Dear CSSW Community,
Yesterday President Bollinger announced the creation of a Community Advisory Council to deepen its relationship with our neighbors in Harlem and Upper Manhattan. I am honored and excited to be co-chairing this initiative along with three incredible, long-time colleagues: Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, Dr. Rafael A. Lantigua, and Dr. Olajide A. Williams.
The new Council is being established as one of the recommendations emerging from Columbia’s Antiracism Task Force. Its mandate is to develop a network of community stakeholders who will work with the University to coordinate its community engagement and ensure that our efforts are meeting the specific needs of Harlem and Northern Manhattan. Involving communities in decision-making and building upon their knowledge and expertise are essential aspects of antiracist practice and will be crucial to advancing Columbia’s commitment to racial and social justice.
And it will be crucial for me to get your input as we embark on this endeavor. I look forward to sharing more with you, and more importantly, hearing your ideas on how best to ensure this advisory council delivers on its promises.
In Community,
Melissa