February Musings
The 2023 theme for Black History Month is Black Resistance. Our resistance is expressed and is encompassed in a plethora of ways, the act of Black Love being one of them. Black Love in all of its forms, including self-love, familial love, platonic love, and romantic love, is nothing new and is a strong and pure act of resistance. Black Love is healing and leads to our collective liberation. As we uplift the idea of Black Love, let us remember to show
our love and support to one another within our communities. Compliment that stranger, lend a helping hand to your colleague, patronize Black-owned businesses, and share resources that center Black wellness. In a world that does not always love us, let us continue to show up for one another. Let us breathe light and positivity into one another. Let us embrace love and spread it, too. Let us just love and be loved.
T H E C O L U M B I A U N I V E R S I T Y A C T I O N F O R B L A C K L I V E S I N I T I A T I V E N E W S L E T T E R F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 Sending you love and light
Spotlight: CSSW Student (He/Him)
BY MISHAEL SIMS (SHE/HER)
Our interviewee was a bit camera shy, but still eager to share his insightful take on love, particularly Black Love
How would you describe love in simplest terms?
Love is affection towards another, dedication to your partner’s happiness and well-being. Love is an intense desire to share and connect with that person Not so simple but neither is love!
How would you describe Black love?
Is there something different about it?
Black love is important and more common than we think It is important to recognize because it is not often represented It is strategically left out of most love stories or is shown as unwanted But we know it exists and is beautiful. It is worthy of protection. It is worthy of being celebrated It is worthy of being uplifted in popular culture all the time and every time
How has representation of Black love influenced the way you love?
I have had a mix of experiences with Black Love, just like I have had mixed experiences with love in general. But so many Black couples have been positive and very core relationships in my life. Some of my closest friends are strong Black couples. They have shown to be the ones that have received a lot of support growing up, whether that support was familial, financial, or through their community Being Black in America comes with it’s own challenges that we must overcome every day. That kind of stress can impact a relationship and our ability to be present with one another and be able to focus on our partner’s needs
I think the 5 love languages are a great way to explain how you want to give and receive love And having this to talk about with your partner makes things easier because we all have our own needs and desires. Once you know each others' love language, you can connect in a more meaningful way Once you know their love language, show them! Surprise them with an experience that is centered around their love language
What makes love work for you?
I think a balance of compromise is needed and I like remembering the reasons why I fell in love in the first place, that really helps to make love work for me When remembering some of the reasons my partner and I fell in love, like having a sense of adventure and playfulness, I try tapping into that playfulness Going on new adventures helps to keep the connection going. Love works for me and my partner because while enjoying the most delicious slice of pizza, I give my partner the last bite
What are your thoughts on the 5 love languages (physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, and quality time)?
FUN FACTS
Hometown: New York, NY
Zodiac: Taurus
Favorite Food: Shrimp
Currently Watching: Outlander
New Year's Resolution: More self-care
Highlighting Black Owned Business: Chocolát Restaurant & Bar
BY MISHAEL SIMS (SHE/HER) AND QUENELL REDDEN (SHE/HER)
History: Chocolát Restaurant & Bar, sitting on the corner of Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 120th Street set the tone for the now well-established neighborhood after opening its doors in 2010 Restaurant Owner, Leon Ellis, tells us how he had a vision of where this restaurant should go and even though he did not know what the neighborhood would look like 13 years in the future, it all came together
What's on the Menu?
When asked, "What is ONE thing you would recommend for anyone to try when they come to Chocolát Restaurant & Bar?", Leon replied, "EVERYTHING".
Leon has had the same menu since opening day, it's tried and true and when he tried to change it, guests weren't happy about it. This is the kind of restaurant you walk into and already know what you want, because it hits the spot every time
Leon shared that a crowd favorite is the fried chicken, which is made on the spot when ordered, so it's fresh and is considered the best fried chicken in New York City (by Leon himself) If you come on a busy night you will see fried chicken on every table Chicken and waffles is a staple on the menu, something Leon expressed just had to be on there.
2223 Frederick Douglas Blvd @120th St, Harlem, NY 10026
Featuring: Leon Ellis, Owner
What's Happening in the Lab
BY CHANTEL PLUMMER (SHE/HER)
Action Lab Work Study Opportunity
The lab is currently seeking two student research assistants (RA) to support with a research project focusing on cross-racial solidarity (CRS) building. If interested, click the "Apply Now" button below and enter 12366 in the Keyword(s) field.
Action Lab is excited to hold our second annual Action Lab Retreat on Friday, March 3rd from 6 pm to 9 pm EST and Saturday, March 4th from 10 am to 2 pm EST. We are going hybrid this time around and have an itinerary packed with meaningful and fun grounding activities and topics We will host a few panels including opportunities to hear from and engage in conversations with our faculty and student founders and leaders, Executive Director, and alumni members. If you have not already, please follow this RSVP link to let us know that you will be joining in on the celebration as we come together to reflect and create a collective vision for the future of the Action Lab
Action Lab Debrief
On February 1, 2023, members of the Research and Writing and Action for Black Lives initiatives co-facilitated the Prospective Alumni Survey Report Forum, Several students and faculty members, including CSSW Deans discussed the report findings, provided feedback, and talked about specific ways to better track and improve the experiences of minoritized and underrepresented students at CSSW Lab members are looking forward to continued data collection about student experiences and open dialogues with CSSW faculty and staff with the goal of addressing the reported concerns.
But what Afrofuturism does, specifically, is dial into the idea of Blackness and race as a type of technology and uses that particular lens to move into the future or reimagine the past. My colleague, Lisa Yaszek, says that Afrofuturism is a reclamation of the history of the future. In the future that we ’ ve often seen, we don’t see people of color well represented. So, there is work to be done in fixing that particular past in order to move into a more positive future. That is the aspect of science fiction that gets me really excited.
John Jennings
Snippet of Artistic Work: John Jennings for The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Afrofuturism Exhibit
To access John Jennings' graphic novella Protocol and Response, from which the above image was sourced, alongside the Met's Art Bulletin for the Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room, proceed here
The rest of John Jennings' interview, from which the excerpt on the left was taken, can be found here
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Artistic Highlight: Afro Future Fest
What We're Currently Reading: Viral Justice by Ruha Benjamin
The annual event popularly known as "Afrochella" has rebranded to "Afro Future Fest" for this year's festivities Since its inception in 2017, Afrochella has been a unique opportunity for fest-goers to celebrate African music, art, fashion and culture. The festival's rebranding to "AfroFuture Fest" marks a new beginning for this beloved event, with an increasing focus on music and creating an interactive space for fest-goers.
This year's event will take place in Accra, Ghana This December, guests of AfroFuture Fest will enjoy ten days of city tours, historical site visits, luxury resorts, live music and art installations If you have an extra 4200 dollars laying around, this would be the absolute best way to spend it! Follow AfroFuture's Instagram for more updates.
HTTPS://TRAVELNOIRE COM/AFROCHELLA-IS-NOT-ENDINGINSTEAD-REBRANDING-TO-AFRO-FUTURE-FEST?ITEM=1
Viral Justice written by Ruha Benjamin discusses the duality of the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-Black police brutality In this book, Benjamin draws us in to consider the everyday stressors and consequences of systemic racism that negatively impact Black people in America, leading to increased health risks At the same time, Benjamin provokes compelling thoughts on reimagining a more just and equitable world that is transformed through small and collective action Benjamin uses personal experiences and connects the voices of several community organizers to outline the negative ramifications of structural racism and concrete examples of potential solutions. This book serves as a call to dream and take action Dive into a realm of possibility with Ruha Benjamin and formulate your own ideas of a just and equitable world This inspiring book of hope, change, restoration, and justice is one that you will not regret reading.
PHOTO CREDIT: PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PRESS
PHOTO CREDIT: TRAVELNOIRE COM
Note to Self
To Self:
In order for me to think about the future of Black lives, I have to will myself to have hope that it will get better. At times I feel like we have come so far and at others, I feel like we have gotten nowhere Thinking of the grand scheme of things gets overwhelming and that is why I have to remind myself to focus on myself and what I can control. It's easier said than done and I find myself in this constant battle between the past and the future. It is at these times that I am reminded of the word Sankofa - a symbol, an idea, a story.
So note to self, it is okay to look to the past and use it as a road map for the future. But looking to the past is not just about ideas or points in time. It's also about the people, both distant and proximal who are at risk of being erased, forgotten, unheard. It is also about the people, both distant and proximal whom I can turn to for joy, celebration, empowerment. These past couple of years have shown me that despite where we are, we have so much more to lose if we choose not to rock the boat. Every choice I make, every lesson I learn, and every move I make is not only for myself, it's for my people, to be a part of a collective. It can’t all be for nothing!
So another note to self, remember the words of Assata Shakur: "It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains."
With
Love, Quenell Redden Quenell
What Do You Envision for Black Futures?
We asked and you answered...
Disrupting the structures that are designed to keep us suppressed and oppressed. (i.e., police) Dismantling of the PIC complex and the police structures we have in place. Also, more racial equality, more conversations about race, and how we can better uplift each other. Last, seeing more Black people succeed and creating generational wealth. -
Maryah Thompson
Access to all necessary resources - Anonymous
Black children growing up in a world where they see themselves represented in ways that empower, uplift, and shows the strength, intelligence, and power Black people can hold. - M.S.
Generational wealth, safe environment (climate and housing), cheaper education. - Blaize
Healing from generational and systemic traumasSB
Job Opportunities
Social Worker - Adolescent Health (Gender Identity) |
Mount Sinai (NY LMSW Required ) Shoot your shot. The Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center (MSAHC) has an opening for a social worker to join its highly collaborative, integrated mental health team of professionals MSAHC is a unique, New York City-based program that delivers comprehensive, integrated medical and mental health services and prevention education to young people aged 10 to 24 As part of an interdisciplinary team, provide TGNC youth with individual, family, and group psychotherapy, intensive case management, crisis intervention, and health education
Read more and apply here!
Outpatient Social Workers | Odyssey House (NYC Based) (LMSW)
Shoot your shot
Since 1967, Odyssey House has gone beyond helping individuals beat drugs and alcohol They help individuals get healthy with medical and dental care, fitness programs, support for your mental health and more. Individuals can stay with their children while in treatment, while learning new life skills, so they can stay together and repair other broken relationships in their lives. This agency provides educational and work skill trainings, outpatient services and available housing assistance, so individuals can step back into real life with a real future Apply here!
Social Worker – Outpatient Behavioral Health | NYU Langone (NYC Based)
(LMSW Required) Shoot your shot. The outpatient social worker will provide services to patients and their families including, but not limited to, screening, patient identification, patient assessment, transitional and discharge planning for post-acute needs for the designated population Provide limited counseling related to the psychosocial aspects of the presenting episode of care Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to assess and plan for appropriate care and services across the continuum Apply here!
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Clinician (LMHC, MHC-LP, LMSW, LCSW) | CASES (NYC Based)
(License Required) Shoot your shot The purpose of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is to deliver comprehensive and effective services to individuals (age 18 and up) who are diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI) and whose needs have not been well met by more traditional service delivery approaches These individuals also suffer from co-occurring substance use disorders and may have histories of criminal legal system involvement. The CASES team provides recipients with the tools to obtain and maintain housing, employment, relationships and relief from symptoms and medication side effects Apply here!
Dreaming of Tomorrow
BY MISHAEL SIMS (SHE/HER)
is possible, dreaming u choices we make every
Don’t think about chan amazing qualities do they already possess? What can you do to strengthen those qualities? When you dream big are you thinking of castles or mansions or are you dreaming of healing and unity and ways in which we can thrive in our community?
Melanated wants you to remember that you already possess the skills you need to live a better tomorrow, you just have to notice the powers within yourself to continue to grow and reach for what you want
Production Team
FEBRUARY 2023
Editorial & Design Team
Chantel Plummer (She/Her)
Chief Editor
Kalea Woods (They/Them)
Senior Editor
Mishael Sims (She/Her)
Senior Editor
Quenell Redden (She/Her)
Senior Editor
Jeffery Keys (He/Him)
Senior Editor
Contributors
Student Highlight
CSSW Student (Anonymous)
Action Lab for Social Justice
What's Happening in the Action Lab
Snippet of Artistic Work
John Jennings
Want to Contribute to Melanated?
We're accepting short stories, poetry, art, photography, Op-Eds, and letters! All items should be under 400 words Written pieces should be submitted as a Word document; photos in JPEG or PNG format; and video and audio as Mp4s and Mp3s respectively. We remain available to answer any questions you might have. Please submit your artistry here!
