Langston's Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron

No.2 September, 2011

A ThRiVing Summer of Service!

During the summer of 2011, Dr. Selena T. Rodgers, Assistant Professor of Social Work, at York College of The City Uni- versity of New York was active- ly engaged in community service in the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn with the ThRiVe organization.

Felisha Michelle Bell is the Founder and Executive Director of ThRiVe, an organization committed to empowering people of color through cultural awareness, health and wellness, successfully plan and promote on sexual abuse and the exploi- education and the rebuilding of the summer events. tation of girls lured into a life of families and communities. As a prostitution. www.gems- prelude to an initiative aimed at Black Womens’ BluePrint, Inc. girls.org promoting the health and well- hosted the first awareness event ness of girls and women of in July. Blueprint is a human In August, York College Afri- African descent, this summer rights and civil rights member- can-American Resource Center ThRiVe, launched The Stronger ship organization of women and (AARC) Interdisciplinary Awareness Series to discuss men. Its purpose is to strategies and solutions to issues take action to bring affecting Black families and Black women into full communities and to build public and equal social, eco- awareness about the campaign. nomic and political Black Women’s BluePrint, Inc. participation in the and Queens Langston Hughes mainstream of Ameri- Community Library and Cultur- can society now. Ap- al Center hosted the awareness proximately 60 partic- forums. ipants attended the forum. The documen- In support of ThRiVe’s Strong- tary Very Young Girls er Awareness Series, the plan- was followed by a ning committee: Dr. Selena T. panel discussion, and Rodgers (Assistant Profes a question and answer sor/York College), Farah Tanis session with, Dr. (Co-Founder/Black Women’s Scyatta Wallace, teen BluePrint), Fatima Friday (Ar- expert and psycholo- tistic Director/FreeLaavéSól), gist and Kalima De- along with ThRiVe volunteer Suze (a survivor of Tiffany Cudjoe (Student/York sexual abuse and pros- College) assisted Felisha Mi- titution and Harlem Selena Rodgers and Andrew Jack- chelle Bell (Founder/ThRiVe) to G.E.M.S. youth outreach coor- son (Sekou Molefi Baako). Photo: dinator). The dialogue focused Tiffany Cudjoe

No.2 September, 2011

Committee members, Dr. Rodg- ers and Professor Jackson along with Felisha Michelle Bell, Founder of ThRiVe, collabo- rated on The Stronger Aware- ness Series 2nd event titled, Eve- ryone’s Sun: Helping Our Black Boys Shine. Queens Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center served as the site for the panel discussion geared towards informing community members and constitu- ents of strategies, best practices and solutions aimed at reversing high levels of crimes against Hughes Executive Director the plight of black boys in our other Black community mem- Andrew P. Jackson (Sekou Mo- community. Located at 100th bers, drug sales and chemical lefi Baako). For most of the Street and Northern Boulevard dependency. The loss of un- panel and participants, this was in Corona, the Queens Langston precedented Black youth to the their first visit to the Hughes Hughes Community Library and criminal justice system depletes Library. Cultural Center founded by ac- o ur community foundation that tivists from the Corona-East becomes dysfunctional year af- As we prepare for the official Elmhurst neighborhood as part ter year.‖ launch of the campaign, the se- of the Anti-Poverty programs of ries will continue to build com- the 1960's, it is the first public Moderated by Mychal Sledge, munity and public awareness institution named for the "Poet the nine-panel discussion, which with programming designed to Laureate of Harlem." included Black male community both educate and empower. The mentors, program directors, and vision for The Stronger: Rede- Professor Jackson posits activists from Queens, Brook- fining and Reinventing the ―throughout the 1960's and lyn, New Jersey, Philadel- Strong Black Woman Campaign 1970's it was not unusual to see phia and upstate New York was and Conference is a 3-day in- a commodity of community ac- a frank, poignant, engaging and tergenerational conference fo- tivist unite for the collective honest conversation. It was a cuses on the physical, social vision of the Black communities great networking opportunity and emotional wellness of Black - family day care and head start for the estimated 70 participants females through dialogue, programs that served and edu- to identify and discusse ob- workshops, demonstrations and cated multiple generations. To- stacles and solutions. ―The health screenings. “Stronger” day, that level of activism has Langston Hughes Community employs a holistic approach died and Black boys are the Library is invested in hosting that is aligned with the notion commodity of the criminal jus- similar events on this and other that healthy women create heal- tice system through the ris- critical issues involving the thier families and communities. ing presence of unlicensed guns, Black Family‖ stated Langston

Photo l to r: Thomas Sapp (Founder, Kareem D. Sapp Foundation), David Jenkins (Founder, Order of The Feather - Queens Chapter), Dr. Umar-Abdullah Johnson (Psychologist, African-American Psychological and Educational Service for Children), Matthew P. Stevens (Founder, Empower Today’s Youth), Bernard Gassaway (Principal, Boys and Girls High School), Felisha Michelle Bell (Founder, ThRiVe), Clifford B. Simmons (Executive Direc- tor/Co-Founder, The Blue Nile Passage, Inc.), Mychal Sledge (CEO, The Sledge Group, Inc.), Kenneth Braswell (Executive Director/Founder, Fathers, Inc.)., Dennis Rahiim Watson (President/CEO, Center for Black Student Achievement – not in photo). For additional information about the conference, please email [email protected]

No.2 September, 2011

The Minority Reporter Comes to York College By Elgin Klugh On Wednesday evening, April 6th 2011, Frederick Gooding, Esquire (a.k.a) ―The Race Doctor,‖ entertained and inspired the York College community with his Minority Reporter presentation. The Minority Reporter (www.minorityreporter.com) is a media literacy enterprise that provokes critical thinking concerning common racial character patterns or archetypes in mainstream movies. Gooding’s presentation quickly drew the attention of students by the use of media images, humor, and eventual pro- gression to the more serious and immediately relevant issues that demand a critical analysis of race. Through careful use of his minority character archetypes, Gooding explained how seemingly harmless, but persistent, media images lay the ideological foundation for continued social inequalities. Additionally, he explained that destructive stereotypes are exported throughout the world and therefore much more comprehensive when implanting negative ideas concerning minority populations (particularly African Americans). Stu- dents sat mesmerized throughout Gooding’s presentation and were highly interactive during the time for question and answer. Truly, as Gooding stated, they will never see movies the same way again! Frederick Gooding, a.k.a. the ―Race Doctor‖

Dr. Rodgers Presents Research on Child Sexual Abuse

On April 8, 2010, Dr. Selena T. Rodgers, Assis- On September 26, 2010, Dr. Rodgers was an tant Professor of Social Work, presented her re- invited panelist at The International Black search paper titled, Imani Dream: Posttraumatic Women’s Congress (IBWC) 26th Annual Confe- Growth and Spiritual Well-Being in African- rence, “Weaved in the Fabric: A Wholistic American Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Perspective on Violence Against Black Women.‖ Abuse at The National Association of Black So- Unmasking Secrets of Childhood Abuse: The cial Workers “Keepers of the Village: The Role Middle Passage to Spiritual Well-Being among for Community Organizers‖ 42nd Annual Confe- African-American women with experiences of rence. The annual forum was hosted in Phila- Childhood Sexual Abuse was the focus of Dr. delphia, PA. The National Association of Black Rodgers’ talk. The yearly conference was held Social Workers Inc. is committed to enhancing in Norfolk, VA. The IBWC’s vision is, to bring the quality of life and empowering people of forth exemplary models of African Womanhood African ancestry through advocacy, human ser- by defining ourselves and improving ourselves vices delivery, and research www.nabsw.org/ through social, political and economic empo- werment www.ibwc.us/

Some of the new classes in the new major are: The Unforgiving Mirror: Race and Racism in Contemporary Society; Intersections: Black Women in the Atlantic World; Contemporary Legacy of Slavery in the U.S.; Environmental Justice in North America; Africa and the Columbian Exchange; Heritage, Culture, and Memory; Race, Housing, and Community; and Boys to Men: from Black Macho to Black Male Feminist

No.2 September, 2011

Black Women of Great Worth

L to R: Monica Pringle (Deputy Chief of Staff for New York th State Senator Honorable Shirley L. Huntley), Vivian Cook l to r: Ruben Wills (NYC Council Member, 28 (New York State Assemblywoman), Grace Ogiehor’enoma District), Selena T. Rodgers (AARC Mem- (Nurse Educator, Elmhurst Hospital), Selena T. Rodgers (As- ber/Assistant Professor of Social Work), Anthony sistant Professor of Social Work/York College of the City Uni- Andrews Jr. (AARC Member/Assistant Director versity of New York. Photo courtesy of Lelio Dalen- of Student Activities and Campus Program- cour/Rochdale Bulletin ming/Queens District Leader). Photo courtesy of Lelio Dalencour/Rochdale Bulletin

On March 26, 2011, Dr. Rodgers, Hubbard is a descendant of Mary citation for her great worth as a a member of the Interdisciplinary McLeod Bethune-Cookman. Dr. prominent Black women and the Advisory Board for the African Mary McLeod Bethune- oldest resident in Rochdale Vil- American Resource Center Cookman (1875-1955), African lage. Dr. Grace Ogiehor’enoma, Committee (AARC Committee) American great educators, distin- President of the Nigerian Nurses and Assistant Professor of Social guished adviser to several Amer- Association of USA, Inc. and Work at York College, School of ican presidents, and a pioneer nurse educator at Elmhurst Hos- Health and Behavioral Sciences, and ambassador of racial equali- pital, Queens NY has over 22 was an invited distinguished pa- ty. Honorable New York As- years of expertise in the health- nelist for the Rochdale Village semblywoman Vivian Cook, a care field. She discussed the Women History Month Forum. champion for York College of staggering rate of diabetes and She had the honor to sit at the the City University of New York high blood pressure in the Black Dais with Black women trail- and the Queens community, is community and offered recom- blazers. They discussed the leg- recognizable for her major role in mendations to promote healthy acy, struggles, social issues, and the opening of the AARC in habits and living. She graciously collective vision for Black Wom- 1985. Honorable Assemblywo- spoke about her journey from en of Great Worth. man Vivian Cook and Monica Nigeria, West Africa to the Unit- Pringle, Deputy Chief of Staff for ed States of America and the sig- Among the distinguished panelist New York State Senator Honora- nificant role of her family, par- was Dr. Maria Hubbard of the ble Shirley L. Huntley bestowed ticularly her husband during the Greater Bethel Community De- Mrs. Elizabeth Singleton, age transition. velopment Corporation. Dr. 103, with a proclamation and

No.2 September, 2011

Dr. Rodgers discussed her re- member, or someone they consi- Great Worth forum. Mr. An- search on child sexual abuse in dered family. If we can birth a drews, Queens District Leader the Black Community, confirm- nation, then surely we can eradi- and Assistant and Director of ing national statistics that child- cate child sexual abuse! Student Activities and Campus ren between 8-9 years of age are Programming, affirmed the im- most vulnerable to child sexual New York City Council Member, portance of men joining women abuse. Results from Dr. Rodg- Rubin Wills along with AARC in the discussion and collective ers’ research also concluded that Advisory Board member Antho- vision. 80 percent of participants identi- ny Andrews were also distin- fied their perpetrator as a family guished panelist at the Women of

York College Students reaching greater heights

Since Spring 2009, the Resource Xiaodan Zhang (Sociology) rently underrepresented in our Center has hosted a conversation nation’s Universities. Under- between faculty and students On March 1, 2011, faculty were graduates from underrepresented about graduate school. Since that joined by Stephen Smith, gradu- groups interested in pursuing the time hundreds of students have ate student at the Graduate Cen- Ph.D. in preparation for college- heard advice about choosing ter. Smith talked about the CU- schools, writing the applications, NY Pipeline. York College stu- level teaching and advanced re- writing personal statements, and dents who went through the pro- search in any discipline except have gotten information about gram also shared their expe- law and medicine are encour- funding opportunities. riences, who have worked with aged to apply. Prof. Namphy. Faculty members from diverse This greater interest paid off: educational backgrounds contin- The CUNY Pipeline Program is Five York College students at- ue to share their experiences with administered by the Office of tended the Pipeline Program this students: Educational Opportunity and year. Diversity Programs (OEODP) at Kathariya Mokrue (Psychology) the Graduate Center – CUNY. For information about the Mychel Namphy (English) Selena Rodgers (Social Work) The program is designed to pro- CUNY Pipeline program, visit Mark Schuller (African Ameri- vide educational and financial http://web.gc.cuny.edu/oeodp/pi can Studies/Anthropology) support to students who are cur- peline.asp

York College and Haiti: an Ongoing Engagement

The African American Resource On November 16, 2010, two included Prof. Mark Schuller and Center hosted several events on days before the anniversary of several Haitian activists in New Haiti in 2010-11, since the devas- the final battle of the Haitian York City: Ray Laforest (WBAI, tating earthquake that killed as Revolution in 1803 that ended Pacifica Radio, AFSCME), Lily many as 316,000 people. York is slavery and established the Cerat (Haitian Women for Hai- one of the few colleges with a world’s first free black republic, tian Refugees), and Lionel Le- Haitian Creole program, coordi- York invited several activists to gros (Kingsborough Community nated by Dr. Jean François. York discuss the on-the-ground earth- College and also the host of the serves a large Haitian student quake response. Because the first Haitian radio program in population and the neighborhood, event had over 200 people, it was New York), and solidarity activ- Jamaica Queens, has a large and held in the Atrium. Prof. ist Lisa Davis (MADRE, CUNY growing Haitian community. François began the event and Law School). The discussion fo- moderated the discussion that cused on the conditions in the 13

No.3 April, 2012 vis Staples, Buddy Guy, Mos son in her production “Divining”-Judith Jamison’s Def, Angelique Kidjo, many N’Orleans-A Storyville Musical. first ballet for the Alvin Ailey jazz artists, performed at Nelson He performed in Broadway’s American Dance Theater and at Mandela’s 70th Birthday Tri- Death and the King’s Horse- Radio City Music Hall in the bute, worked with Toni Morri- man; co-wrote the composition “Salute to the Blues”.

Langston’s Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron By Andrew P. Jackson (Sekou Molefi Baako) and Selena T. Rodgers 

l to r: Herb Boyd (activist/author/journalist), Tony Medina (Associate Professor of English of Creative Writ- ing/Howard University), Sonia Sanchez (author/poet/activist), Camilla Gilyard (Elementary School Teach- er/Daughter of Dr. Keith Gilyard), Nana Camille Yarbrough (musician/actress/poet/activist/television produc- er/author) and Atiba Kwabena-Wilson (musician/poet/storyteller/Djeli)  In celebration of National Tribute Series. Over the past cal pulse of America and Black Poetry Month, Executive two years, photo journal- America. Scott-Heron is a self- Director Andrew P. Jackson ist/filmmaker Gordon Parks, proclaimed “Bluesologist” (Sekou Molefi Baako) of the actor Frank Silvera and activist through his Afrocentric spoken Queens Library’s Langston playwright August Wilson were word and poetic lyrics, stage Hughes Community Library and featured. The tribute to Scott- presentation, blues-funk rooted Cultural Center hosted Good Heron (April 1, 1949 - May 27, music, political commentary, Vibrations…A Tribute to Gil 2011) began following his tran- comedic narration and charis- Scott-Heron on Saturday, April sition. Scott-Heron is a great matic style. In Jackson’s eyes, 7, 2012. Good Vibrations…is influence and favorite perform- Scott-Heron was a constant the fourth installment of Jack- ing artist of Jackson’s, who ad- thorn in the side of America son’s creation for the Langston mired Scott-Heron for having who engaged the mind, body Hughes Community Library’s his mind and hand on the politi- and spirit.

No.3 April, 2012

The first hour of the day’s for the depth and strength of cultural warriors based in New events opened with the playing Professor Scott-Heron’s mind. York City’s Village of Harlem of a cross section of Scott- today. Wilson is an Africana Heron’s recordings from his The core of the day’s tribute historian, storyteller, vocalist, early albums, Pieces of A Man was an engaging panel musician (djembe drum, (1971), through his last discussion moderated by Herb harmonica, flute, picollo), recording I’m New Here (2010). Boyd, a Harlem based activist composer, lecturer and political In all, twenty-five recordings of journalist, on the life and activist. Ms. Camilla Gilyard, his work are now available. contributions of Gil Scott- a South Queens elemenary While the audience enjoyed Heron. The panel included: school teacher and daughter of listening to Scott-Heron, they Dr. Tony Medina, a product of Dr. Keith Gilyard, read her viewed the table display from and student activist at New father’s prepared comments and Jackson’s personal collection of York City College in his spoke to Scott-Heron’s legacy posters, vinyl albums, cds, dvds undergraduate years. A talented in her generation as usefulness and books from Scott-Heron’s poet, Profossor Medina in the teachings to engage her four-decade career. The published childrens’ poetry fifth grade students in their afternoon continued with the storybooks include Love to English lessons. Dr. Gilyard is a viewing of the walking tour Langston, Bob Marley and Professor of English at documentary of Washington, DeShawn Days, as well as Pennsylvania State University DC and the city’s black wax spoken word volumes, Bum and a published poet and author musuem—Black Wax Gil Scott- Rush the Page, with the late, of John Oliver Killens A Life of Heron (1982). Queens poet activist poet, Louis Reyes Literary Activism (2010). David Mills followed the film Rivera, and Roll Call: A Gilyard was a former Corona with a free flowing, five poem Generaltional Anthology of resident and friend of Scott- recition to Gil Scott-Heron’s Social and Political Black Herons before his rise to poems reflecting the turmoil in Literature and Art. Sister Sonia stardom. The event ended with the civil rights awareness years Sanchez, Poet, Mother, music by Atiba’s blues of America (The Revolution Educator/Temple University ensemble, The B fo’ quo’tet, Will Not Be Televised, Winter in (1977-1999) is one of with a guest horn player and the America, In The Bottle) and two America’s greatest activist poetry of David Mills and Tony that personalized the demons poet/scholars of the 20th Century Medina. within Scott-Heron, (Spirits with over 16 books; national Past and The Other Side I, II and international lecturer on Located at 100th Street and and III). Black Culture and Literature, Northern Boulevard in Corona, Women’s Liberation, Peace and the Queens Library’s Langston Next, Dr. Aldon Nielsen of Racial Justice; lectured in over Hughes Community Library and Pennsylvania State University, 500 colleges and universities; Cultural Center was founded by gave a PowerPoint presentation contributing editor Black activists from the Corona-East of his ongoing research on Scholar and The Journal of Elmhurst neighborhood as part Scott-Heron and his personal African Studies. Nana Camille of the Anti-Poverty programs of rememberances as a student of Yarbrough, Professor of Black the 1960’s. It is the first public Scott-Heron’s at Washington Studies Department at the City institution named for the “Poet D.C.’s Federal City College in College (CUNY), award Laureate of Harlem.” Visit: the early 1970’s. “My professor winning poet/author (Cornrows, www.queenslibrary.org and was but two years older then 1979), cultural activist and www.libraryactioncommittee. me, but had already had two performer from the Village of org. books published” said Dr. Harlem. Founder of Ancestor Nielsen (The Vulture (1970), House “It’s our story… more Tiffany Cudjoe thanked her The Nigger Factory (1972). In than 500 years of tradition.” mentor and poetess, Professor short order Professor Nielsen Djeli Atiba Kwabena-Wilson, Selena T. Rodgers for encourag- gained a high level of respect is one of the most multifacted ing her to attend the tribute to

No.3 April, 2012

thor and activist. “My expe- CUNY Creative Arts/Project rience at the Langston Hughes Change, educating to inform Library was beyond amazing. I and empower high school and used my camera to capture par- college students about health ticipants’ tributes to Mr. Gil issues HIV/AIDS and obesity Scott-Heron. I also absorbed the through facilitation, drama, profound wisdom, poetry and mentorship, and advocacy. stories offered by Ms. Sonia Sanchez and other distinguished Her interests include graduate guests” stated Tiffany. studies as a Photo Essayist, combining her passion for re- Tiffany Cudjoe is a Cardinal search, photography, social Crew member and York College work and sociology with a Ambassador, helping to create a focus on social and health- student-friendly environment related issues impacting for incoming freshmen. Mr. Mi- people of African ancestry. chel Hodge, Executive Director She was a featured photo- l to r: Andrew P. Jackson (Sekou Molefi Baako) (Executive Director, of Enrollment Management at grapher in the March 2012 Langston Hughes Community York College is also the York Rochdale Village, Inc. Bulle- Library and Cultural Center/York Col- Cardinal Crew Director and a tin. The Newspaper is issued lege), Tiffany Cudjoe (York College Rising Star Honoree. Hosted by monthly to over 25,000 resi- Student) and Sonia Sanchez (author/poet/activist); Metropolitan Hospitality, Rising dents living in the world’s Star Awards are presented to second largest housing coop- Scott-Heron. Tiffany also ex- young professionals who exem- erative. plify outstanding leadership tended a heart-felt thank you to th Professor Andrew Jackson for skills. On January 26 , 2012, Tiffany Cudjoe, a Percy E. introducing her to Ms. Sanchez Mr. Hodge introduced Tiffany Sutton SEEK student, is gra- and Ms. Yarbrough as a rising to award winning domestic and duating in 2012 from York star at York College and for international photographer Mi- College of The City Universi- granting her permission to pho- chelle Kawka of Michelle’s ty of New York with her BA tograph the event. Dr. Rodgers High Heel Studio. Tiffany is in Sociology, Social Sciences and Tiffany had the tremendous currently interning with Ms. Program/School of Health and opportunity to engage in three- Kawka at the “Rising Star Behavioral Sciences. way dialogue with Ms. Sanchez Awards Ceremony”. Tiffany is about her journey as a poet, au- also a Change Agent Intern with Photo: Attendance at Langston Hughes Library and Cultural Center. Front row: : Dr. Aldon Lynn Nielsen (Department of Eng- lish/Pennsylvania State University) and Sister Sonia Sanchez (retired professor/Temple University)

Some of the new classes in the new major are: The Unforgiving Mirror: Race and Racism in Contem- porary Society; Intersections: Black Women in the Atlantic World; Contemporary Legacy of Slavery in the U.S.; Environmental Justice in North America; Africa and the Columbian Exchange; Heritage, Culture, and Memory; Race, Housing, and Com- munity; and Boys to Men: from Black Macho to Black Male Feminist

No.3 April, 2012

CUNY political scientist speaks to York about Haiti’s elections Michael Sharpe, Behavioral Sciences

On October 18, 2011, Dr. Since Préval was the only presi- is in contradiction with the François Pierre-Louis, Associate dent in recent years to have wishes of the Haitian people. Professor of Political Science been elected twice to the presi- Queens College/CUNY gave a dency and successfully com- Prof. François talked about the presentation on “Haiti, Elec- pleted his two terms, he was election of Haiti’s new presi- tions, Cholera and the Interna- seen as the leader that would dent, singer Michel Martelly tional Community” at the Afri- usher Haiti into an era of stabili- a.k.a. “Sweet Micky,” who had can American Resource Center. ty and economic growth. In- recently spoke at York, the short The event was cosponsored by stead, the 2010 elections were lived candidacy of hip-hop artist the York College Political overwhelmingly rejected by the Wyclef Jean, and the events sur- Science program. In 2010, Pres- population and the country once rounding the cholera outbreak ident René Préval of Haiti reluc- more faced a long period of vi- that many think was inadver- tantly agreed to call for presi- olence and instability. In his tently brought to Haiti by Unit- dential and legislative elections talk, Pierre-Louis argued that ed Nations peacekeepers from to renew the members of par- the international community, Nepal. The event was attended liament and elect a new presi- through MINUSTAH and CA- by York students, faculty, as dent. RICOM, failed miserably in well as representatives of non- Haiti to support the transition to governmental organizations democracy because their agenda working in Haiti.

“A New Era of Social Justice and Civil Rights” By Selena T. Rodgers, Social Sciences

the 44th anniversary of trauma symptoms, and coping Civil Rights Leader Dr. strategies in a national sample of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s social workers. Social workers assassination and 38th encounter and respond to unprec- day after the killing of edented trauma-related expe- Trayvon Martin by co- riences, including youth vi- presenting at The Nation- olence, unconscionable killings al Association of Black of Black males—including Tray- Social Workers von Martin—and the pandemic (NABSW) 44th Annual of HIV/AIDS predominately af- Conference. The annual fecting Black women in metro- forum was hosted in At- politan areas. The presenters’ lanta, GA. Aligned with preliminary research findings the conference’s theme revealed the need for competent “A New Era of Social training of social workers in Justice and Civil Rights,” areas of trauma, using strength- On April 4th, 2012, Dr. Selena T. their presentation, “Rise based approaches. Rodgers (Assistant Professor of Up Social Workers: From Vica- Social Work at York Col- rious Trauma to Posttraumatic Approximately 700 participants lege/CUNY) and Tiffany Cudjoe Growth” focused on the prelimi- attended the NABSW national (student research assistant/York nary findings of past personal conference. Twelve students pre- College/CUNY) commemorated trauma, the presence of vicarious viously enrolled in the Social

No.3 April, 2012

Research Methods for Social serve and honor “M.L.K.’s” NABSW New Orleans Chapter. Work course taught by Professor birthplace, work, worship, life The National Association of Rodgers at Medgar Evers Col- and legacy. The gravesite of Black Social Workers Inc. is lege of The City University of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Co- committed to enhancing the qual- New York along with Professor retta Scott King and statue of ity of life and empowering Elaine Reid (Social Work Pro- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi people of African ancestry gram/MEC) were present and “The Mahatma” (1869-1948) through advocacy, human servic- highly engaged in the workshop. were among the photographs tak- es delivery, and research Ms. Cudjoe, a first time presenter en by Tiffany. Her future plans www.nabsw.org/ at a national conference, received for “New Era of Social Justice positive feedback from attendees. and Civil Rights” include con- Tiffany was selected as a fea- necting her enthusiasm for re- tured speaker for the lunch ses- search, photography, social work sion at York College’s 3rd An- and sociology. nual Student Undergraduate Re- search Day on April 19th, 2012. While at the conference, Rodgers She engaged in a conversation talked at length with NABSW with her research advisor Dr. National Conference Co-Chair Selena T. Rodgers, highlighting Melissa Smith-Haley about the her research experience. Tiffany need for student, as well as aca- is grateful to SEEK and the Aca- demics/practitioners and student On April 9, 2012, Sharika Hol- demic Affairs office for her tra- joint presentations. Ms. Smith- loway, a baccalaureate social vel to the conference. Haley recalled the first time she work student at Medgar Evers presented as a student with her College, won the NABSW Office In remembrance of the civil father Dr. Fredrick E. Smith in of Student Affairs Secretary. rights leader, Tiffany and Dr. Houston at a NABSW confe- Sharika is member and President- Rodgers visited the Martin Luth- rence nearly 20 years ago—“That elect for the ABSW stu- er King, Jr. National Historic Site experience helped me tremend- dent chapter at MEC and a for- in Atlanta, GA on Thursday, ously in starting my career and mer research student of Dr. April 5, 2012. The historic site cementing my love for the organ- Rodgers. was established in 1980 to pre- ization” stated Ms. Smith-Haley,

Resource Center hosts graduate school discussions Michael Sharpe, Behavioral Sciences

October 3, 2011, the Political Duke, Georgetown, George tional development, and humani- Science Program and the African Washington, Tufts, Columbia, tarian assistance. American Resource Center cos- Harvard, Princeton, and Sciences ponsored an event entitled “A Po (France). The event was held Since 2009, the African Ameri- Talk about Graduate School in at the African American Re- can Resource Center has held at International Affairs”. The guest source Center. Ms. Sloane talked least one graduate school work- speaker was Ms. Leigh Morris graduate study in preparation for shop per semester. Since 2011, Sloane, Executive Director, the careers in international affairs. we partnered with the CUNY Association of Professional She spoke extensively about the Pipeline Program. This year, Schools of International Affairs process of applying to graduate Graduate Center Writing Fellows (APSIA). APSIA has some 60 schools of international affairs led workshops on writing per- full and affiliate member schools including personal essay, GPA, sonal statements. For information including the University of GRE, and internships. The event about the CUNY Pipeline pro- Maryland, University of Texas at was attended by students with gram, visit http://web.gc.cuny Austin, University of Pittsburgh, interests in diplomacy, interna- .edu/oeodp/pipeline.asp