UH Graduate College of Social Work

06/06/2020

SOCIAL WORK STAND UP:

From Council on Social Work Education:

"These recent wounds have opened up deep societal scars because we are in the middle of two pandemics that disproportionately affect communities of color. COVID-19 has claimed more than 100,000 American lives, and unequal access to quality medical care has contributed to the incredibly disproportionate impact of COVID-19 among traditionally underserved Black and Brown populations. The other pandemic—institutional racism—has been responsible, in one way or another, for untold fatalities for more than 400 years."

Association of Social Work Boards, National Association of Social Workers, and CSWE explore the Code of Ethics and social workers' role in combating social injustice. Read our joint essay in the Social Work Responds newsletter: http://ow.ly/8HdN50A0hJK

"These recent wounds have opened up deep societal scars because we are in the middle of two pandemics that disproportionately affect communities of color. COVID-19 has claimed more than 100,000 American lives, and unequal access to quality medical care has contributed to the incredibly disproportionate impact of COVID-19 among traditionally underserved Black and Brown populations. The other pandemic—institutional racism—has been responsible, in one way or another, for untold fatalities for more than 400 years."

Association of Social Work Boards, National Association of Social Workers, and CSWE explore the Code of Ethics and social workers' role in combating social injustice. Read our joint essay in the Social Work Responds newsletter: http://ow.ly/8HdN50A0hJK

06/06/2020

In Large Texas Cities, Access To Coronavirus Testing May Depend On Where You Live

RESPONDING TO #COVID19:

"The investigation found that in four out of six of the largest cities in Texas, testing sites are disproportionately located in whiter neighborhoods."

READ more about how COVID-19 testing sites in Texas have been largely located in predominately whiter parts of cities: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/05/27/862215848/across-texas-black-and-hispanic-neighborhoods-have-fewer-coronavirus-testing-sit

An NPR investigation shows that black and Latino neighborhoods in four large Texas cities have fewer coronavirus testing sites, leaving communities blind to potential COVID-19 outbreaks.

06/05/2020

Action Items for Breonna Taylor from GCSW Endowed Chair Brené Brown:

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Today, Breonna Taylor would have celebrated her 27th birthday.

Breonna was an award-winning EMT and first responder in Louisville, KY.

On the night of March 13th, the Louisville Metro Police executed a no-knock warrant, reportedly looking for drugs they never found, trafficked by a person who did not live with Breonna or in her complex — and whom they already had in custody.

They sprayed her home with 20 rounds, shooting Breonna 8 times — killing her while she slept in her bed.

No one has been arrested.

Today, we are asking you to:

1) Email Mayor Greg Fischer to demand that the LMPD fire and revoke pensions of the officers who murdered Breonna; and arrest, charge, and convict them for this crime. Email: [email protected]

2) Demand that special prosecutor Daniel Cameron comport with full transparency and accountability. Email: [email protected]

Please join us in this fight by making your voice heard now. Further information is at FightforBreonna.org

#BreonnaTaylor #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor #BirthdayforBreonna #SayHerName

Today, Breonna Taylor would have celebrated her 27th birthday.

Breonna was an award-winning EMT and first responder in Louisville, KY.

On the night of March 13th, the Louisville Metro Police executed a no-knock warrant, reportedly looking for drugs they never found, trafficked by a person who did not live with Breonna or in her complex — and whom they already had in custody.

They sprayed her home with 20 rounds, shooting Breonna 8 times — killing her while she slept in her bed.

No one has been arrested.

Today, we are asking you to:

1) Email Mayor Greg Fischer to demand that the LMPD fire and revoke pensions of the officers who murdered Breonna; and arrest, charge, and convict them for this crime. Email: [email protected]

2) Demand that special prosecutor Daniel Cameron comport with full transparency and accountability. Email: [email protected]

Please join us in this fight by making your voice heard now. Further information is at FightforBreonna.org

#BreonnaTaylor #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor #BirthdayforBreonna #SayHerName

06/05/2020

FUN FRIDAY:

It's a lifestyle. 😎😎

06/04/2020

How Much Do We Need The Police?

IN THE NEWS:

"Part of our misunderstanding about policing is that we keep imagining that we can turn police into social workers. That we can make them nice, friendly community outreach workers when really they have the legal capacity to use violence in situations where the average citizen would be arrested."

READ more about how policing has changed in the last forty years and what systemic changes need to take place to end racially charged police brutality.

For many Americans, it goes without saying that the police help maintain public safety. But many others — especially black Americans — see the police as more of a threat than a protective force.

06/04/2020

THROWBACK THURSDAY:

"Black Lives Matter was created in 2013 by 3 Black women. It was a response not to a single tragedy but what had been happening for 500 years." - Patrisse Cullors

We've been reflecting on the recent protests and remembered when artist, organizer, educator, public speaker, social activist, author, and co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter Patrise Cullors delivered an evening keynote this past September.

VIEW photos from the event: http://bit.ly/GCSWEvent-Cullors-photos

06/03/2020

2020 UH Healthy Start Aims To Address Black Maternal Mortality and COVID-19 With Face Mask Distribution

RESPONDING TO COVID19:

"There must be an awareness that implicit and systemic bias exists because the real work is delivering compassionate, person-centered healthcare that makes every human being feel respected, valued and equal; regardless of their socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, education, or zip code." UH HealthyStart Program Director Eulalia Gillum

Since April, UH Healthy Start Program Director Eulalia Gillum, Associate Professor and Principal Investigator Dr. McClain Sampson and the team have been combating the rise of black maternal mortality and the spread of COVID-19 by coordinating the distribution of face masks to underserved communities in Houston.

READ more about how UH Healthy Start began their mask drive during the pandemic: https://bit.ly/uhhealthystartmaskdrive2020

The University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work - Since April, UH Healthy Start Program Director Eulalia Gillum, Associate Professor and UH Healthy Start Principal Investigator Dr. McClain Sampson and the UH Healthy Start staff have been combating the rise of black maternal mortality and....

06/03/2020

The Big Story: Protest and Policing in America

‪Today at 1PM CST: Protest and Policing in America, a webinar with How to Be An AntiRacist author, Dr. Ibrahim X. Kendi

‪Registration required for this live conversation about policing, protests, and this moment in history. ‬

‪Register: http://bigstory-ibramxkendi.theatlantic.com‬

Protests have swept the nation this week in the wake of more killings of black Americans by police. In his latest piece for The Atlantic, Ibram X. Kendi, director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University and contributing writer at The Atlantic, examines this fraught moment...

06/03/2020

Two Crises Convulse a Nation: A Pandemic and Police Violence

IN THE NEWS:

"We’ve never gotten to a place where racism is not a significant part of everyone’s life in the United States."

READ more about how there are two parallel plagues ravaging America: The coronavirus and police killings of black men and women.

Emotions were already raw over the toll of a pandemic that has killed more than 100,000 people across the country and cost millions of jobs.

06/02/2020

HAPPENING NOW:

#Justice4GeorgeFloyd Houston protest. GCSW’s Dean, students, faculty, staff, and alumni represent!

#BlackLivesMatter

06/02/2020

If you are attending today's protest and would like to walk with the GCSW (while distanced), we will be wearing our GCSW shirts and meeting in front of Avenida de los Americas at 2:45 PM.

#BlackLivesMatter
#socialjusticeUH

06/02/2020

See you there!

Join us in solidarity with the family of #GeorgeFloyd and other community leaders on tomorrow, June 2nd. #WeAreDoneDying

06/01/2020

Happy Pride Month!

"We usually celebrate June as Pride Month with joy and excitement. However Pride Month 2020 has started on a much more difficult note. We’ve spent the last few months quarantined in our homes trying to slow a pandemic. We’ve experienced the highest unemployment rate since The Great Depression, and many self-employed individuals are struggling to keep their businesses open. To add to all that, this past weekend, protests and riots raged all over the country sparked by the abhorrent treatment of Christan Cooper and the murder of George Floyd last week. It’s hard to feel hopeful or celebratory amid so much pain, turmoil and unrest."

READ more about "The History Of Pride Month And What It Can Teach Us About Moving Forward Today":

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/06/01/the-history-of-pride-month-and-what-it-can-teach-us-about-moving-forward-today/#4d8589da4514

Pictured: Marsha P. Johnson who on June 28th, 1969 cried “I got my civil rights!” and threw a shot glass into a mirror (now known as "the Shot Glass that was Heard Around the World").

#socialjusticeUH

06/01/2020

How The Crisis Is Making Racial Inequality Worse

IN THE NEWS:

"The health crisis, however, is also an economic crisis, and the virus is clobbering communities of color on this front, too."

LEARN more about how the current pandemic is financially destabilizing communities of color: https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2020/05/26/860913793/how-the-crisis-is-making-racial-inequality-worse

Among the bottom fifth of income earners, who are more likely to be black and Latino, about 35% of them lost their jobs.

06/01/2020

2020 MSW Student, Jamaya Walker, Provides Guidance at Youth Ranch

STUDENT SUCCESS:

"I would like those who do not work in youth services to understand that the youth are seeking genuine support. Many of the youth I work with have endured many traumatic events that have profoundly altered their development. Frequently they are battling with issues mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually and with the right guidance and support, these youth can blossom into resilient adults."

We recently chatted with MSW Student Jamaya Walker. She currently serves as a part-time Youth Care Worker at Parks Youth Ranch.

READ more to find out how the GCSW has prepared her for her work and what challenges COVID-19 have posed to children in unstable living conditions: https://bit.ly/jamaya-camp

The University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work - MSW Student Jamaya Walker currently serves as a camp counselor at Parks Youth Ranch where she and a team provide shelter and counseling to abused and neglected children.

05/31/2020

How to Reduce Your Risk of PTSD in a Post-Covid-19 World

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH | SELF CARE SUNDAY:

"Living through such emotions without exacerbating your pain and suffering takes skill."

READ more about how to navigate complex emotions in a post-COVID world: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/20/smarter-living/coronavirus-coping-ptsd-mental-health.html

It’s normal to feel a sense of hopelessness and loneliness in these times. But there are proven and proactive ways for you to get through it.

05/31/2020

From GCSW Endowed Chair Brené Brown:

From the dehumanizing language and policy of this administration, to the history of white women using the performative “quiver of fear” when calling the police on black men, to police brutality, the system is working exactly how it was designed.

The system is not broken. This is the expansive and intricate system of dehumanization that was constructed to support white supremacy and slavery. Like every genocide in recorded history, racism started with dehumanization.

The system is more complex now and supported by policy. One thing remains at the center: We, the white folks, are the conduit for the system. It was built to serve us. When we do nothing it surges through us. To end racism, we have to break the system. We have to see it and fight against it - we have to be anti-racist. There are many ways to break and rebuild. But here’s what I know for sure:

The most important anti-racism work I’ve done over the past 20 years and that I’m still doing (every single day) is taught and led by people with the lived experience of racial oppression - NOT white people. This includes my professors, writers, activists, bosses, and mentors. For me, it’s also about seeing, sharing, and honoring the lived experiences of my friends whose realities are/were clearly different than mine.

Our job is to seek out the teaching, value it, submit to the pain of learning without asking our teachers to absolve us or add our emotions to their load, and know that being held accountable is hard and painful. And we have to act.

There are many teachers who are leading the way. Here are some teachers that I follow and who are doing critical work right now.

Austin Channing Brown (the The Next Question)

Dr. Bernice King (on MSNBC today at 1:45EST and has an important series on FB)

Dr. Clint Smith (June 3 event)

Prof. Ibram Kendi (on Unlocking Us this week)

Rachel Cargle (Public address on revolution available now)

If you know of other teachers - please leave them in the comments and we'll put together a list.

Amplify their voices and their work. Buy their books. Take their classes. Break the system.

05/31/2020

Global Protests for George Floyd Staged in Berlin, London and Toronto

IN THE NEWS:

“The untimely death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis law enforcement officers has prompted global protests in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

In Berlin, thousands of protestors gathered on Saturday outside the U.S. embassy — located on Pariser Platz, next to the iconic Brandenberg Gate — to protest Floyd’s death. Attendees held up signs that read “Black Lives Matter,” “Justice for George Floyd” and “I Can’t Breathe.””

https://www.google.com/amp/s/variety.com/2020/politics/global/george-floyd-protests-berlin-toronto-london-black-lives-matter-1234621350/amp/

The untimely death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis law enforcement officers has prompted global protests in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. In Berlin, thousands of prot…

05/31/2020

IN THE NEWS:

From Chron.com from the Houston Chronicle

05/31/2020

Ways To Help

https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#

Ways To Help

05/30/2020

Chron.com from the Houston Chronicle

HAPPENING NOW:

#BlackLivesMatter

Protesters demanding justice in the death of George Floyd are marching through Midtown. Watch live here.

05/30/2020

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN:

Full statement here: https://bit.ly/DeansMessage05302020
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To our students, faculty, staff, and community,

As we close this academic year, we are experiencing a time in our history where we awaken to near daily reminders of the racist violence that plagues our country. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed the brutal murder of Ahmaud Arbery by a trio of White vigilantes, followed by the murders of Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, Tony McDade, and George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement. Earlier this year, we witnessed the murders of Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson, also at the hands of law enforcement.

These men and women are now included in a long historical tally of Black Americans whose violent deaths are both unknown and well known. Some have sparked collective activism such as Emmett Till, whose murder birthed the Civil Rights Movement. Over 50 years later, Trayvon Martin’s murder sparked the birth of another movement desperately needed. Black Lives Matter has trained our collective eyes to witness an epidemic of violence perpetrated on Black Americans. Although we know the majority of law enforcement officers join law enforcement to keep communities safe, we also know the names of those whose lives they have taken – Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice, Dontre Hamilton, John Crawford, Eric Harris, Walter Scott, Korryn Gaines, Laquan McDonald, Akai Gurley, William Chapman II, Sam Dubose, Jeremy McDole, Ricky Ball, Jamar Clark, Sylville Smith, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Keith Lamont Scott, Terence Crutcher, Jordan Baker, Stephon Clark, Jordan Edwards, and many others.

These deaths have left deep, ever gaping wounds. And while those wounds have been experienced most intensely by the families of the victims, they have also been festering and untended in our collective consciousness. The deaths and the pain in its wake have left widespread collateral damage that erupted in cities across our nation this week. The sadness, grief, and rage that are being felt across the country are the feelings that result from a legacy of violence and oppression that began over 400 years ago and continue through today.

Our wounds won’t heal in the comfort of our silence or our stillness. So how do we heal? And more specifically, how do we, as social workers, help our communities to heal?

Each of the injustices we’ve seen is linked by a common thread that has plagued our country since its inception – White supremacy. Our country was founded on the idea of the supremacy of white people. Over hundreds of years, the pursuit of maintaining it has tarnished the very ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice our country purports to uphold. As social workers, we need to stand strongly and firmly against the racism and White supremacy that continue to take the lives and threaten the freedoms of every Black American in our country. And as social workers, we need to call out racism and White supremacy, loudly and unapologetically, every time they are displayed, not only in broader society but also in the spaces we inhabit.

As social workers, we also need to continue to demand justice for those whose lives have been tragically taken. The vigilantes and law enforcement officers responsible for the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, George Floyd, and Tony McDade need to be held accountable for their actions and face consequences. Yet we also need to remember that these consequences will do nothing to prevent the murder of another Black American. These consequences will do nothing to address the larger systemic issues of racism and White supremacy that continue to threaten the very fabric of our society. As social workers, we need to demand accountability. We also need to maintain our focus on dismantling the larger systems of oppression that are responsible for the violence we see.

At the Graduate College of Social Work, we are committed to standing against injustice through leadership, advocacy, and action. I invite you to join us, to share your ideas, and to help us develop effective, sustainable actions to achieve our vision of social, racial, economic, and political justice for all. This is not only our professional responsibility; it is our moral responsibility. Together we can demand change. And together, we will prevail.

Alan Dettlaff, PhD, MSW
Dean and Maconda Brown O’Connor Endowed Dean’s Chair