Messages from the Dean
At a moment when our nation faces the continued spread of COVID-19 and other profound societal challenges, we at the Columbia School of Social Work, the oldest social work school in the country, find ourselves more energized than ever before.
I am writing to share an important update about the fall semester at Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW) - message from Dean Begg.
This Friday, June 19th, Black Americans across the country will commemorate Juneteenth, a day that honors the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. On this date in 1865, a Union Army general arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved Black Americans that the Civil War had ended and slavery had been abolished.
I write knowing that there is a heavy weight in all of our hearts. The events of recent days, since the murder of George Floyd and so many others, have served to underscore the deep scars and constant wounds inflicted by anti-Black racism and discrimination in our society. Sadly, the U.S. has a long history of oppression.
As protests continue in Minneapolis, MN, and across the country in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, we are outraged and dismayed. But we also are driven toward a call to action to actively address the persistent anti-Black racism that is impacting so many in our community—too often resulting in their senseless and unjust deaths.
The following is the text of the opening remarks delivered by Dean Melissa Begg at a virtual commencement held by Columbia University’s School of Social Work for its 2020 graduates, on Wednesday, May 20.
It’s my great honor to extend my heartfelt best wishes to you as you approach commencement day – congratulations! You are soon to be the newest graduates of the oldest school of social work in the country.
The days are getting longer and brighter in New York City. And the weather definitely took a turn for the better this weekend.
As we enter our sixth week of the stay-at-home order in NY and many other places, it’s time to reflect on where we are and what comes next.
As always, I hope this note finds you and yours in good health. Many of us have been closely monitoring the data in New York City, the nation’s epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic
I hope you are remaining healthy and safe throughout the current crisis. There’s no doubt this has been a very tough week, with COVID taking a truly horrific toll on the CSSW community.
Today is the day we feared, and wished would never come. I write with heartbreaking news.