CoHNA Celebrates Black History Month at Georgia State Legislature

Bipartisan event draws leaders from Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) and others

ATLANTA, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) hosted its 2nd annual "Building Bridges: Connecting Communities" event at the Georgia State Capitol on February 28, 2025, in honor of Black History Month. The gathering recognized the lasting impact of the Black community's contributions to civil rights, which helped pave the way for minority communities, including Hindu Americans, to thrive in a more just and equitable America. CoHNA's celebration of Black History Month reflects both this acknowledgment and a commitment to building stronger bridges between the Hindu and Black communities through advocacy and shared civic engagement.

More than 40 lawmakers attended the event, which featured remarks from a number of African American legislative leaders including Senator Nikki Merritt, the chairperson of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), and Senator Emanuel Jones, former GLBC chair. Other distinguished state legislators such as Senator Shawn Still and State Representative Todd Jones also spoke at the event.

"We see this as more than just an annual event—it's an ongoing collaboration based on mutual respect," said Rajeev Menon, vice president and cofounder of CoHNA. "As Hindus we are inspired by the pathbreaking work of the Black community and look forward to working together to strengthen our communities and improve our shared future as Americans."

CoHNA leaders like Pravin Patel also highlighted the importance of fostering meaningful relationships across communities.

A highlight of the event was an inspiring speech by an 11th-grade Hindu American student, Sagar Patel, who spoke about the role of youth in strengthening advocacy efforts and civic engagement. "I was delighted to see leaders from various backgrounds, including Black policymakers from across the political spectrum, take part in this event. This important cross-cultural gathering underscores that Hindus have a place in America—just as all communities do," said Patel. Young members from Hindu Yuva also participated, and the event featured the Darshana Exhibit, which provided an educational showcase of Hindu contributions to history, culture, and society.

Shared History: Hindu and Black American Solidarity

For over a century, key moments in history have linked Hindu philosophy, India's freedom struggle, and Black American leadership, shaping activism, spirituality, and the arts.

To honor these connections, CoHNA released a special Black History Month video, highlighting the intersections between Hindu and Black communities in America, and reaffirming a shared commitment to justice, freedom, and equality.

Watch the video here: CoHNA's Black History Month Tribute

The enduring influence of these exchanges—whether in philosophy, activism, or culture—shows that the relationship between the Hindu American and Black American communities is more than history; it serves as the foundation for building stronger connections today.

About CoHNA:
CoHNA is a grassroots level advocacy and civil rights organization dedicated to improving the understanding of Hinduism in North America by working on matters related to the Hindu community and by educating the public about Hindu heritage and tradition. For more information, please visit https://cohna.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and on Instagram.

SOURCE Coalition of Hindus of North America