Celebrating Black History Month at the FSU College of Social Work
February is a time each year to recognize the essential role that African Americans play in the history of the United States. This year, the college wants to recognize the contributions of its Black faculty, staff and graduates, as well as the significant role that Black community leaders and advocates played in the establishment of the social work profession.
It is my honor to serve as the first Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the College of Social Work. Our learning community has an amazing team of faculty and staff, students, graduates, community partners, donors and supporters that make up our social work family. Throughout the month of February, we will highlight several of these notable individuals along with Black History Month events at the college. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate our own. You can also nominate FSU social work graduates to be highlighted on social media here.
Events at the college for Black History Month include:
- February 15 | 11:30 am - Virtual Event: Disparity in Care: Relative Care and Practitioner Acknowledgement (with Kirk Brown,)
- February 23 | 11:30 am - Community Roundtable Discussion with Big Bend Area Black Social Workers: The Experiences of Black Social Workers
- February 24 | 11:30 am - Black History Month Movie Watch Party on Social Worker Whitney Young (The Power Broker: Whitney Young's Fight for Civil Rights)
I want to bring particular attention to my colleagues who are making great strides in social work research, education, and practice. This includes Dr. Norman Anderson, Assistant Vice President for Research and Academic Affairs at FSU and Professor at the College of Social Work. Dr. Anderson advances the university’s research mission and facilitates the success of emerging academic leaders. He is an eminent psychologist, served as CEO for the American Psychological Association for 13 years and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.
The college’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee also wanted to highlight the importance of our Black women faculty and staff who have made tremendous strides in social work and academia. Not only are their contributions noteworthy in educational and scholarly communities, but they are an inspiration for our present and future students as well as marginalized communities who see themselves represented and understood in a profession that values at its most essential level the worth in all people. Their contributions also ensure in social work education and research that diverse voices and perspectives are present in social work, a profession that impacts so many of our most vulnerable populations.
Director of Field Education, Katrina Boone, is a graduate of the FSU College of Social Work and has been at the college for more than 20 years, including acting as the pivotal advocate for field education for 16 years. She was recently featured in the college’s communications in an article that emphasizes her contributions field education and the social work profession on a state and national level.
BSW Program and Profession Development Director, Carol Campbell Edwards, is a well-recognized social worker through her roles at the college and as a child welfare advocate and social work leader through the National Association for Social Workers. Enjoy this recent article on her contributions to our local communities and social work practice.
Dr. Shalay Jackson, is an Assistant Teaching Professor and one of our newest faculty members. Joining the college’s faculty in 2018, she brings with her expertise in social work and public health, sharing her passion for macro-level social work, policy and community engagement. Dr. Jackson is the faculty advisor for the FSU Macro Social Work Student Network and will be featured during March, Social Work Month.
Associate Professor Dr. La Tonya Noël is an active researcher in the area of child welfare. Channeling experience in school social work, Dr. Noël’s research aims to improve outcomes and wellbeing for Black, indigenous and people of color, especially those affected by trauma. In this recent article, you can read more about Dr. Noël and her important work in child welfare.
Director of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare, Dr. Jessica Pryce, has overseen the establishment of the institute to become a crucial component of Florida’s child welfare system to improve outcomes for the children and families of Florida. As a dedicated child welfare advocate, Dr. Pryce is leading the institute in its latest project mandated by the Florida Legislature to establish a professional development center to support the state’s child welfare workers. Look for a highlight on Dr. Pryce in March for Social Work Month.
While the School of Social Work/College of Social Work would not become accredited at FSU until 1950, the profession has had a rich history that includes contributions by Black leaders, activists and scientists. Here are just a few:
Be sure to also check out the resources below, including a virtual tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and resources from the National Association of Social Workers and National Association of Black Social Workers.