Sankofa — Black Faculty and Staff Alliance

Meetings and Events

• The MCS Dean’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is hosting a screening/Q&A of the documentary Freedom House Ambulance: The First Responders. Join us on February 2 from 4:30–6 p.m. in the CUC Simmons Auditorium; Register to attend.
• Check out CMU MLK Events for a full list of ongoing on/off campus events. And visit CMU Black History Month via CMBAA for highlights of African American staff/students/faculty.
• The next Sankofa meeting is February 23 from noon–1 p.m. RSVP via email for location information. Joining us will be special guest John Burwell, first black mayor of Homestead.

Join Sankofa — Black Faculty and Staff Alliance to receive email updates on upcoming meetings and events 

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.

Syl Smith, Co-Lead

Sylvia Smith has been a member of Carnegie Mellon University since 1979. Her decision to become a co-lead for Sankofa — Black Staff and Faculty Alliance stems from her desire to see CMU grow in its acceptance of diverse populations on the faculty and staff levels. Her goal is to encourage and empower others to do the same.