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).
Category: HUSSW Articles
Adjunct Professor Tamieka Welsh of the Howard University School of Social Work was recently featured in Essence Magazine for her article, “5 Powerful Ways Black Women Can Protect Their Mental Health After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis.” In it, she explores the connections between mental health, community, and healing for Black women navigating breast cancer. Her work challenges the “Strong Black Woman” narrative and emphasizes the importance of culturally competent care, supportive networks, and self-advocacy.
The Howard University School of Social Work commemorated its 90th Anniversary during Homecoming 2025 with a Open House celebration that brought together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends for an evening of reflection, music, and community. The program featured historical reflections, inspiring performances, and a special anniversary fundraising campaign honoring nine decades of excellence in social work education.
The Howard University School of Social Work proudly celebrates its faculty, staff, and alumni who presented at the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) 71st Annual Program Meeting, held October 23–26, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. With the theme “It’s Time to Act: Championing Disability Justice and Disability Joy in Social Work,” this year’s conference spotlighted conversations around disability justice, inclusion, equity, and community empowerment. From health equity in public housing to inclusive education, trauma-informed practice, and refugee well-being, HUSSW scholars continue to lead nationally in shaping a more just and joyful future for all communities.
We are proud to celebrate Howard University School of Social Work alumna Rachel Pierre, who was appointed Acting Director of the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) on October 9, 2025. With over two decades of experience across nonprofit and public sectors, Rachel has been a steadfast leader in advancing housing access, youth services, and community-based supports throughout the District. Since joining DHS in 2020, she has championed programs that center dignity, equity, and empowerment for DC residents. Her commitment to service reflects the core values of the Howard University School of Social Work — leadership, justice, and community impact.
Howard University School of Social Work doctoral student Brittany Flournoy has been awarded a fellowship with the Black & Brown Collective Training and Mentorship Program, an initiative supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of California, Davis. As a member of the inaugural 2025–2026 cohort, Brittany joins a network of scholars dedicated to advancing solutions to gun violence in Black and Brown communities.
The Howard University School of Social Work proudly shines an Alumni Spotlight on John E. Jacob, M.S.W. ’63—an iconic figure whose extraordinary career spans civil rights advocacy, corporate leadership, and now, authorship. Jacob’s recently released memoir, I Will Fear No Evil, is both a personal journey and a national call to reflection. In the book, he offers a penetrating assessment of a pivotal era in American history—the Reagan and Bush years—when the country, he argues, ignored critical warnings about the long-term consequences of economic and educational neglect. As President and CEO of the National Urban League from 1982 to 1994, Jacob used his platform to advocate for equity in education, job training, and social services. His voice was among the few consistently calling attention to the widening opportunity gap in American society.
June 2025- Three esteemed faculty members from the Howard University School of Social Work—Dr. Gloria Cain, Dr. Janice Berry Edwards, and Dr. Janice Davis—were recently selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the University Psychedelic Education Program (U-PEP) Faculty Fellowship. This national initiative equips educators with the tools to integrate evidence-based, culturally responsive content on the therapeutic use of psychedelics into higher education curricula.
Howard University School of Social Work celebrates the leadership of alumna Florence Champagne, MSW, and MSW student Bahati Bridges in advancing critical heart health legislation in Maryland. With support from the Open My Heart Foundation and introduced by Delegate Jamila Woods, MSW, the new law mandates insurance coverage for coronary calcium score testing—a vital screening tool for early detection of heart disease. This achievement highlights Howard’s impact on real-world policy change and its ongoing commitment to health equity and social justice.
“Compassion + Action is how I strive to live my personal life,” says Dr. Rowena G. Wilson. “It represents how I interact with others, how I serve them, how I problem-solve, and how I express my humanity—especially with those experiencing pain or suffering. To me, it is natural and human to care about others, to join in the celebrations of life with them, and to extend a helping hand in times of need. Essentially, Compassion + Action is what I call love.” These words beautifully echo the 2025 National Social Work Month theme, “Social Work: Compassion + Action.” Introduced in March but resonating throughout the year, this theme acknowledges the power of empathy backed by purpose and skill—qualities Dr. Wilson has embodied throughout her distinguished career.
