undergraduate Admission. She is excited to serve as Sankofa’s co-lead. Gloria’s desire is to help ensure that Black faculty and staff feel supported at CMU, and experience a true sense of belonging and connectedness to community.
Ivy Norman, Co-Lead
Ivy Norman joined the university in 2022 as an academic advisor for undergraduate business students at the Tepper School of Business. A dedicated member of Sankofa for the past three years, Ivy has greatly benefited from the sense of connection and community Sankofa has built for Black faculty and staff. As co-lead, she is excited to help strengthen that foundation by promoting awareness, fostering inclusivity and creating a space where Black faculty and staff feel proud, seen and empowered to belong at CMU.
Lois Wade, Member Liaison
Lois Wade joined Carnegie Mellon University in 2022 as the office manager and project coordinator in the Career and Professional Development Center. Since her arrival, Lois has been an active member of Sankofa, where she values the connections, advice and collaboration she has experienced. She is excited to serve as the member liaison because she enjoys bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging. Lois is passionate about creating a space where Black faculty and staff can connect and feel a sense of community.
On October 23, 2025, Sankofa hosted "Healthy Habits: Get Moving & Fuel Your Body," an interactive session led by Monica Harrison (Head Softball Coach) and K.K. Rountree (Defensive Football Coach).
Candace Okello received the 2025 Commitment to a Vibrant Community Award. Several other Sankofa Black Alliance members were also nominated for various Andy Awards.
Candace Okello received the 2025 Commitment to a Vibrant Community Award. Several other Sankofa Black Alliance members were also nominated for various Andy Awards.
Candace Okello received the 2025 Commitment to a Vibrant Community Award. Several other Sankofa Black Alliance members were also nominated for various Andy Awards.
Candace Okello received the 2025 Commitment to a Vibrant Community Award. Several other Sankofa Black Alliance members were also nominated for various Andy Awards.
The Sankofa Alliance kicked off the 2025–26 program year with a meeting on August 28.
The Sankofa Alliance kicked off the 2025–26 program year with a meeting on August 28.
On June 17, 2025, the Office of the Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement welcomed Dr. Clarence Lang to be the keynote lecture for their celebration and remembrance of Juneteenth. The lecture was followed by a reception co-hosted by Sankofa.
On June 17, 2025, the Office of the Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement welcomed Dr. Clarence Lang to be the keynote lecture for their celebration and remembrance of Juneteenth. The lecture was followed by a reception co-hosted by Sankofa.
On June 17, 2025, the Office of the Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement welcomed Dr. Clarence Lang to be the keynote lecture for their celebration and remembrance of Juneteenth. The lecture was followed by a reception co-hosted by Sankofa.
On June 17, 2025, the Office of the Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement welcomed Dr. Clarence Lang to be the keynote lecture for their celebration and remembrance of Juneteenth. The lecture was followed by a reception co-hosted by Sankofa.
On June 17, 2025, the Office of the Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement welcomed Dr. Clarence Lang to be the keynote lecture for their celebration and remembrance of Juneteenth. The lecture was followed by a reception co-hosted by Sankofa.
On June 17, 2025, the Office of the Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement welcomed Dr. Clarence Lang to be the keynote lecture for their celebration and remembrance of Juneteenth. The lecture was followed by a reception co-hosted by Sankofa.
On June 17, 2025, the Office of the Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement welcomed Dr. Clarence Lang to be the keynote lecture for their celebration and remembrance of Juneteenth. The lecture was followed by a reception co-hosted by Sankofa.