Carnegie Mellon University

Sankofa Black Alliance

Events and Membership

To become a member of the Sankofa Black 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 employees who are interested in joining, regardless of identity. Refer to the ERG benefits and guidelines for more information.

Resources

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

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.

Sankofa co-lead Brandon Davis speaking at podium

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.

Guest lecturer Clarence Lang speaking at podium

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.

Sankofa co-lead Gloria Darko playing saxophone on stage

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.

Co-leads and presenters posing with CMU leadership on stage

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.

Sankofa members posing together in front of Juneteenth poster and balloons

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.

Singer Zuly Inirio at microphone

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.

Singer Zuly Inirio at microphone accompanied by pianist

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.