A Message from the Dean
Dear Students:
As you know, February is Black History Month. The national theme is “Black Health and Wellness.” In some classes and other activities, we will recognize and celebrate the achievements of many Black scholars and medical practitioners throughout the African Diaspora. Take the time to research the inspiring work in the areas of health and wellness by those who have made a tremendous contribution, such as educator Mary McLeod Bethune and social worker Dorothy Height.
Mary Jane McLeod Bethune (1875–1955) became one of the most important civil rights leaders of the 20th century. She was a lifelong educator working as a teacher before founding Bethune Cookman College, which set educational standards for today’s Black colleges. She became the highest-ranking African American woman in government when President Franklin Roosevelt named her director of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration. (source: WomensHistory.org)
Dorothy Height (1912–2010) was a women’s rights and civil rights advocate and is often referred to as “The godmother of the civil rights movement.” Height began her lifetime of advocacy by campaigning against lynching and as a social worker. She established the YWCA’s Center for Racial Justice, founded the National Women’s Political Caucus, led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, and co-organized the famous 1963 March on Washington. Throughout her life, she campaigned internationally for women’s rights, traveling to Mexico, India, and many countries in Africa. Height is the recipient of both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, among many other awards and honorary degrees. (source: Biography.org)
The celebration should not stop with learning more about historical figures. Also, consider incorporating activities into the month like those shared by the Unexpected Virtual Tours Team.
- Create a Black History Month playlist
- Have lunch at a Black-owned restaurant
- Volunteer with a Black-led nonprofit
- Amplify Black voices on social media
- Become a member of the NAACP
Our resources are abundant these days. We can learn so much from one another too. On campus we continue to share learning opportunities such as the spring 2022 Wednesday Writing Workshops. Even great writers benefit from a boost. The technique-filled workshops will help you to write more effectively and shorten the writing process. All workshops are on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Visit Okta and log in to the Academic SupportNet. Click on the workshop you would like to attend and “add slot” to register. At the time of the workshop, log back in to your appointment to access the Zoom link.
Together we learn about our history and plan for our future.
Peace,
Brenda J. Barnwell, DSW, LCSW, CADC, CODP I
Dean, School of Education and Social Work
P.S. The university will be emailing all students a brief
"Your Voice Matters" Satisfaction Survey during the week of February 7. This is an opportunity for you to provide feedback about your AU experience and offer suggestions about course offerings, resources, facilities, services, and more.
Your voice truly does matter. Survey feedback in the past has resulted in improvements to parking, food service, and expanded online offerings. Be sure to respond so you can be entered into drawings to win prizes, including gift cards for Amazon, Starbucks, and local restaurants.
