In recognition of Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight Black-owned businesses across Washington, DC. Supporting Black entrepreneurs is one tangible way to honor legacy, strengthen local economies, and invest in community sustainability. Economic empowerment has long been central to Black resilience and progress. This month, we encourage our community to shop intentionally and support the businesses that help shape the cultural and economic fabric of our city.
Category: HUSSW Articles
As we celebrate this year’s Black History Month, the Howard University School of Social Work honors Andrew Billingsley, Ph.D., a distinguished sociologist, scholar, and academic leader. His enduring legacy reflects a vision that helped shape a pivotal period in Howard University’s history, particularly within the School of Social Work and its commitment to the Black Perspective.
We congratulate alumna Brandi Pittman, MSW, LCSWA, on the publication of her children’s book, Feelings Are A Part of You. Inspired by her work with children and families, Brandi created this book to help young readers identify their emotions, express themselves, and learn healthy coping skills. It’s a practical resource for parents, caregivers, and educators looking to support emotional awareness from an early age.
The School of Social Work at Howard University is thrilled to celebrate the release of Transformational Empathy: Erasing the Space Between Us and Them written by Associate Professor Tracy R. Whitaker, DSW, ACSW. This book is a courageous invitation to pause, reflect, and examine how we show up for the people we serve. Dr. Whitaker confronts the divisive notion of “they’re not like us”—a sentiment that has been used to justify discrimination, exclusion, and dehumanization. She challenges social workers and helping professionals to reflect honestly on how this mindset can show up, even unintentionally, in systems meant to support individuals experiencing criminal justice involvement, substance use disorders, homelessness, and poverty.
The Howard University School of Social Work (HUSSW) announces the forthcoming retirement of Dr. Janice M. Davis, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW-C. Director of Clinical Education and the Office of Agency-Based Education, effective March 2, 2026. Dr. Davis, a proud alumna of HUSSW, has dedicated nearly 30 years to advancing the mission of the school and shaping the career development of countless social work students.
The Howard University School of Social Work proudly hosted the Grand Challenges for Social Work Festival of Ideas and Anniversary Dinner on January 14, 2025. Centered on the theme, “From Evidence to Action: Mobilizing Community Change,” the event convened scholars, practitioners, students, and community leaders for an open forum of dialogue and exchange across Grand Challenges for Social Work (GCSW) networks. Conversations explored social work’s role in addressing society’s most pressing issues and generating forward-thinking ideas to shape the future of research, education, practice, policy, and community-based efforts.
Howard University School of Social Work hosted a virtual alumni-led discussion examining gentrification in Washington, DC through the framework of the Black Perspective. Panelists explored the historical roots of displacement, housing instability, and cultural erasure, emphasizing gentrification as a justice issue shaped by policy choices. The session highlighted the need for structural change, civic engagement, and sustained advocacy to advance housing equity and protect Black communities.
The SSWR Annual Conference brings together leading scholars and practitioners for more than 500 symposia, workshops, and presentations highlighting cutting-edge research methods and critical issues in social work. Howard University School of Social Work is proud to be among the institutions represented at SSWR 2026, contributing scholarship that advances the Black Perspective, interrogates structural inequities, amplifies underrepresented communities, and informs innovative policy and practice. This year, our faculty and doctoral students will present across premier sessions, including special interest groups, policy forums, and research presentations.
The Howard University School of Social Work successfully hosted a 90th Anniversary Food Drive in partnership with the HUSSW Alumni Association (HUSSWAA) and the Student Council Association (SCA), collecting over 1,200 canned goods and non-perishable items to support the Nourish HU Food Pantry. Featured in The Hilltop, the drive showcased the power of community care at Howard
Dr. Husain, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Academic & Student Advancement at the Howard University School of Social Work, has been honored with the 2025 Social Work Impact Award by the Public Health Social Work (PHSW) Division of the American Public Health Association (APHA).
