The Department of African American Studies received the Sankofa Award at the Kappa Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s 35th Annual Scholarship Soirée on Feb. 27 at the Community Folk Art Center in Syracuse.

The program, titled "Crescendo: Amplifying Visionary Voices," recognized the department for its support of African American students and student organizations on campus. The sorority presents the Sankofa Award to a faculty member or department that it says “relentlessly supports African American students in their endeavors at Syracuse University.”

The honor's name draws from Ghanaian tradition. Sankofa translates as: "We must go back and reclaim our past to move forward; so we understand why and how we came to be who we are today."

"We are thrilled to celebrate your contributions and the positive difference you have made in our community," the sorority wrote in its recognition of the department. "Your dedication and commitment to excellence embody the very essence of this year's theme, and we are honored to recognize your achievements."