Melanated (Mar 2022)

Melanated THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ACTION FOR BLACK LIVES INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER MARCH 2022

March Musings Follow the example of the blooming

In a time when hope can be hard to

flowers and the singing birds now.

come by, Melanated invites our

Poke your head out of the damp, dark

readers to look inwards for inspiration

soil and keep climbing towards the

and peace.

speckled sky. Let the sunshine onto your skin as it bursts through

Let’s celebrate every breath, every

rainclouds.

heartbeat, for what it is: survival,

Here at Melanated, we’re thinking about

those who have passed by celebrating

newness, vitality, and healing. March

life and the healing that keeps us

gave us confusing weather, midterms,

alive. Since there’s no way to know

and even more COVID cases. It reminded

what will happen tomorrow, let’s lean

us of the violence and danger inherent

into our adaptability and nurture our

in white supremacy and war. Many of us

bodies as they bear us through

are angry and fearful, maybe lacking

history.

hope.

resilience, against all odds. We honor

Sending you love and light ✨

Spotlight: Marcella J. Tillett (She/Her)

BY CHANTEL PLUMMER (SHE/HER)

League institution and how that would ease my movement through the professional world. I underestimated how challenging the movement through the university would be but the market power of an Ivy League education was attractive.

As an alum , I returned as a Field Instructor.

I wanted to participate in the education of social work students because (1) mentorship and giving back is important to me (2) there is a level of gatekeeping particularly when it comes to people coming out of Ivy League institutions or any social work program to come and work in Black and Brown communities. I want to make sure that when you go out into the field you are prepared to work in a way that isn’t causing harm and is in partnership and in service to the community. After field instruction, I was invited to become an Adjunct Professor, so there is a cyclical relationship that is pretty cool.

What has been most rewarding for you as PHOTO CREDIT: Anna and Jordan Rathkopf/ www.rathkopf.com

an educator? Mentorship and coaching is

something that keeps me coming back.

Marcella J. Tillett is Vice President of

With the relationships I’m able to build with

Programs & Partnerships at Brooklyn

students, I’m always honored by how

Community Foundation. Marcella is also a

students open up. There’s a vulnerability

current Adjunct Professor at CSSW, teaching

that comes into play when you’re a student

the Decolonizing Social Work course.

and should come into play as an instructor as well. Particularly, with the Decolonizing

Why Columbia? As a student , I was in the

Social Work course, it is so deeply personal

BSW program at Clark Atlanta University

that there has to be a foundation of trust

where continued advanced learning was

within the group and with the instructor.

emphasized. I always knew that I was going

When I’m able to enter into those trusting

to grad school and I searched for the best

relationships with students, I’m walking

programs in NYC. The Clark Atlanta program

beside them but pushing them forward to

uses an Afrocentric perspective in their

expand their bounds of learning and put a

educational curriculum which is very specific

critical lens on their lived experience and

and I thought that Columbia’s program

how that impacts their practice. I get to be

would be an interesting complement to that.

reassured by these emerging social work

I have conflicting feelings about this, but I

professionals who are my students and soon

can’t discount the prestige of being at an Ivy

to be my colleagues.

How has your professional experience

gaslit everywhere you go but you need

contributed to the ways you impart

another Black student to acknowledge that

knowledge amongst students? It is

your experience is valid and true. Be able to

important that instructors have not just

build that network of support. I would also

theoretical knowledge of what they

invite students to take my Decolonizing

teach so I try to bring my practice

Social Work Practice class.

experiences into the classroom as much as possible. I also engage with the

Advice for Black professors? A lot of Black

practice experiences that are already in

professors at Columbia I know do this in a

the class. Our social work students are

beautiful way – that is to bring your full self

not clean slates. They have their own

(in the ways that you can handle) into the

lived experiences, they have different

teaching experience.

interactions with the social work/social service world either as a recipient, as a provider in their own right, as a professional. I respect and engage with those experiences that are present while bringing in my own practice experience.

" I think Black professors have

the responsibility to bring along and wrap their arms around Black students."

What do you see as your next steps in

I would say it’s our responsibility to advocate

the field? I am not sure. I landed on

for our students, speak truth to power, and

social work because it gives you an

to push within the institution for things that

extensive skill set where you can

need to be reformed, changed, and

continue to use the skills and expertise

introduced to support Black students and

that you have developed. Throughout my

really all of our students.

social work career, I held a variety of positions which is enriching. I stay open, and that openness has served me well.

FUN FACTS Hometown: Buffalo, NY

Any advice for an incoming Black student? Find the Action Lab, find the

Melanated newsletter. The amount of resources that are out there for Black

Zodiac: Capricorn Power Word: Discernment Favorite Pastimes: Outdoor cycling,

students, I wish they were here for me in

running, crocheting/knitting

2002. I really needed them. Coming from

Next Vacation Spot: South Africa

an HBCU to a PWI, especially Columbia,

Book Recommendation: Octavia’s Brood

was shocking. When you find your people and start building your community, really use that community. Contributing to the

Favorite Author: Toni Morrison (highly

recommends Morrison’s self-narrated

other Black students, students of color,

audiobook)

and like-minded students who behave as

Currently watching: Bel-Air

allies is really important. But for Black

Favorite artist: Mereba

students, I think it is important to be with other Black students. You could be

Favorite quote/adage: " This too shall pass"

What's Happening in the Lab

BY SEYI SEGUN (SHE/HER)

Columbia University student! As long as you are committed to the National Association of Black Social Workers Codes of Ethics , we would love for you to

join the team. Please click here for information on each role! You must register here and come prepared with a

speech. More details are forthcoming!

Melanated Seeks New Members Melanated is currently looking for 1-2 new members for a coveted spot on its editorial team. What does being part of this team look like? You will have the opportunity to learn about many aspects of the Columbia Community, demonstrate your artistic prowess, and publish clips for any future endeavors. The time commitment will be 10 hrs/month. To learn more about joining Melanated, please email the team at swactionforblacklives@columbia.edu.

Digital Wellness with ABL And, we're back at it again. The Action for

March 2022 Debrief

Black Lives Initiative invites you to a virtual

On March 10th, 2022 , the Action Lab

wellness experience facilitated by Dr.

hosted its Spring open house. We had the

Zuleka Henderson. Dr. Henderson is the

opportunity to meet so many new faces

founder and director of The Center for

(CSSW and other Columbia schools)!

Black Wellness. Dr. Henderson has

Throughout the event, the breakout rooms

extensive experience in trauma and is a licensed social worker based in New York City. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Henderson and know this event will not disappoint! Please click here to register for the event!

buzzed with conversations concerning potential pursuits for the lab. Thank you to all who came out. If you missed the open house and want to connect, please message Aaron Kim, the Action Lab Coordinator, at ajk2210@columbia.edu.

Join the Association of Black Social Workers - Columbia University Chapter

On March 11th, 2022 , the Action for

This is your personal invitation to join

its ABL Forum Series. In installment one,

ABSW-CU! If you are interested in joining

JMAC for Families and NYCLU spoke

the chapter and/or assuming a leadership

about their "Know Your Rights"

position, the chapter would love to speak

community campaign, which aims to

with you. Elections for the coming school

educate parents about their rights and

year will be on April 13th, from 1-2:15 PM

resources when interacting with child

ET. All positions are open to any current

protective services (CPS/ACS).

Black Lives Initiative hosted part one of

Uplifting Black Artists: Assétou Xango Give Your Daughters Difficult Names Assétou Xango | Black poet Many of my contemporaries, role models, But especially, Ancestors Have a name that brings the tongue to worship.

Names that feel like ritual in your mouth.

I don’t want a name said without pause, muttered without intention.

I am through with names that leave me unmoved.

Names that leave the speaker’s mouth unscathed.

I want a name like fire, like rebellion, like my hand griping massa’s whip— I want a name from before the ships A name Donald Trump might choke on.

I want a name that catches you in the throat if you say it wrong and if you’re afraid to say it wrong, then I guess you should be.

I want a name only the brave can say a name that only fits right in the mouth of those who love me right, because only the brave can love me right Assétou Xango is the name you take when you are tired of burying your jewels under thick layers of soot and self-doubt.

Assétou the light Xango the pickaxe so that people must mine your soul just to get your attention.

If you have to ask why I changed my name, it is already too far beyond your comprehension.

Call me callous, but with a name like Xango I cannot afford to tread lightly.

You go hard or you go home and I am centuries and ships away from any semblance of a homeland.

I am a thief’s poor bookkeeping skills way from any source of ancestry.

I am blindly collecting the shattered pieces of a continent much larger than my comprehension.

I hate explaining my name to people: their eyes peering over my journal looking for a history they can rewrite Ask me what my name means...

What the fuck does your name mean Linda?

Not every word needs an English equivalent in order to have significance.

I am done folding myself up to fit your stereotype.

Your black friend.

Your headline.

Your African Queen Meme.

Your hurt feelings.

Your desire to learn the rhetoric of solidarity without the practice.

I do not have time to carry your allyship.

I am trying to build a continent, A country, A home.

My name is the only thing I have that is unassimilated and I’m not even sure I can call it mine.

The body is a safeless place if you do not know its name.

Assétou is what it sounds like when you are trying to bend a syllable into a home.

With shaky shudders And wind whistling through your empty, I feel empty.

There is no safety in a name.

No home in a body.

A name is honestly just a name A name is honestly just a ritual And it still sounds like reverence.

Artistic Highlight: Zandile Tshabalala

What We're Currently Reading: Wahala by Nikki May

PHOTO CREDIT: RAY MAOTA, ZKHIPHANI.CO.ZA

Zandile Tshabalala is a visual artist born and raised in Soweto, South Africa. She

PHOTO CREDIT: LITERARY-ARTS.ORG

is currently completing her BA at the

Baby, it ain't no party without the Wahala !

University of the Witwatersrand in

British-Nigerian writer, Nikki May, serves up

Johannesburg. Tshabalala works

something good in this deliciously funny

primarily with acrylic and oil paints, as

debut novel.

well as some sculptural elements, to create captivating and figurative self

For those of you who are wondering, Wahala

portraits.

means trouble (and not that good trouble) in the Yoruba language. This book gives off Sex

Tshabalala reimagines depictions of

in the City vibes, but with that Black girl

Black women in the art world, engaging

magic from four Afropolitan femmes. The

color and landscapes to capture the

main characters traverse love, career and add

sensuality and beauty of Black women.

to the literature of the various dimensions of

In an interview, Tshabalala inquires,

a Nigerian woman against the tableau of

"Why is it that every time there is a Black

patriarchal views that have dominated our

woman and a white woman present [in a

understandings.

painting], the white woman will be used to represent beauty...but the Black

As with any good novel, there is a twist in the

woman will be placed in these

genre's feel (don't Google it)! Happy reading,

compromising situations?"

fam!

Job Opportunities Senior Officer, Mental Health and

Clinical Research Coordinator |

Justice Partnerships | The Pew

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer

Charitable Trusts (DC Based)

Center (NYC Based-Hybrid)

(BA or equivalent experience required,

(High school diploma required,

advanced degree in public policy, with

Bachelor's preferred) Shoot your shot.

particular focus on mental health or

You will: Collect, abstract, and enter data

other relevant field preferred. 10 +

for research projects, databases, and/or

years experience). Still, shoot your shot.

protocols (clinical trials) among other

The Pew Charitable Trusts is looking for a

things. In this role, you will work

Senior Officer to join its Mental Health

collaboratively as a member of the

and Partnership portfolio. This job applies

research team focused on responsibilities

across clinical, management, policy, and

related to managing clinical trials data. As

AGPP. You will use your expertise to

a Clinical Research Coordinator, you will

provide technical assistance related to

be an essential member of the team as

mental health policy. You will manage

data is the key to research, allowing us to

state and national level stakeholders.

continuously learn about the people and

conduct monitoring and evaluation,

diseases we help treat. Apply here !

program design, etc. Looking for strong writing skills and the willingness to travel.

Apply here !

Behavior Intervention Specialist | YAI Seeing Beyond Disability (NYC Based)

Summer Camp Counselor | Camp Ramapo (Based in Rhinebeck, NY) (Nine-week commitment from midJune to mid-August, Apply ASAP before 6/1) Shoot your shot. Work in a residential

summer camp that promotes independence and self-confidence, teaches social skills, and helps dismantle barriers to participation. Receive training in working with children experiencing a range of social and emotional challenges.

Free food, lodging, travel and stipend

(Master's required in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy) Shoot your shot. Clinical

position involving the assignment to several programs where the selected candidate is responsible for the assessment of individuals’ habilitative, behavioral and psychiatric needs and the development and implementation of effective interventions to help support those needs. Clinical supervision and

provided. Various staff positions available.

opportunities for continuing education

Apply here !

credit available. Apply here !

The Authentic Self

BY MISHAEL SIMS (SHE/HER)

What if I told you nobody knows who they are? We are all constantly trying to be someone or something until life hits us, and we feel stuck because we feel lost. We suddenly stop, wondering who we are and where we’re going. But then, sometimes, you realize there is still so much room for choice. We are taught to think about and decide who we want to be so early on, without ever being pushed to sit with our thoughts and feelings and figure out what we would find fulfilling. I hope you've had a chance to think about who you really are and who you want to be. If you've never had the opportunity to do that, let this be the first step.

You are free to change your mind, change your goals, and change yourself. How can we navigate the world when we cannot even recognize ourselves? There is pressure to stay the same and keep doing the things we've been doing because that is expected of us. Now, expect differently. In all the faces you will wear in this life, you are ultimately birthing the truest one. Becoming is a process; never forget that.

As we watch nature reveal one version of itself, we hope you will take note and ask yourself: who do I want to become? Into what areas would I like to blossom? You’ve had your winter.

Now, let go of the old you and make room for whom you’re becoming. Just as the flower petals fall off and grow back without fail, you, too, can do the same. We are all everchanging, and just like Spring, we can show up with warmth, fullness, and beauty, flaunting our new growth. Keep blossoming.

Production Team MARCH 2022

Editorial & Design Team Seyi Segun (She/Her) Chief Editor Chantel Plummer (She/Her) Senior Editor Kalea Woods (They/Them) Senior Editor Mishael Sims (She/Her) Senior Editor

Contributors Faculty Highlight Marcella J. Tillett (She/Her) Action Lab for Social Justice What's Happening in the Action Lab Uplifting Black Artists Assétou Xango

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!