News: Black History

In this virtual roundtable, a group of CSSW affiliates discusses the meaning of Juneteenth in their own lives. Juneteenth, a…

As Black History Month draws to a close, we check in with Professor Courtney Cogburn and her innovative research project…

Last week a South Carolina court absolved the Friendship Nine of their “trespassing” conviction of 54 years ago for sitting at a whites-only lunch counter. We see this as an apt way to start this year’s celebrations of Black History Month.

Assistant Professor Courtney D. Cogburn has been selected to receive a Provost’s Grants Program Award for Junior Faculty who Contribute to the Diversity Goals of the University, for a project titled “Black Face to Ferguson: A Mixed Methodological Examination of Media Racism, Media Activism and Health.”

We offer a collection of tributes and reflections on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, from several members of the Columbia School of Social Work community—some of whom were there!

In this pilot podcast, Professor Ron Mincy delivers thoughts on one of the summer’s racially charged events: the outcome of the trial for the shooting of African American youth Trayvon Martin. As it happens, the launch coincides with the 50th anniversary of the historical March on Washington, when Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

After participating in Columbia University’s traditional commencement with bambams in hand, CUSSW’s 2013 graduating class descended upon New York’s historic Beacon Theatre. There they received their social work diplomas as well as the wisdom of keynote speaker Vernon Jordan. A grand time was had by all!

Congratulations, 2013 graduates of CUSSW! As a keepsake of your special event, we present the full text of the commencement address that Vernon Jordan delivered, for which he received a standing ovation.

The Columbia University School of Social Work announced today that Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., will serve as speaker for its commencement ceremony Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. in the Beacon Theatre, on Broadway and 72nd Street.

Dean Jeanette Takamura was a panelist at a special screening at the Ford Foundation of a new documentary about Whitney Young, a social worker and one of the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement. He also has a special association with CUSSW.