The Sankofa CenteR for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 10 pm
- Friday, 10 am – 7pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 12 pm – 6 pm (Subject to change)
Mission
The mission of The Sankofa Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (The Sankofa Center) is to foster leadership development to foster positive social change. Located on the first floor of the newly renovated Student Center, The Sankofa Center is the newest center for the Greensboro College community.
It is based on the word, “sankofa” (pronounced SAHN-koh-fah), in the Twi language of Ghana and translates to, “Go back and get it” (san – to return; ko – to go; fa – to fetch, to seek and take). It also refers to the Asante Adinkra symbol represented either with a stylized heart shape or by a bird with its head turned backward, while its feet face forward, carrying a precious egg in its mouth.
Programming in the space will consist of Network events, a leadership development program, and open lounge hours, all theoretically based in the Social Change Model, Critical Race Theory, and Kwanzaa.
Sankofa Center Networks
The Sankofa Center Networks serve as micro-communities where students who have common interests can get to know others in the Greensboro College community, empower each other, set new goals, and forge paths they may not have pursued alone.
To join the networks, visit the “Organizations” tab in the Greensboro College App (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play), or contact, Juilet Lowery, who is the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Sankofa Center. Each network, as listed below, will also host programs and activities for members to gather and build community.
First Gen Club
Being the first in the family to go to college is an achievement, but sometimes, it’s overwhelming. It helps to know that you are not alone in this journey. Those in this group will not only be able to connect with other first-generation students, but also with college faculty, staff, and alums who were the first in their families to attend college.
Momentum
This network seeks to provide the social and emotional support to serve as a source of brotherhood and encouragement to propel men of color toward success, as students and beyond. Each of these men’s experiences is unique, but together, they create a force to be reckoned with.
The Brown Sugah Collective
The Brown Sugah Collective is a community space for reflection, venting, support, and celebration for women of color. As members of less privileged communities, based on gender and race, women of color can face numerous challenges that others simply do not understand or experience. By coming together, these women will gain from the power and strength of each other.
Sankofa Leadership Certificate
To assist in fulfilling the mission of the center, the Sankofa Leadership Certificate is a competency-based program for students to increase their personal awareness, knowledge, and skills in leadership. To complete the program, students must attend a series of workshops, complete five hours of community service in collaboration with Village 401, and complete a reflective presentation of their choice. Examples could include a poster, essay, video, or performance. Student leaders from across campus are encouraged to participate.
Certificate workshops are open to any student, whether they are completing the program or just attending as a drop-in. For more information contact sankofa@greensboro.edu.
