Service, Advocacy &
Community Engagement
Sparking action through courageous advocacy
Dr. Elizabeth Holliday Morgan's commitment to community service and advocacy, particularly in supporting Black families with children having developmental disabilities, is deeply rooted in her role as a Black mother-scholar. Founding the "Sankofa Family Support Network" in 2015, she created a dedicated space for Black families, inspired by the West African term "Sankofa," signifying the act of "go back and fetch it." The network aims to empower families facing challenges of racism, classism, sexism, and ableism by providing vital information, networking opportunities, and advocacy resources.
As the founder and co-facilitator of Sankofa, Dr. Morgan has fostered strong relationships with community stakeholders through regular meetings, positively impacting over 300 families. Collaborating with Sacramento State and other organizations, she spearheaded Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) campaigns during the pandemic.
Her dedication to service has earned recognition both locally and nationally, positioning Sacramento State as a hub for supporting Black families with developmental disabilities. Notably, she received acknowledgments such as the "Caught in the Act" Antiracism & Inclusion Spotlight from Sacramento State's Vice President of Inclusive Excellence and the Tim Hale Recognition Award from the City of Sacramento Disabilities Advisory Commission. These accolades celebrate her commitment to inclusion and exceptional service to the Black disability community.
Dr. Morgan's impact extends nationally, as she has been sought after by organizations like the DBPNetwork, Family Voices PCORI Stakeholder Collaborative, and Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development LEND for her expertise.