The Founders

Professor of French and Francophone Studies at Union College in Schenectady NY. Hold a M.A. from the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar (Senegal). My Ph.D dissertation in French Studies from the University of Connecticut. My research interest is on Francophone studies with a focus on West African oral traditions and on post-colonial literature from West Africa, North Africa, and the Caribbean.

Yacouba Sangaré was born in Niamey, Niger, and raised by a strong mother after his father's passing. He grew up alongside three brothers and three sisters, shaping his deep sense of family and community. A talented athlete, Yacouba played for Niger’s national basketball team before pursuing his education in the United States.

He earned a B.A. in Education and Black Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, followed by a Master’s in International Education from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Additionally, he obtained a Reading Recovery certificate from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Currently, Yacouba is a science teacher at Central Park Middle School in Schenectady, New York. Beyond the classroom, he is a dedicated community organizer and the founder of multiple initiatives. He established Hoops4Kids, Inc., a nonprofit that provides free basketball programs for African children, and founded the Oneida Students for Anti-Racism (OSAR) club to empower youth in advocating for justice. He is also the founder of LoudForChange, a youth-led organization committed to eradicating racism, transphobia, Islamophobia, and all forms of marginalization within our communities.

Alioune was born in Dakar, Senegal, and was educated in both his native country and the United States. He earned a master’s degree in Economics and Management from the University Dakar Bourguiba, Senegal, and a Diploma of Financial Engineering from the Banking and Financial Consulting in Dakar, Senegal. After four years of teaching, he founded his consulting firm "Cabinet Mbodj Consult" in Education and project creation, which was the first firm of its kind in Senegal. In the U.S. he earned a master’s degree in teaching from Clarkson University; a New York State K-12 Teacher's Certification in French; a business management diploma from Stratford Institute; a project management certificate from Matrix Learning Institute; an English reading, writing, and grammar certificates from the University of Memphis; advanced speaking, writing, reading and listening French certificates from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language.

Tiemogo "TJ" Sangaré is an organizer, researcher, and co-founder of Saratoga BLM. A recent graduate of St. Michael’s College, he double-majored in Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Peace and Justice. TJ plays a key role in facilitating events and conducting research on various issues the organization addresses. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s in Therapeutic Psychology at the University of Rochester, continuing his commitment to social justice and mental health advocacy.

Samira Sangaré is an organizer, artist, and co-founder of Saratoga BLM. She holds a B.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and has dedicated her work to exploring the activism of the African diaspora and the deep interconnections between global movements for justice. Following graduation, she began organizing a wide range of events, including direct actions, community engagements, poetry slams, educational workshops, and youth activities. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s in Human Rights at Columbia University, where she continues to examine and uplift the shared struggles, resilience, and solidarity within the diaspora.

Samira K. Sangaré

Double bachelor’s degree in communication, linguistic and cultural mediation from the Universities of Milan (Italie) and Aix-Marseille (France). Finishing her master’s degree in international relations and development cooperation