CSSW Council of Deans Issues Call to Action to Address Anti-Black Racism
It would be remiss of us not to acknowledge that the below statement fails to include the tragic death of Tony McDade, a Black transgender man who was killed by police in Florida. As has become commonplace, the reports of the deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming folx rarely appear in major news outlets. That omission is essentially erasure. McDade’s death is the 11th reported transgender and/or gender nonconforming death so far this year. As David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition, noted in a recent statement following his death: “This tragic incident should be a reminder that hate crimes against Black LGBTQ/SGL people happen too frequently—often without the national public outcry that our cis and/or heteronormative brothers and sisters receive.” We own our part in contributing to that narrative, and promise to actively do better — to amplify and publicly acknowledge the violence against transgender folx, particularly Black trans women, in this country.
Members of the CSSW community are encouraged to co-sign this statement from our Council of Deans by submitting their signatures as comments to this article. Please include your name and your affiliation to the CSSW community.
Dear CSSW Community,
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.
Just in the last few months, we’ve witnessed:
- George Floyd killed in Minneapolis on Monday, after a white police officer pinned him to the ground by kneeling on his neck for several minutes. Video footage of this incident indicates that Floyd was not resisting arrest for an alleged case of fraud, and pleaded several times that he was in pain and couldn’t breathe. Four officers have been terminated from their jobs, and one, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
- Christian Cooper falsely reported to the police by Amy Cooper, a white woman, who accused him of threatening her and her unleashed dog while he was bird watching in Central Park.
- Ahmaud Arbery killed in late February by two white men in Brunswick, Georgia, for the “crime” of “jogging while Black.” The Department of Justice is now investigating this shooting death as a hate crime.
- Sean Reed killed by Indianapolis police in early May, while the chase and his shooting death were livestreamed on Facebook. The disturbing video of his death includes the recording of a presumed officer saying “it looks like it’s gone be a closed casket homie” – followed by laughter. At that point, Reed had been tased then shot at least 10 times.
- Breonna Taylor killed by Louisville police. Taylor, an EMT, was shot at least eight times when officers forcibly entered her home to serve what was being called a “no knock warrant” in a narcotics investigation. The FBI is investigating her death.
These are just a few of the named, recorded or reported acts of violence recently perpetuated against Black men and women—and they join a long list of incidents that plague Black communities throughout the U.S.
A third of those who have died during the current COVID-19 public health crisis were Black, and there are numerous instances of Black men having been criminalized for wearing masks to protect themselves against the virus. But, as some activists have noted, the Black community was already facing the public health crisis of racism before the pandemic began.
The lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Sean Reed, Breonna Taylor, and countless others matter. As do the Black lives taken by COVID-19. We at CSSW condemn anti-Black racism in all its forms and are committed not just to making statements, but to taking action.
As School leadership convenes in the coming days and weeks, we will be asking the CSSW community to join together in collective activism to fight against the perpetuation of anti-Black racism. More details will be released as initiatives take shape, but in the interim we would encourage you all to be self-reflective, to seek out support and care as you need it, to be vigilant and to be safe. We can no longer just rest on our vocal commitment to social justice; we must be ready to act, and the time to do so is now.
Yours in community,
CSSW Council of Deans
Melissa Begg
Gerard Bueno
Moira Curtain
Jim Glover
Monique Jethwani
Stacy Kass
Kathryne Leak
Michael Lovaglio
Karma Lowe
Ann McCann Oakley
Desmond Patton
Susan Smith
Julien Teitler
Resources for those in need of support during this time
- Counseling and Psychological Services: Can be reached 24/7 at 212-854-2878 & additional resources at https://health.columbia.edu/content/counseling-and-psychological-services
- Office of the University Chaplain: chaplain@columbia.edu
- Office of Religious Life: Can be reached at 212-854-2184 & at religiouslife@columbia.edu
- CSSW Office of Advising: swadvising@columbia.edu
- CSSW Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: swdei@columbia.edu & feedback/concerns form at bit.ly/DEIFEEDBACK
- Support for staff, instructors: 24/7 Employee Assistance Program at 888-673-1153 & worklife well-being resources at https://worklife.columbia.edu/content/mental-emotional-well-being
blacklivesmatter. social change agents. cssw class of ’14.
Class of ’18
Thank you for making a strong statement about this – the ongoing racism and structural racism and VIOLENCE in our country is enraging and tragic.
Black Lives Matter. Violent and racialist/biased actions against Black and Brown Americans has to end. I am proud to be a social worker and a CSSW Alum.
Dana López
Co-sign!
Thank you.
No Justice, No Peace. Stay Rational. Stay Angry. CSSW Class of 2019
Jenny Crawford
Lecturer, CSSW
Class of 1977
When will enough violence be enough? Why can’t we judge people, not by the shade of their skin, but by their behavior and their integrity? School of Social Social Work 1997
Class of 1977
Stephanie Petruzzi CUSSW 05
Class of 2013
I strongly support CSSW’s call to action.
Rachel Barranca Powell
CSSW 2005
I am saddened and outraged by the action of the Minneapolis policeman. The death of George Floyd is another evidence of the unbelief of many whites that all of us are made in the image of God. God, help us to wake up to that truth!
Black Lives Matter, WE MUST end anti-Black racism, violence, and murder. WE MUST end white supremacy. Not tomorrow, not on our day off, now.
Assistant Professor
CUSSW MSW ’15
CUSSW PhD ’25
Black lives matter!!!
Class of 2018
Class of ‘13
CUSSW Alumuni
Class of 2001
Thank you for this statement. I have so much work to do and am grateful to CSSW for the growth I made personally while in attendance.
Class of ’92
Thanks for this united action by the social work deans. “Too many of us are dying”
I define the action of the many in response to the killing of George Floyd as a protest, as a way of revolting against police abuse and institutionalized racism.
My brother, Stephen E. White was unjustifiably killed by a member of the Nassau County Police force in October of 1982.
I graduated from CUSSW in 1968.
I practice psychotherapy in Manhattan.
CUSSW, Class of 2009
This is my second attempt to leave a message.
I agree with the sentiments expressed in the Deans’ message.
” Too many of us are dying”
My brother, Stephen E. White was killed by a member of the Nassau County police force in 1982.
Yes, he and I are both African American.
I graduated from CUSSW in 1968.
T
Katherine Heineman, MSSW
School of Social Work
Class of 2005
Our professional commitment to social justice is not enough. As social workers, we need to find more ways to act, and to inspire others to act.
(Class of 2002)
Class of 2013
Class of 2013
Black Lives Matter!
CSSW ‘05 PhD, Professor
Allisun Joan Marie Griffiths
Class of 2013
Class of 2000
Black Lives Matter! It cannot be said enough when so many of us act as if they don’t. Enough!
Lois Tigay, Class of 1976
we carry the shame. we must do whatever we can to work towards change.
I am filled with grief as the world witnessed another life taken from us at the hands of those in the criminal justice system. This pattern must come to an end.
CSSW class of ’16
Susan Romano Morgan
Class of 1999
CUSSW 1998
This is yet another atrocity which exposes the racism in our society, coming along with a pandemic which has affected the African-American community disproportionately. A change in administration, while imperative, is only a first step in the educational and economic equality which are necessary for change.
CSSW ’18
The violence and oppression of our black citizens must end!!! Thank you for putting out this important message. Cussw 1985
I am the African American mother of three grown sons and grandmother to 5 grandsons. I am horrified by the recent attacks and murder of my fellow African Americans. i am deeply hurt by the agony that I see playing out across America, and I am also very afraid for my sons. I am an alumni of CSSW. I think our police dept. needs a complete overhaul from recruitment, to hiring,
CSSW Class of ‘15
Alumni ‘18
Black lives matter!!!! All lives matter.
CUSSW ’00
I stand in solidarity with justice for George Floyd.
Julie Levine
Yes, in solidarity.
Class of 2006
Holliston Coleman, ASW
Class of 2019.
Black lives always have, do, and always will, matter!
Holliston Coleman, ASW
Class of 2019.
Black lives
always have,
currently do,
and always will,
matter.
Class of 2010
Alumni & Field Educator.
Justice should be for everyone, regardless of a person’s race!! No justice, no peace.
We white people must step up and be allies with people of color to end systemic racism in this country.
CSSW Clas of ’72
Alumni & Field Educator.
Justice should be for everyone, regardless of a person’s race!! No justice, no peace.
I condemn racism and our racist American culture. We are better than that .we can do better!
Class of’ ’94
Class of ‘98
Black Lives Matter. We all bleed the same. We need justice and equality now!
CUSSW Class of 2005
I completely support this statement. It is long past time for this scourge to be eliminated. Accountability for criminal acts by officers, particularly in these racially charged events has been notably lacking. Let us all come together and do whatever we can to heal this breech.
As an alumna of CSSW, class of 2001, I am proud to add my signature to this letter in solidarity. Black Lives Matter. Here is to continuing to work toward building a society that has true justice for all.
Black Lives Matter!
CUSSW class of 2014
Jamila L Ayeh
CSSW class of 2019
James Fredrick Patrick Young
We must act!
One does not choose the color of their skin.
Class of 2006
One does not choose the color of their skin.
I support ending Anti-Black racism and combating all forms of social oppression.
We must act and for those of us who are white, we must confront the Amy Cooper inside…
Wonderful of Coulmbia University and CUSSW to be among leaders helping to address and begin to cure racism as well as eliminate police brutality in the US and the world.
This moment is uniquely ripe for working together toward honesty at all levels of our nation in government, education, law enforcement, business, faith communities and civic education toward judging each person by the content of their character, as dreamed over 50 years ago.
Signing in support. BLM.
CSSW alum, lecturer, and administrator
Black lives matter. Period.
Class of 2006
CUSSW 1967
CUSSW 1967
CSSW Class of ’95
Class of 2018
CUSSW PhD 2001
Dianne Mack
Columbia Alumni & Proud Social Worker
Black Lives Matter
I’m still standing. Still fighting for change!
CUSSW, 1967
I support this call to action!
Class of 2009
CSSW Staff
Black Lives Matter
Black LIves Matter. And intersectional Black Lives Matter. We have to find action that negates the systemic oppression(s) that have minoritized too many for too long.
Class of 2017
Joanne Peyser
CSSW 1977
It’s time to retrain police in this country so that Black people are not punished for simply living their lives.
Heidi Allen, Associate Professor
Co-signing
CSSW ’13
MS ’04
PhD ’19
Adj. Asst. Prof.
Black Lives Matter
Co-sign
CSSW ’13
Enough is enough
I stand in solidarity with my colleagues and the CSSW community and my BMCC social service graduates.
Helaine CIporen, LCSW
With you, by your side – together in action.
Rick Greenberg, Lecturer
Thank you for generating this clear and strong message which I 200% endorse – the time to act is now.
Co-signed by Rachel Reid, MSW ‘20
Director, Office of Sponsored Projects
Columbia School of Social Work
Honey Massey
Class of 2009
CSSW Doctoral Student
Black lives matter. Social Intervention Group (SIG) at CSSW.
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Elizabeth Long, Lecturer CSSW
MSW candidate ‘21
Research Coordinator, SIG
Jennifer Schranz MSW ’08
Jessica Troiano, CSSW Doctoral Program
MSW ’08
Co-sign
Co-Signed
SIG, Research Coordinator
Black Lives Matter. In Solidarity. Class of 2020.
Thank you. CSSW class of 2022.
Class 2022
Black lives matter
CSSW class of 2022
Black Lives Matter.
– incoming CSSW ’22
CSSW alumna – Black Live Matter – Anti-Black Racism is real and rampant – Communities of Color must also engage in meaningful discussions about racism among our various communities and We must work to uplift the most marginalized voices within Communities of Color and redistribute power, visibility, representation, etc. in a more equitable way… Please don’t look the other way and carry on in silence!
Daye Ju
Incoming CSSW student. Class of ’21
Class of 2022
CSSW ’20
Black Lives Matter. Black Trans Lives Matter.
Black Lives Matter
Corinne Olson, CSSW MSW 2022. Black Lives Matter.
BLACK LIVES MATTER
CSSW ‘22
Incoming CCSW student
MSW’22
I am glad CSSW recognizes the need to move past words of solidarity and towards direct action to support black lives.
Dorothy Robinson
CSSW Office of Communications
black lives matter. MSW’22
MSW Class is 2022
Chloe Renee Jackson, MSW 2022
CSSW, Class of 2021, currently MSW student
Black lives matter.
I strongly support CSSW’s call to action
Thank you for this.
Thank you
Thank you.
Thank you for making a strong statement and lending your support
Class of 2022
Janet Acker, MSW ’89
Jessica Kuszelewicz, MSW ’21
CSSW MSW, Class of 2022
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
Senior Research Scientist
MSW’21
Andrew Hamid, Lecturer, CSSW
Elif Kucuk, MSW’21
Thank you for this strong message.
Adding my signature!
I am a new student starting in ’20…will be class of ’22.
Sofia Israel Ancona, CSSW Class of 2022.
Katrin Kalketenidis, CSSW Office of Communications
I fully support this call to action.
Co-sign
CSSW Doctoral Student
Proud to be a member of the CUSSW Class of 2004
Incoming MSW Class. Black Lives Matter.
In solidarity,
MSW ‘21
Thank you
Co-signing this. DT Bruno, MSW’20
CSSW ’20
Assistant Director, Workplace Center CSSW. Class ’15
Dori Scallet, MSW ’15
Thank you for this message. CSSW Class of ’21
Black lives matter.
Nathalia Mora, MSW’21
Black Lives Matter. No Justice, No peace!
Hailey Nelson, MSW ‘22 Black Lives Matter!
Black Lives Matter
MSW’21
Yes, in solidarity.
MSW Class of 2022
#SayTheirNames
MSW’22
MSW Candidate 2022
Systematic oppression must stop! Please do not stop fighting until it ends!
CSSW class of 2022
Black Lives Matter.
Ashley Boyd Fermin, CSSW 14
Black Lives Matter
Thank you for expressing your outrage about the outrageous events of our times…
LPH, MSW 1963, PHD GSAS 1994
CSSW Class of ‘22
Thank you.
MSW Class of 2019
Ashley McNeely MSW ’21
MSW 2021
Together in solidarity regardless of one’s race and skin color. MSW’20
Christina Cunningham, CUSSW 2003
Professor CSSW
This has gone on too long. This cannot be hate-riddled the world we leave to our children.
CSSW, MSW ‘11
Thank you
Class of 2022
CUSSW/Bank Street 2012
MSW, ‘11
Natasha Burton CSSW Alumna ’15
Thank you
MSW ’20
CSSW ’18
Johanna Bellorin MSW ‘22
Director, CSSW Writing Center
Anindita Dasgupta, Associate Research Scientist
MSW’22
This country must reform and restructure policing to remove biases and eliminate injustices against people of color. It is long overdue for Americans to reform all of our structures and systems to not only eliminate racism, injustice, and prejudice, but also to make reparations with our past and the people of color who this country has oppressed and exploited. The time to act is now.
MSSW student
MSW ’91
Black Lives Matter. Anti-blackness is the lynchpin to our ongoing systemic issues and injustices. We can only make real change and process if we put bettering the lives + life chances of Black people FIRST. Make Black Lives LIVABLE.
Black lives matter. No justice, no peace.
-Incoming CSSW student, 2020
enough is enough.
MSW 21
Being silent will not EVER be enough. #BlackLivesMatter period. #BlackTransMatter too.
CSSW’21
Hello,
Would you be add my name to the co-signers of the letter re: George Floyd please? Thank you!
Alexandra Voukitchevitch, CSSW ‘21
Class of ’21
Professor of Professional Practice
GS 1983
SW 1985
We must work together to eliminate racism.
MSW ’02
Black lives matter
The time is now for real change.
Class of 2012
No justice. No peace. MSW “22
CSSW Class of 2022
MSW Class of 1979
Black Lives Matter! Class of 2022.
Co-sign!
We are not free until each and every one of us is free.
Black lives matter. No justice, no peace.
Class of ’22
MSW Class of ’22
Black Lives Matter. Human lives are sacred.
Happy to see us taking action as a school, and accountability as a university.
PhD, ’01 & Professor
Thank you
CSSW ‘13
Yesika Montoya, Office of Advising
Dennis A. Mitchell, Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement
Cathleen Plazas, MSW ’10
MSW’ 21
CSSW Alum 2019
Justice demands an answer
Justice delayed is justice denied -Martin Luthor King jr.
Black lives Matter.
Black Lives Matter. Be actively involved to end racial discrimination and systematic oppression.
CSSW MSW 1997
CSSW PhD 2005
Incoming CSSW class of 2022
Heather Ruiz MSW ‘20
Valentina Amorighoye
Incoming Student, CSSW 2020
MSW ’16, PhD ’21
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere – MLK
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere – MLK
with grief and with hope, I join you in signing this staement
class of 1988
Black lives matter.
Black Lives Matter! Violent and racialist/biased actions against Black and Brown Americans has to end ASAP.
With peace & love,
Class of 2010
I am proud to stand with my colleagues: Black Lives Matter
Sue Sugarman
Enough
Johnny Szeto, CSSW ’21
Mary Downs, MS, MSSW
Professor at CSSW. Please add my signature!
Class of 2007
CSSW MSW Class of 2022
Class of ’02, Advisor
Ajunct Instructor
Daniel DeBrucker-Cota, M.Div/MSW ’22
I support this statement.
Class of’84
Field Instructor
Former Lecturer
Thank you for this statement and call to action.
Kim Carmona Aptekar, MSEd, LMSW
CSSW Alum ’15
CSSW Faculty
Class of ’99
Field Instructor/ Adjunct Assistant Professor
Black Lives Matter. We need a different type of justice in this country.
Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Thank you.
Christine Tangel, LCSW- field instructor
As a Social Worker, I am committed to social justice and to being a change agent in supporting my brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers.
MS 1984
Liberty and Justice for ALL
Jenna Tutjer, MSW ’06, CSSW Staff
Please add me as a co-signer.
Steve Salee
MPA ‘94, MSSW ‘04, adjunct CUSSW faculty
Black Lives Matter.
Take a knee.
CSSW Doctoral Student
CSSW lecturer and Class of 2005
Signing in solidarity
Love not hate.
No justice, no peace. I’m proud to embark on my MSW journey at a school that recognizes the need for community action. Black Lives Matter.
Monika J. Soto, MSW ‘21
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Black Lives Matter. In solidarity,
Marissa Stranieri, MSSW ’16, Field Instructor
Shoshanna Korn-Meyer, MSW”97
MSW ’08 Associate Director of Field Education, CSSW Lecturer
Paige Geraghty co-sign
I support CUSSW’s call to action.
MSW 2023
#blm #defundthepolice
Black Lives Matter.
CSSW ‘22
Black Lives Matter ❤️
As a historically white institution, Columbia and CSSW have an important role in showing up in their anti racist work and elevating the importance of justice for the lives of black and brown folks.
John Bohn, CSSW staff
Black Lives Matter.
MSW class of 2021
Black Lives Matter
White Silence is Violence
I am CSSW class of 1990. Thank you for giving us a group voice. The injustice MUST end!
Black Lives Matter! It is time to ACT.
Samantha Schindelheim
CUSSW 2015
Blacklivesmatter. Social Worker Intern Supervisor at CS44, DOE
I support our call to action!
Lecturer, CSSW
Thank you for taking a strong stand against the horrific racism which persists in this country, and for inviting us all to actively engage in being part of multi-faceted on-going solutions.
Meredith Slopen. CSSW Class of 2003; PhD student
Class of 2004
CUSSW, MSSW 1973
“[We] deplore the demonstrations taking place in [the U.S.]. But fail to express a similar concern for the conditions that brought about the demonstrations. It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place [around the country], but it is even more unfortunate that the [country’s] white power structure left the [Black] community with no alternative.”–Edited, Letters from a Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Enough is enough,
Oluseyi Segun, MSW ’22
CSSW class of ’07.
I am proud to stand with my colleagues: Black Lives Matter.
Irv Garfinkel, faculty
The worst feeling in the world is the feeling of helplessness. I am so grateful to the Columbia School of Social Work for giving me the opportunity to do my part in alleviating some of the pain and helplessness that so many of our brothers and sisters are experiencing at this time. My heart is with those who have lost loved ones or who feel unheard or insignificant. I believe that America’s destiny is one of love, unity, and equality and I want to do my part to contribute to that goal. We are stronger together than apart. My hope is that we can grow together as a nation in the kindnesses, respect, and support we show to each other, whatever our identity, nationality, color, or beliefs.
CSSW alum, associate, & administrator
Amy Kapadia
Co-sign!
Assistant Professor, CSSW
Associate Professor, CSSW
Let’s give a platform to community organizers and activists so that we can move forward in tangible ways + continue to reflect internally
Megan Curran, CSSW Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Assistant Professor, CSSW
Associate Director of Field Education
Our responsibility is to ensure a better tomorrow begins today!
CSSW against anti-Black racism
Black Lives Matter.
John Tello MSW Class of ’22
In support.
Lecturer, MSW ‘99
MSW, PhD and Faculty at CSSW
Black Lives Matter.
End White Supremacy.
Decolonize our institutions.
(Online instructor)
“I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.” – James Baldwin
I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain. – James Baldwin
My thoughts and prayers are with the Floyd family.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. ”
(Martin Luther King Jr.)
Professor, CSSW
It is part of White Supremacy to build a police force that is used to terrorize nonwhite people in the community. We must demand that police participated a law abiding member of society
Black Lives Matter. Asian for Black Lives.
Black Lives Matter.
The cries of black mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, friends and loved ones shall not be in vain, and the blood of black men and women will forever stain the shoulders of America’s notorious racists oppressors. #BLM
We shall not rest until there is real change. CSSW class of 2019
MSW ’22
signing in support to this call to action!
Abadali Sheikh, Research Systems Engineer. Black Lives Matter ✊
I am proud that our CSSW community not only thinks about social activism but actually TAKES meaningful action in this crisis as well as many, many others.
Ronald A. Feldman
Ottman Centennial Professor for the Advancement of Social Work Education and Dean Emeritus
Francis Oliver Asprec – MSW Candidate Class of 2021
As both a first generation Filipino-Chinese-American and person of color, I proudly stand in full solidarity and support with my black brothers and sisters now and always. I’m also proud to be a part of a community that is fully committed to black lives matter and to better educating people like myself about anti-Black racism, diversity & inclusion, and true social justice advocacy. Our work is far from over and I’m proud to be both a social worker and positive agent of change this world so desperately needs!
Silence is complicit.
Carrie Panzer, LCSW
Co-Chair, Feminist Caucus
Class of 2007
We need to change.
Black lives are SACRED!
Associate Professor
Black Lives Matter
CPRC
Black Lives Matter. Thank you for taking a stand. Proud to be CSSW ’09 and Lecturer
Maggie Thomas, Postdoctoral Research Scientist
I can’t find the words to express my sadness and disappointment with the criminal justice system. Why does our military have more limiting rules of engagement than our law enforcement system? This makes no sense when you consider that the military is there to fight our enemies. We treat enemies of the state, better than our black citizens! This must stop if we are ever to be a truly free society.
Signing!
Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Program Manager
Columbia School of Social Work
Thank you for making a statement. May we all work together to stop violence against Black and Brown humans.
Thank you for your message. May we all work together to end violence against Black and Brown humans.
Columbia Social Work / Public Health dual degree 2020
Sedalia E. Jones-Kennelly, LCSW
CUSSW Class of 2014
Black lives matter. Change is slowly happening but it starts with us.
CU Class of ’18
I join SSW Council of Deans in condemning anti-Black racism.
Thanks,
Johanna Creswell Báez, PhD, LCSW
Manager of Course Development, Online Campus
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Class of ’20. We must join together in collective activism against anti-Black racism.
Black Lives Matter!
Class of 2000
Kathryn Sedgwick
Know justice, Know peace. Fall 2020 incoming class.
White supremacy means that black parents grieve while my white child is safe. To end Anti-Black Racism, we must end white complicity. I look forward to working in solidarity with the CSSW community to make this happen.
Assistant Professor
White supremacy means that while Black parents grieve, my white child is safe. To end anti-Black racism, we need to end white complicity. I looking forward to working with the CSSW community to make that happen.
Assistant Professor
CUSSW Alumni
The 1968 Kerner Commission Report got it right, but here we are 50 plus years later and what has changed? Racism and institutional violance persist!
DSW class of 1964 alum
Willma and Albert Musher Professor Emeritus
Ladonna Winnegan, MSW ‘23
CSSW alum and administrator
Class of 79. We cannot continue to ignore the racism in this country. I support the Deans’ letter of condemnation of racism.
black lives matter
Miranda R. Deebrah, CSSW ‘20
2019-2020 PDSA Coordinator
Black lives matter!
Black lives matter. We MUST make change. Now.
doctoral student, CSSW
Adjunct Instructor, Columbia School of Social Work
Thank you
CSSW Class of 2021
Black Lives Matter!
Class of 2021
CUSSW Ph.D. ’77, Professor
Vida Herling
As a community of social work students, professors, researchers, and staff, dismantling structural, institutional, and interpersonal racial violence is a crucial part of our work.
– Research Associate, Columbia Population Research Center
Black Lives Matter!
Enough is Enough!!!
Columbia University Graduate School of Social Work Alumni.
Class of 2004
It won’t truly feel right until we are all truly equal.
Black Lives Belong & Matter CSSW ’22
Black lives matter. Every culture needs to begin educating on this topic of racism. Micro-aggressions are a common factor in so many cultures that it has become a norm to belittle anyone of a dark complexion. Black men, women, and children should be able to walk around freely without being harassed by police and bystanders. Racism needs to end now.
In a world that has loudly enabled racism and senseless violence through acts of hate, irrational tolerance for intolerance and oppression, and lack of accountability, we must always be UP-standers.
Never bystanders. Never silent.
Silence is violence.
Black Lives Matter.
CSSW MSW ’22
Black lives matter. Period.
CSSW Class of 2021
MSW incoming class of ’22
Class of 2018
CSSW Student Advisor. Signing on to a meaningful statement.
Class of 2013
We as a community deserve justice!!
Black Lives Matter
Brieanna Scolaro, LMSW
The social work profession has too often and for too long enabled white supremacist structures. We must do better. BLACK LIVES MATTER–and matter is the minimum.
Please add my name to this letter. My affiliations with the school are:
– Received MS in 1990
– Former Vice President of the Alumni Association
– Former Adjunct Fall 1990 and 1991
Looking to CSSW to lead efforts to dismantle racist systems and re-envision a future with supports to meet the needs of our communities.
MSSW, Class of 1996
George Floyd’s death brought anti-black racism and racist US institutions to the forefront of the global conversation on human rights. Prior to and since Mr. Floyd’s murder, other black people were also murdered. We know their names. There are also many cell phone videos circulating online about black Americans having the police called on them by white Americans for doing “normal” everyday things. While I am happy that there is a platform at CUSSW, I hope that it trickles down in tangible ways.
The movement needs deliberate action. If nothing changes, then nothing changes. – Class of 2010
This is a statement that needs to be said again and again and again. Well done.
Black Lives Matter! Always. Thank you CSSW.
Black Lives Matter. Acting together, We Shall Overcome.
Black Lives Matter. It’s time to defund the police and reallocate funds to community services, i.e. EDUCATION, HOUSING, PUBLIC HEALTH, COMMUNITY CENTERS, to address poverty, homelessness, and mental health issues AND reduce the likelihood of police violence against BIPOC. Our chants are being heard throughout the nation and all around the world. “What do we want? JUSTICE! When do we want it? NOW!!!!”
We must address white supremacy so that Black lives will matter.
Class of 1992
Proud to be an alum of a university unafraid to take a stand – Black Lives Matter!
CUSSW Class of 2008
We as Black people must continue to fight. We know how to fight. We have done it for the past 400 years.
Black Lives Matter!
Prospective student. Thank you.
Black Lives Matter. CCSW class of 2022.
Black Lives Matter. Black Trans Lives Matter. Class of 2018.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
CSSW class of 2013
“The heartbeat of antiracism is self-reflection, recognition, admission and fundamentally self-critique.”
-Ibram X. Kendi
MSW Candidate 2021
No Justice, No Peace. Keep Pushing, Keep Moving. CSSW Class of 2019
This is the future of social work and therefore the future of CSSW.
“We at CSSW condemn anti-Black racism in all its forms and are committed not just to making statements, but to taking action”. Its quite a disheartening situation
as life’s of more blacks and transgender
are becoming more than cheap
as loaf of common bread.
And how may more life’s
are to be committed to eternal silence
just to prove how stupid our ideas could descend?
how much shame
are we to mask on our faces
just to prove that we call the shots?
And how much euphoria
laced in unscrupulousness ideal
will put a stop
to our bloated ego of racial lameness.
If we claim the world to be a global village!
Oh, what an irony,
SUNDAY UGOCHUKWU OBINWA., is a 2020-2021 newly admitted MSW student at CSSW.
The above poem is my contribution to the struggle, and i stand by all those who finds it as a matter of social justice by lending their support and voice. I hope to contribute more in person when i get to the United States by fall.
Let’s continue the pressure and ask the tough questions – in education, media, sports, criminal justice, legislation, health care, and corporate America.
Errica Williams
CSSW 2022
Class of 2021
#BLM Temple U. c/o ’12
I am so proud to be an alum of CUSSW’76 as the University embarks on this path of social justice equity! How Can I volunteer to provide remote (as I live in Chicago) counseling to help students cope with alienation during this pandemic?
Black Lives Matter!