Carnegie Mellon University

Sankofa — Black Faculty and Staff Alliance

Events and Membership

  • Join us for a holiday mixer on December 14 from noon–1 p.m. More information coming soon. RSVP via email.
  • Thank you to all who donated to the Winter Necessity Drive. This year's contributions will benefit the Latino Community Center.

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 promoting diversity, equity and inclusiveness. Refer to the ERG benefits and guidelines for more information.

Resources

Mission Statement

The mission of Sankofa — Black Staff and Faculty Alliance is to serve as an influencer of diversity, inclusion and equity throughout Carnegie Mellon University. The group will be a resource that encourages community engagement, cultural awareness education and counseling for members through workshops, discussion groups and social events.

Leadership

January Johnson, Co-Lead

January Johnson is a senior sponsored projects accountant within the Finance Division. As a Pittsburgh native, a significant part of becoming a co-lead is to develop ways Sankofa can provide outreach and partner with surrounding communities. January’s mission is to create an inclusive environment within and beyond campus for everyone to operate authentically.

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, Member Liaison

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 member liaison this year. 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.

Group of Sankofa members posing at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center

Sankofa members attended a happy hour at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center on October 19, 2023.

Attendees pose for a photo with Provost Garrett and President Jahanian during the Juneteenth reception

Sankofa hosted the Second Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 15, 2023.

Attendees pose for a photo during the Juneteenth reception

Sankofa hosted the Second Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 15, 2023.

Attendees enjoying the Juneteenth reception
Sankofa hosted the Second Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 15, 2023.
President Jahanian speaks at a podium during the Juneteenth reception
Sankofa hosted the Second Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 15, 2023.
Sankofa group photo during the mentorship program luncheon

Sankofa hosted a mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.

Sankofa co-leads during mentorship program luncheon

Sankofa members January Johnson, Syl Smith and Brandon Davis during the Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Alliance mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.

Table of desserts during Sankofa mentorship program luncheon

Sankofa hosted a mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.

Two Sankofa members conversing during mentorship program luncheon

Sankofa hosted a mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.

Four Sankofa members seated at long table during mentorship luncheon

Sankofa members enjoy lunch during the Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Alliance mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.

Three Sankofa members seated at long table during mentorship luncheon

Sankofa members enjoy lunch during the Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Alliance mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.

Four Sankofa members seated at long table during mentorship luncheon

Sankofa members enjoy lunch during the Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Alliance mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.

January Jones and Brandon David presenting Syl Smith with an award during the mentorship luncheon

Sankofa co-lead January Johnson and member Brandon Davis present co-lead Syl Smith with an award and flowers during the Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Alliance mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.

Sankofa members posing around the ERG's banner

Sankofa hosted a mixer at the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion on May 24, 2023.

Sebastian Lacy presenting during Sankofa meeting

Sebastian Lacy, vice president of equity & culture at YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, presented at Sankofa's April 27 meeting. His presentation on "The Power of Networking" addressed professional networking in organizations for minorities.

Sebastian Lacy posing with Sankofa members January Jones (co-lead) and Brandon Davis, and Jones' daughter during April 27 meeting

Sebastian Lacy poses with Sankofa co-lead January Johnson and member Brandon Davis following his April 27 presentation on networking. Also pictured is Johnson's daughter, who was on campus for Take Your Children to Work Day.

Sankofa co-leads speak with a carnival attendee at the ERG table

Sankofa co-lead January Johnson speaks with an attendee at the employee resource group table during Spring Carnival.

Sankofa representatives posing with banner at Spring Carnival

Sankofa co-lead January Johnson and member Brandon Davis pose with the Sankofa banner during Spring Carnival.

John Burwell presenting during Sankofa meeting standing at podium in front of Black Resilience in America slide

On February 23, 2023, Sankofa was joined by special guest John Burwell, first black mayor of Homestead.