Melanated
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.
September Musings
In this month's edition of Melanated, we are challenging you to be intentional in your work, in prioritizing yourself, and in how you want to pursue your goals and dreams Our lives can be so busy and in some cases, so routine that we lose the "why' or intention behind what we do
We encourage everyone to take some time to think about what being intentional truly means to you and how it can be implemented in your life to generate more moments that are meaningful and enjoyable
Being intentional is about clarity and knowing directly what you want to achieve and how you will do so
To facilitate you on this journey we encourage you to take some time throughout the upcoming month to answer and write down responses to the questions below The ask is that you do not rush to find these answers and that you intentionally set aside time to process and reflect. This exercise should be at your own time Once you have gone through these, feel free to add more and continue the journey!
Try indulging in some of these prompts:
What matters most?
What speaks to my soul?
What do I want my life to mean?
What makes me feel whole?
What can I let go of and say no to?
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 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 Sending you love and light ✨
- Langston Hughes
National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
September 15th to October 15th marks National Hispanic Heritage Month This year's theme is "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation"
The concept of “Unidos” could not be more timely, and it is a sentiment that always stands We recognize how vital Hispanic and Latinx contributions are in American culture and how the impact and influences of these communities span globally
There is no singular Hispanic or Latinx experience The many perspectives are within themselves complex and layered in a variety of ways There is a constant
struggle for visibility and understanding including but not limited to, race, gender, geography, religion, immigration status, heteronormativity, and ableist views.
There exists richness in the Hispanic and Latinx cultures with narratives that must be shared and received in effort to be meaningful and intentional about inclusivity. Truly being inclusive of all that represents Hispanic/Latinx cultures and experiences means examining global anti-Blackness and all the "isms" that plague our communities and tell us that being closer to Whiteness is the standard
Meet the Staff
What is your vision for Melanated?
I want Melanated to grow in being a thread that connects Black and Brown people within our community. I see it as a space to be our multifaceted selves and where we can express and support creativity as we keep a pulse on what is happening around us. I envision Melanated to be a mainstay and a resource for us and by us
What does intention setting look like to you?
Residential Student Graduation Year: 2023
Advanced Generalist Practice & Programming
What is your vision for Melanated?
I want Melanated readers to feel seen and heard when reading our words. I want readers to discover new things about themselves whilst reading Melanated and to develop new perspectives along with opportunities and suggestions I want readers to be inspired.
How do you intentionally occupy space?
I'm aware of the power my presence and voice holds and with that knowledge, I enter any space feeling like I can speak up and be heard. If in a challenging space, I am strategic about when I speak so it can be most impactful.
Fun Fact: I have published photographs!
To me, intention setting means thinking about what I want for myself and how I want to show up in the world. It means continuing to learn how to activate my passions, skills, and resources to obtain what I want, remembering that no goal is ever too big or small.
Fun Fact: I love to cook!
Residential Student Graduation Year: 2023
Advanced Clinical Practice
mISHAEL sIMS
PHOTO CREDIT: Mishael Sims
Chantel Plummer
kALEA wOODS
Residential Student Graduation Year: 2023
Advanced Generalist Practice & Programming
Why Melanated?
I wanted to join Melanated because I knew it would be a creative way for me to connect with other Black students at CSSW. I also really enjoy newsletters and wanted to put as much as I could into it In the end, I know I will gain just as much.
What is the importance of being intentional?
To me, being intentional provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment Personally, I enjoy knowing that I am being thoughtful in who I keep in my life and how I choose to live I also think intentionality needs to be paired with grace I try to provide grace with myself on days when I am not as intentional and learn from that process. Overall, I think it is important to be intentional with ourselves and this work we do.
Why Melanated?
I joined the team for several reasons I enjoy writing and love that I can do this for my work study I am also outraged at Professor Ericka Hart's experience at our school, and the general ignorance that I witness here on a daily basis. I hope to be provocative through my writing and to remind nonblack students that we are here, and that we deserve to take up space
What do I need to be my truest, most authentic self?
I need to feel loved and cared for by people The worst feeling to me is loneliness or abandonment. With my community to hold me, I realize my true potential and am able to manifest the best version of myself Feeling loved is what makes me safe and free.
Fun Fact: I play the clarinet!
Fun Fact: I love adventures big or small!
Residential Student Graduation Year: 2023
Advanced Generalist Practice & Programming
qUENELL
redden
What's Happening in the Lab Action Lab Highlight: Disability Justice Initiative
Action Lab has limited openings for the role of Student Advisor This application is open to 1st year MSW students and current Action Lab members
Required Qualifications:
1) Understanding of AntiBlack racism and the realities faced by students at Columbia School of Social Work and the university writ-large.
2) Passion and dedication towards social equity and racial equality in the U S and beyond
3) Understanding of the political atmosphere in the U S as well as within the university
4) Strong writing and editing skills
Interested in Joining the Lab? You don't have to apply to be a student advisor to get involved! Our current initiatives include:
Action for Black Lives
Disability Justice
Ebony Towers Podcast
Environmental Justice
Oral History
Reimagining Safety and Care
Reproductive Justice
Research and Writing
Social Media
The Lavender Collective
Umoja Circles
Email ajk2210@columbia.edu to find out how to get involved!
The Disability Justice Initiative (DJI) is receiving funding and in-kind support from the Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for their proposal to the Provost Innovative Course Module Design, An Informed Perspective: Awareness and Allyship for Disability Justice
DJI is beginning to develop content for Disability Justice Modules in an effort to increase awareness around disability justice issues and to deconstruct narratives rooted in ableism Your early feedback will help shape this module. Complete the survey Impact change
CLICK CLICK CLICK HERETO HERETO HERETO APPLY APPLY APPLY
PHOTOCREDIT: libguidesgreenriveredu
"I Have"
I have known many women & the you of you puzzles me
it is not beauty
i have known beautiful women.
it is not brains
i have known intelligent women. it is not goodness
i have known good women
it is not selflessness
i have known giving women.
Yet, you touch me in new, different ways
i become sand on a beach
washed anew with each wave of you with each touch of you
i am fresh bread
warm and rising
i become a new-born kitten ready to be licked & nuzzled into life.
You are my last love And my first love
You make me a virgin ---
& I want to give myself to you
Snippet ofArtistic Work:Pat Parker
P H O T O C R E D I T : r a d c l i f f e . h a r v a r d . e d u
Lila Iké, born Alecia Tameka Grey, is a Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter. Lila is a talented artist who is helping to usher in a contemporary era of conscious reggae music while staying true to its roots. Lila's sultry voice and laid back vibes are felt through her songs, with chart topping hits such as "Where I'm Coming From", "Sweet Inspiration", "I Spy"
Lila Iké continues to be a force through her music and has been vocal about how she has come to better understand her mental health and sexuality, as she advocates for herself and others She notes that music continues to be an important factor in her healing journey Lila is signed to In.Digg.Nation, a music collective founded by Grammy-nominated reggae artist Protoje, that is in partnership with RCA records Don't wait, check her out today!
What We're Currently Reading: The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
"When people say they have a black thumb, meaning they can't grow anything, I say yeah, me too, then talk about the abundant garden these black thumbs are growing ” - Ross Gay
Ross Gay's The Book of Delights reminds us to be intentional in our days, finding something delightful in each day makes each moment even more enjoyable Gay set the intention to write a delight every day for a year and this improved what he called his "delight radar"
Delight not being "without sorrow or fear or pain or loss but, more full of delight " You will see how contagious it is to think up and share your delights with others once you open this book!
Artistic Highlight: Lila Iké
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON COM
PHOTO CREDIT: QUIPMAG COM
Job Opportunities
Social Worker - Ambulatory Care | St. Peters Health Partners (Remote)
(Three years clinical experience in Medical, Psychiatric or Health Care Setting required) Shoot your shot Provides advanced clinical social work services, care planning, case management, and community resource coordination to patients and their families who utilize inpatient and outpatient medical services. The work involves the use of motivational interviewing, assessment and clinical interventions aimed at positively affecting the physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning of patients and their families. You would play a significant role assisting patients to ensure the highest outcomes, satisfaction and value in the total cost of care as well as making valuable connections with our most vulnerable community members. Apply here!
Assistant Director, LGBTQ+ Center - NYU (Hybrid Remote)
(Bachelor's Degree Required with 5+ years' experience in related work) Shoot your shot Develop, implement, and assess intersectional programs and events for LGBTQIA+ student communities and their allies at NYU; manage and facilitate LGBTQIA+ education and training; advise LGBTQIA+ student organizations and leadership programs/cohorts; manage program marketing and budget; support the day-to-day functioning of the LGBTQ+ Center in the absence of the Director Apply here!
Director of Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs (NYC Based)
(Bachelor's Degree with 8+ years' experience required. Advanced degree in student affairs or higher education with 8+ years’ experience working with undocumented and immigrant student populations, preferred) Shoot your shot Develop programs, policies, and strategies for academic and career success, plus scholarship, and social resources and information for undocumented and immigrant students across 25 CUNY campuses, including students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), work permits, refugee status, or who possess other visas unrelated to international study and students in mixed immigration status families. Apply here!
Receptionist -DSW/Social Work Foundations Role Play Assignment Recording, Columbia School of Social Work | Remote
(For Columbia students. Requires strong Zoom tech and communication skills, and completion of T7100 Role Play assignment) Shoot your shot Support first-year students’ role play assignment recordings on Zoom, which includes explaining the process to students and ensuring its smooth execution Pay is $21/hr part-time. Apply here!
A Letter of Promise: MyPast&FutureSelf
Dear Quenell,
Promise me that you will always choose me These past couple of years you have learned how important it is to take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally You have come to realize that you only have one life to live and one body to love and be present in I know that you don't always prioritize yourself but you should. You are a strong person and putting yourself first will only make you stronger.
In this same breath, I will make a continued promise to you to always live life to the fullest. To take on every adventure big or small. One day you'll look back and want to know that you lived a full life and one without regret Think about all the times you told yourself that failure is only the byproduct of fear and regret, both of which you can never let hold you back For that will be the true measure of your success
The last thing I want you to know is that I forgive you for the times where you did not choose yourself. For not being patient and for not showing up for yourself. You must move forward and promise that YOU come first and be intentional in how that is implemented in your life Show up for yourself so that you can show up better for the ones you love
With love & Respect,, Quenell Redden
QR
Intentionally on Purpose
BY CHANTEL PLUMMER
Do you remember your response to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It was what seemed like the all too determining factor in how “successful” you would become Is your answer the same today? For some it may very well be, but for many it is completely different and probably something that they did not consider or could not have conceived the idea of before
The beauty in life and in governing our future, if we have the privilege of doing so, is that we can constantly explore and open ourselves up to new possibilities One way to discover the things that we want in life is by knowing what we do not want. We can take inventory of our lives and note what serves us well versus what does nothing to enrich our lives When we ponder on these realizations, we can then set our intentions to reach our goals. In doing this, we empower ourselves to move toward action in pursuing what we deem best for ourselves
As we all continue on our journey, the Melanated team invites you to join us in the practice of acting with intentionality in every aspect of our lives. We can choose to make small, conscious daily decisions that enhance our experience and take us closer to greater satisfaction. We can also aim to be intentional about our spaces and how we show up in them, while acknowledging the responsibility of our chosen spaces to nurture inclusivity through intentionality, making us feel welcome and appreciated Just remember to set intentions and Live Your Best Life!
Production Team
SEPTEMBER 2022
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
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!
Contributors
Staff Highlight
Melanated Team
Action Lab for Social Justice
What's Happening in the Action Lab
Snippet of Artistic Work
Pat Parker
