The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) hosted its second annual “Building Bridges: Connecting Communities” event at the Georgia State Capitol on February 28, honoring Black History Month. The gathering celebrated the Black community’s contributions to civil rights and its efforts in fostering a fairer society, paving the way for minorities, including Hindu Americans, to prosper.
More than 40 lawmakers were in attendance, with key speeches delivered by African American leaders such as Senator Nikki Merritt, chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, and Senator Emanuel Jones, former GLBC chair. Other notable figures included Senator Shawn Still and State Representative Todd Jones, who shared their perspectives on diversity and inclusion.
Rajeev Menon, CoHNA’s vice president and cofounder, emphasized the significance of the event as part of a lasting collaboration rooted in mutual respect. “This is not just an annual gathering; it represents an ongoing partnership,” he remarked. A compelling speech by high school junior Sagar Patel highlighted the importance of youth involvement in civic engagement and advocacy, inspiring attendees.
The event also featured the Darshana Exhibit, which showcased Hindu contributions to global history, culture, and society. As part of the celebration, CoHNA released a special Black History Month video, illustrating the shared history between Hindu and Black Americans while reaffirming their commitment to justice and equality.
Through this initiative, CoHNA reinforced its dedication to fostering strong inter-community relationships, emphasizing that the bond between the Hindu and Black communities remains crucial in shaping a more inclusive future.
