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
- 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 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.
Sankofa members attended a happy hour at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center on October 19, 2023.
Sankofa hosted the Second Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 15, 2023.
Sankofa hosted the Second Annual Juneteenth Reception on June 15, 2023.
Sankofa hosted a mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.
Sankofa members January Johnson, Syl Smith and Brandon Davis during the Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Alliance mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.
Sankofa hosted a mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.
Sankofa hosted a mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.
Sankofa members enjoy lunch during the Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Alliance mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.
Sankofa members enjoy lunch during the Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Alliance mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.
Sankofa members enjoy lunch during the Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Alliance mentorship program luncheon on June 7, 2023.
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 hosted a mixer at the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion on May 24, 2023.
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 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-lead January Johnson speaks with an attendee at the employee resource group table during Spring Carnival.
Sankofa co-lead January Johnson and member Brandon Davis pose with the Sankofa banner during Spring Carnival.
On February 23, 2023, Sankofa was joined by special guest John Burwell, first black mayor of Homestead.