Talladega College students majoring in social sciences recently attended a transformative social justice event sponsored by the University of Alabama School of Social Work, the 35th Inaugural Dr. Ethel H. Hall African American Heritage Month Celebration Colloquium. The outing was organized by departments within Talladega College’s Eunice Walker Johnson School of Social Sciences and Education.
As the first woman and African American to graduate from The University of Alabama School of Social Work’s doctoral program, Dr. Ethel H. Hall played a pivotal role in implementing the School’s first African American Heritage Day Program. As a result, the department named the celebration in her honor.
The signature event held on February 7, 2024, highlighted issues that impact the quality of communities, including maternal health disparities, criminal justice reform, and more. It provided a platform for students to hear from seasoned practitioners and scholars within the realms of social justice and community empowerment, like this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Maria Morrison, LCSW.
Dr. Morrison is a senior social worker at the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a nonprofit human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama, that specializes in eradicating mass incarceration, excessive punishment in the prison system, and racial inequality. In this role, she serves on legal teams that represent clients, particularly children facing harsh prison sentences.
Assistant professor and director of field education at Talladega College, Ms.Trace Fleming-Trice, LIC-SWS, accompanied the students. She hopes that Dr. Morrison’s address reinforces the students’ commitment to creating meaningful change while inspiring them to more carefully analyze their roles as future change agents.
“Hearing from keynote speakers like Dr. Morrison, who is actively working to address issues such as mass incarceration and excessive sentencing, can be incredibly inspiring for students. It motivates them to become advocates for social change and encourages them to think critically about their role in addressing social justice issues,” said Ms. Fleming-Trice.
According to TC social work major, Roger Wilder, while witnessing the collective efforts of individuals and organizations like the EJI that are dedicated to effecting positive change, the students were reminded of the transformative potential of their chosen field.
“[The conference] was a profound and enlightening journey that shed light on the importance of learning about the Equal Justice Initiative. The visit not only deepened my understanding of
historical injustices but also inspired me to advocate for social justice and equality,” Wilder stated.
During their time, the students also enjoyed a performance by the Nathifa Dance Company, whose mission-driven outreach program brings African American and African Culture to life through music and dance.
The group wrapped up their trip with a presentation from some of the University of Alabama’s graduate program staff, like advisor Aubree Cuip, who discussed the numerous opportunities they would expect as prospective students entering the Master of Social Work program.
“Our MSW program here at UA hopes to prepare students to advocate for vulnerable populations, engage in culturally competent practice, and apply social work values and ethics to that practice. All students are provided a safe space to learn and grow as advanced scholar-practitioners,” said Cuip.
After attending the conference, Birmingham native Somer Underwood encouraged other social science majors to become lifelong learners due to the field's ever-evolving nature.
“We cater to the people we serve, so it's important to remain a learner of new ideas and concepts in society. Participating in conferences such as this will promote the idea of being well-versed and knowledgeable in your field of work,” Underwood said.
