Dear CSSW Community,
We are currently in the midst of the Lunar New Year celebration for 2023, which began on January 22nd and will last until February 1st. Also known as the Spring Festival, it is one of the most important holidays for many Asian communities around the world.
In the U.S., the celebrations this year have been marred with the horrific violence against Asian and Asian-American communities in California, and the growing violence and acts of anti-Asian hate that have been experienced across the country over the past few years. Our condolences go out to the families in mourning and for the collective communal trauma experienced. We should be able to celebrate without the backdrop of violence.
Our resolve to work together to build a more just, anti-violence, anti-hate country and world is unwavering. The Lunar New Year tradition always designates an animal to celebrate – this year is the Year of the Rabbit, and in Vietnam, the Year of the Cat. One website noted that when we think of the rabbit, we should think of those who, when they encounter tough difficulties, are never discouraged but instead remain persistent in their endeavors to find solutions. That is a very apt description of those in the field of social work, and an inspiring one.
Wishing a Happy Lunar Year to all who celebrate.
In Community,
Melissa Begg
Dean & Professor
Karma Lowe
Senior Associate Dean for DEI, Enrollment, & Community Engagement