HUSSW News

HUSSW News & Highlights

Janice Berry Edwards 2025 Award

Dr. Janice Berry Edwards Honored at the AAPCSW Biennial Conference

Dr. Janice Berry Edwards, MSW, PhD, LICSW, received the prestigious Professional Writing Award, at the Biennial Conference of the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work (AAPCSW), recognizing her prolific scholarship and contributions to clinical social work. A professor at Howard University School of Social Work and President of AAPCSW, Dr. Edwards has distinguished herself through her leadership, psychoanalytic clinical practice, and influential publications.

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T2T Logo

Transformation to Triumph Women’s Summit Convenes Leaders, Scholars, and Community in a Collective Call to Reinvention

The Transformation to Triumph Women’s Summit, held February 27–March 1, 2026, convened professionals, students, and community leaders at Howard University and The Gathering Spot DC in response to widespread layoffs affecting Black women. The three-day hybrid event featured sessions on civic engagement, personal branding, financial identity, leadership, contracting, and global networking. School of Social Work representatives played a central role, including welcome remarks from Dean Sheara Jennings and presentations by alumni, faculty, and students.

Category: HUSSW Articles

Buy Black

Honoring Black History Through Economic Empowerment

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

Andrew Billingsley

The Leadership and Legacy of Andrew Billingsley

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.

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Brandi Pittman

Alumni Spotlight: Brandi Pittman, MSW, LCSWA

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

Transformational Empathy

Faculty Spotlight: New Book by Dr. Tracy R. Whitaker

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

JMDavis Retirement

Dr. Janice M. Davis Retires After Nearly Three Decades at HUSSW

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

GrandChallenges

Howard University School of Social Work Hosts Grand Challenges for Social Work Festival of Ideas

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

Gentrification in DC Panel_2025

Gentrification in DC: Applying the Black Perspective

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

SSWR 2025-Presenters

Championing the Black Perspective: Howard University SSWR 2026 Presenters

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

Nourish HU Food Pantry

Thank You for Supporting the HUSSW Food Drive!

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

Category: HUSSW Articles

Husain- 2025 Social Work Impact Award

Dr. Altaf Husain Honored with the 2025 Social Work Impact Award

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 Spotlight

Adjunct Professor Tamieka Welsh Champions Mental Health and Healing for Black Women in Essence Magazine

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

Open House 2025

Howard University School of Social Work Celebrates 90 Years of Excellence

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

CSWE APM 20252

HUSSW at CSWE 2025: Faculty, Staff & Alumni Present at the Council on Social Work Education 71st Annual Program Meeting

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

Rachel Pierre

Rachel Pierre, MSW, Appointed Director of DC’s Department of Human Services

We are proud to celebrate Howard University School of Social Work alumna Rachel Pierre, who was appointed 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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

Brittany Flournoy

HUSSW Doctoral Student Brittany Flournoy Awarded Fellowship with the Black and Brown Collective Training and Mentorship Program

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

John Jacob

Alumni Spotlight: John E. Jacob (M.S.W. ’63)

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

U-PEP Psychedelic Training

Howard University Faculty Join National Initiative to Advance Psychedelic-Assisted Care Education

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

Florence Champagne

Howard University School of Social Work Champions Health Equity Through New Maryland Legislation

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.

Category: HUSSW Articles

The Dig Feature Articles

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Jamerson Watson
May 8, 2026

For Master's Graduate Jamerson Watson, Social Work is Not Just A Profession; It's a Ministry

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Apr 7, 2026

Physicist Kim Lewis Brings Energy and Experience to Help Shape Howard University’s ‘R1’ Vision
Mar 5, 2026

Inspired in High School, Howard University Students Now Lead Alternative Spring Break
Nov 5, 2025

WHUR’s Annual Food2Feed Radiothon Provides Hope and Help
Apr 7, 2022

Howard University Celebrates Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Historic Confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court 

Groundbreaking Peer Case Management Institute

The DC Department of Human Services (DHS) in collaboration with the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (TCP), Pathways to Housing DC, and Howard University’s School of Social Work launched the pioneering Peer Case Management Institute. As covered by the Washington Post, The Washington Informer, and WTOP, the Peer Case Management Institute graduated its first cohort on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The graduates, once homeless themselves, have completed the comprehensive training program and are now equipped with the skills and knowledge to serve as case managers in the homeless service system. 

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PCMI Graduate