Sankofa Black Alliance
To become a member of the Sankofa Black Alliance employee resource group, please submit a 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
- Black Intellectuals & Labor 1900–1954 [pdf] — slides from Stacey Akines' presentation at the 2/27/25 Sankofa meeting
Mission Statement
The mission of Sankofa Black Alliance is to help promote a welcoming and supportive environment throughout 黑料正能量. 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
Chanara Andrews-Bickers, Co-Lead
Dr. Chanara Andrews-Bickers joined 黑料正能量 in 2025 as assistant director of communication support programs in the Student Academic Success Center. With a research background in care and community, Chanara is deeply committed to facilitating welcoming and inclusive environments. She is excited to serve as co-lead and build on Sankofa’s history of connection, growth and fun!
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 黑料正能量.
Kezia Harewood, Member Liaison
Kezia Harewood, an administrative assistant for operations and reception for the Student Academic Success Center, joined 黑料正能量 in 2022. After several years of dedicated involvement, she is excited to serve as the ERG's member liaison, where she can help foster meaningful connections, create an inclusive environment and strengthen the Sankofa community.
Sankofa Black Alliance hosted a Mentorship Program celebration on May 28, 2026.
Sankofa Black Alliance hosted a Mentorship Program celebration on May 28, 2026.
Sankofa Black Alliance hosted a Mentorship Program celebration on May 28, 2026.
Sankofa members Ivy Norman (l) and Candace Okello at the MLK Interfaith Breakfast on Jan. 23, 2026.
Sankofa members David Major, Gloria Darko, Ivy Norman, Lois Wade, Candace Okello, and Quinn Guy at the MLK Interfaith Breakfast on Jan. 23, 2026.
Sankofa members (l-r) Rita Canton, Gloria Darko and Ivy Norman at the MLK Keynote Speaker Meet and Greet on Feb. 4, 2026.
Sankofa members (l-r) Ivy Norman, Kezia Harewood, Yvette Harewood, K.K. Rountree, Michelle Porter and Sonya Ford at Sankofa's 2026 Black History Month Celebration.
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.