CoHNA Celebrates Black History Month At Georgia State Capitol

India-West Staff Reporter

ATLANTA, GA – 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, celebrating Black History Month. The gathering acknowledged the Black community’s impact on civil rights and its role in fostering a more equitable America, paving the way for minority communities, including Hindu Americans, to thrive.

Over 40 lawmakers attended, with remarks from African American leaders such as Senator Nikki Merritt, chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, and Senator Emanuel Jones, former GLBC chair. Other distinguished speakers included Senator Shawn Still and State Representative Todd Jones.

“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. The event also featured an inspiring speech by 11th-grade student Sagar Patel, who emphasized the role of youth in civic engagement and advocacy.

The Darshana Exhibit showcased Hindu contributions to history, culture, and society. CoHNA released a special Black History Month video, highlighting the shared history between Hindu and Black Americans and reaffirming their commitment to justice and equality. The event underscored that the relationship between these communities continues to be foundational in strengthening future connections.