CoHNA's Black History Month Event at the Georgia State Capitol
On February 28, 2025, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) hosted its second annual event titled "Building Bridges: Connecting Communities" at the Georgia State Capitol. This special gathering commemorated Black History Month, highlighting and honoring the significant contributions of the Black community to the civil rights movement and social progress in America.
Honoring Contributions and Shared Histories
The event drew more than 40 lawmakers and dignitaries, including prominent figures from the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), such as Senator Nikki Merritt, who is also the chair of the GLBC, and former chair Senator Emanuel Jones. Other notable speakers included Senator Shawn Still and State Representative Todd Jones. Each speaker reflected on the hybrid strength that arises from communities coming together.
Rajeev Menon, CoHNA's vice president and co-founder, expressed the organization's intent, stating, "We see this as more than just an annual event—it's an ongoing collaboration based on mutual respect." He emphasized the inspiration that the Black community's groundbreaking work provides for Hindus.
CoHNA aims to strengthen its ties with the Black community and enhance advocacy efforts for civil rights and equity, which are essential for the prosperity of all minorities in America.
The Voice of Youth
A standout moment of the event was an engaging speech by Sagar Patel, an 11th-grade Hindu American student, who passionately spoke about the role of youth in civic engagement and advocacy. "I was delighted to see leaders from various backgrounds that include Black policymakers participating in this event. This important cross-cultural gathering underscores that Hindus have a place in America—just as all communities do," he remarked, highlighting the need for youth involvement in social causes.
Young members of Hindu Yuva also participated in the celebrations, demonstrating the commitment of the younger generation to future collaborations and community integration.
Educational Showcase: The Darshana Exhibit
The day included the Darshana Exhibit, an educational showcase paying tribute to the contributions of Hindu heritage to the broader narratives of history, culture, and societal development in America. This exhibit illustrated the intersectionality of cultural identities and histories, pivotal for understanding the American social fabric.
Building Bridges Through Visual Media
As part of the celebration, CoHNA released a special video for Black History Month, emphasizing the historical links between Hindu philosophical principles, the Indian freedom struggle, and the leadership within the Black American community. The video underlined shared values of justice, equality, and freedom, reaffirming that the relationship between Hindu Americans and Black Americans extends beyond mere historical acknowledgment—it serves as a foundation for future activism and solidarity.
Looking Towards the Future
The initiative taken by CoHNA not only celebrates Black History Month but also reflects a larger vision of integrative community engagement. By fostering dialogues and collaborations, the organization aims to bridge gaps between diverse communities and ensure that all voices are heard. Through continued partnerships and joint advocacy, as expressed by CoHNA leaders like Pravin Patel, the goal is to cultivate a future where collective action from varying backgrounds leads to meaningful change and understanding.
In conclusion, the event held at the Georgia State Capitol resonated with the essence of unity in diversity. It showcased the Jewish legacy of social justice seen in the Black community's achievements, and as communities continue to connect, the hope for a more just and equitable America remains steadfast. CoHNA serves at the forefront of this movement, striving to educate and advocate for the recognition of Hindu culture alongside other minority narratives in a nation constantly evolving.
For more information about CoHNA and its initiatives, visit
CoHNA.org or follow them on social media.