Advancing DEI: MSW Student Spotlight |
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Mi-Shael Taylor is a 2021 MSW candidate studying Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse. Mi-Shael received her BA in Sociology from Michigan State University in 2020.
Currently, Mi-Shael is interning at Northeast Integrated Health (NIH) located in Detroit, Michigan. The organization is committed to enhancing the health of children, adults, and families by providing innovative community-based services through behavioral and primary healthcare. Mi-Shael is also working as a Youth Specialist for Common Ground, a nonprofit organization dedicated to “helping people move from crisis to hope.” Mi-Shael works with adolescents, emerging adults, and individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, in efforts to help them obtain housing and health resources, independent living, and other support.
"By the time I made my grand entrance into this world, I had already acquired secondhand pain, struggle, and resilience. Generational trauma caused by racism, oppression, poverty, and social injustice plagued the lives of my ancestors, parents, family, and community. These odds were and still are stacked against us, making it extremely strenuous, if not impossible in most cases, to obtain liberation. Many of my loved ones are still fighting for their basic human needs and rights. In my youth, I dreamed of making a difference and dedicating myself to serve others who’ve been neglected, exploited, and harmed by this country's systems. Ultimately, this led me to pursue the path of social work. My aspirations are the foundation of my commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
My existence, experiences, involvement, and readiness to dismantle the disparities caused by social injustice, inequality, and exclusion is why I desired to obtain an MSW from the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work. Each of these components is pivotal alliances with my purpose to serve youth, individuals, groups, and families who are marginalized. I am interested in acquiring further knowledge and skills to implement the National Social Work Code of Ethics in my work. With avidity, I desire and am actively challenging discrimination and advocating for the rights of each person I encounter. Going above and beyond to ensure that support and resources are provided to marginalized groups is my main goal."
-Mi-Shael Taylor, MSW Candidate
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This year, the NASW has selected the following celebratory theme: Social Workers Are Essential. "Social workers are essential to community well-being. As practitioners, social workers are trained to help people address personal and systemic barriers to optimal living. They are employed to effect positive change with individuals, families, groups and entire communities."
Here at the SSW DEI, we agree that Social Workers are essential as they play an eminent role in developing a more equitable, caring, and socially just society. In celebration of Social Work Month and the School of Social Work's (SSW) centennial year, we are excited to showcase the exceptional work and talent of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni working tirelessly to honor the mission and vision of SSW.
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NASW Social Work Month Events |
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Friday, March 12, 2021
2-3:15pm EST
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Wed., March 31, 2021
6:00pm EST
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Recovering Social Work Histories: Black, Indigenous, and Latinx Perspectives
March 10th, 2021
7:00pm-8:00pm EST
This panel focuses on the historical development of social work, policy, and practice-led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). The teaching of social welfare history too often ignores these critical developments and their far-reaching influence on today’s social welfare policies and practices. The panel centers on collective strengths, survival, and resistance strategies within Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities situated within a history of exclusion, racism, and oppression. By honoring the many narratives that have been, and continue to shape the social welfare field, the aim is to begin to tell a more complete history of the profession.
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Hidden Figures - Film Discussion
March 15th & 16th, 2021
Join the Center for Campus Involvement, Black History Month Committee, and Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs Social Connectivity & Community Engagement for a free virtual screening of "HIDDEN FIGURES" and dialogue on Activism, Advocacy and Allyship. Screening access is on 3/15/21 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3/16/21 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. A zoom discussion will conclude the screening access time on 3/16/21 at 5:30 p.m.
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Register for Lavender Graduation!
Lavender Graduation, also known as LavGrad, is a celebration of LGBTQ graduates at the University of Michigan. Graduates from any school/college in the University from any academic level are welcome to participate.
All participants will receive a FREE rainbow 2021 tassel, lavender cords, and a Lavender Degree! This year, the celebration will be held as an asynchronous online event, as well as, an additional synchronous social celebration open only to LavGrad participants.
Registration closes April 4th, 2021 at 11:59pm EST
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Consider nominating and/or self-nominating graduating students or student organizations who have done advocacy work and/or impacted the LGBTQ community.
- Ronni Sanlo Cornerstone Awards
- Excellence in Student Leadership (individual and student organization)
- Intersectionality Award
- Inspirational Influence Award
- Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
More details about the awards can be found on the nomination form.
Deadline: Sunday, April 4, 2021, at 11:59pm EST
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University of Michigan Cultural Commencement Celebrations
Each year, in addition to the spring commencement ceremony, OAMI hosts multicultural graduation celebrations to celebrate the many accomplishments of the graduating class and the communities that have supported them. OAMI will host five of these virtual celebrations in the spring of 2021, including the Asian & Pacific Islander (A&PI) Celebration, Black Celebratory, La Celebración Latina, Middle Eastern/North African (ME/NA) Celebration, and Native Student Celebration.
To indicate your interest and receive more information about these ceremonies, please complete the brief form below.
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Undoing Racism
Community Meeting
March 18th, 2021
12:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Join us for our March meeting to build community collaboration and continue the conversation about anti-racist practice and actions.
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Building Bridges in a Divided World:
The Role of Interfaith Collaboration in Justice Work
March 18, 2021
6:30-9:00pm EST
Join the Jewish Communal Leadership Program (JCLP) for a panel and discussion about the transformative potential of interfaith work. The event will feature Aziza Hazan, Executive Director of NewGroud: A Muslim Jewish Partnership for Change, Reverend Amanda Henderson, Director of the Institute of Religion, Politics & Culture at The Iliff School of Theology, Detroit’s own Paster Aramis Hinds, Executive Director of Bethel Community Transformation Center and lead pastor at Breakers Covenant Church in Detroit, Rabbi Andrea London from Beth Emet The Free Synagogue in Evanston, IL, and Rabbi Samuel Spector, from Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City.
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Where Do We Go From Here: Body Politics and Movement Towards Racial Empowerment
March 24, 2021
12-1:30pm EST
This event will consist of a panel featuring scholars and medical, mental health, and fitness experts discussing movement, and physical and mental wellness/well-being as ways of combatting the body politics of racism. The event will include panelists’ demonstrations and audience participation.
If you'd like to join along with the panel demonstrations, please wear comfortable clothes and use a space where you have room to move!
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ENGAGE: Poverty Doesn't Pause: Housing Insecurity During a Pandemic
March 25th, 2021
12:00pm - 1:30pm EST
Homelessness and housing insecurity is an epidemic in our country, especially among Black and other communities of color. During a pandemic, these individuals end up being our most vulnerable. Join this virtual discussion featuring panelists who work on the frontline of Detroit’s housing insecurity to discuss how this issue has been exacerbated during the pandemic. Featured panelists include Lead Mobility Coach of Creating Opportunities to Succeed (COTS), Project Manager and Community Improvement Advisor for Built for Zero Nationals, Amber Elliott; and Courtney Smith, Executive Director of Detroit Phoenix Center.
Field Credits are offered to students attending this session.
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Harold Johnson Diversity Service Award |
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Named in honor of Dean Emeritus of the School of Social Work, this award was established in 1996. It recognizes faculty whose service goes above and beyond their regular duties and contributes to the development of a culturally and ethnically diverse campus community. Up to five awards are made annually, which includes a $5,000 stipend for each honoree.
Nomination deadline: April 1, 2021
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Resources for Social Workers |
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Resources to Challenge, Motivate, and Educate.
Action-orientated books on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
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Please use this form to express any questions, concerns, collaborations, or if you would like to share resources related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
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