Black History Month

To the BUSSW Community:
 
February 21 marks the anniversary of Black History Month in American history. When Carter G. Woodson originally established what was then called Black History Week in 1926, the month of February was chosen because leaders Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass both shared birthdays in the month, two individuals who created historic change for African Americans. 
 
This day reminds us of BUSSW’s commitment to antiracist practice and inclusion. In 2021, as we receive the news that Black Lives Matter has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, I invite you to not only honor Black history, but to also think critically of what the present and future looks like for Black lives. We must recognize and fight the deep-rooted structural racism that exists in this country to achieve liberation and a more just world. 
 
Our Equity & Inclusion Speaker Series continues to highlight those who are raising their voices in this fight and the E&I resources portal is rich with information.
 
Finally, I wanted to share the following additional resources with our community:

• Today’s Democracy Now News Program celebrates Black History Month
• The Combahee River Collective Statement: One of the original theoretical frames for Intersectionality
• Rachel Cargle’s Black History Month Series, where she is graciously providing a free and interactive learning resource in honor of Black History Month

 In solidarity,
 
Jorge Delva

Jorge Delva, dean of BU School of Social Work and Paul Farmer Professor at the Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health