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

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.

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.