Sankofa — Black Faculty and Staff Alliance
Events and Membership
To become a member of the Sankofa — Black Faculty and Staff Alliance, 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 individuals who are interested in joining. Refer to the ERG benefits and guidelines for more information.
Resources
- Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders [pdf] — slides from Marjorie Boafa Appiah's presentation at the 3/27/25 Sankofa meeting
- Black Intellectuals & Labor 1900–1954 [pdf] — slides from Stacey Akines' presentation at the 2/27/25 Sankofa meeting
- Moving from Environmental Racism to Environmental Justice [pdf] — slides from Alyssa Lyon's presentation at the 9/28/23 Sankofa meeting
- The Power of Networking [pdf] — slides from Sebastian Lacy's presentation at the 4/27/23 Sankofa meeting
- Black Resilience in America [pdf] — slides from John Burwell's presentation at the 2/23/23 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 Staff and Faculty 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
Brandon Davis, Co-Lead
Brandon Davis is a senior research accountant within the Finance Division. Brandon has been with the university for 10 years and it has long been his desire to see a campus community that is reflective of the Pittsburgh region. To this extent, he is excited to serve as co-lead of Sankofa and continue its legacy of connecting our members with the tools and resources to help them thrive at CMU and beyond.
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.
Candace Okello, Member Liaison
Candace Okello joined the university in 2023 as the assistant dean of Student Affairs for Civility Initiatives in the Office of the Dean of Students. As the Sankofa member liaison, Candace is committed to welcoming and engaging Black staff and faculty and helping to foster an inviting space for community and connection.
The incredible Zuly Inirio, an Afro-Dominican opera singer, performed at the Sankofa and Latine ERG networking lunch on February 6, 2025 in the CFA's Alumni Concert Hall.
The incredible Zuly Inirio, an Afro-Dominican opera singer, performed at the Sankofa and Latine ERG networking lunch on February 6, 2025 in the CFA's Alumni Concert Hall.
Along with the Office of the Vice Provost for DEI and CDO, The Sankofa - Black Faculty and Staff Alliance co-hosted hosted the Third Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 17, 2024.
Along with the Office of the Vice Provost for DEI and CDO, The Sankofa - Black Faculty and Staff Alliance co-hosted hosted the Third Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 17, 2024.
Along with the Office of the Vice Provost for DEI and CDO, The Sankofa - Black Faculty and Staff Alliance co-hosted hosted the Third Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 17, 2024.
Along with the Office of the Vice Provost for DEI and CDO, The Sankofa - Black Faculty and Staff Alliance co-hosted hosted the Third Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 17, 2024.
Along with the Office of the Vice Provost for DEI and CDO, The Sankofa - Black Faculty and Staff Alliance co-hosted hosted the Third Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 17, 2024.
Along with the Office of the Vice Provost for DEI and CDO, The Sankofa - Black Faculty and Staff Alliance co-hosted hosted the Third Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 17, 2024.
Along with the Office of the Vice Provost for DEI and CDO, The Sankofa - Black Faculty and Staff Alliance co-hosted hosted the Third Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 17, 2024.
Along with the Office of the Vice Provost for DEI and CDO, The Sankofa - Black Faculty and Staff Alliance co-hosted hosted the Third Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 17, 2024.