Spring 2010

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 MISSION

The National Association of Black

OSA President’s Message 1 Social Workers, Inc., comprised of
people of African ancestry, is commit-
OSA’s Advisors Page 2
ted to enhancing the quality of life
OSA remembers Dr. Dorothy Height 3 and empowering people of African
Chapter Highlight 4 ancestry through advocacy, human
services delivery, and research.
Conference Highlights 5-6
Community Service Information 7 The National Association of Black
Newly Elected OSA Officers 8 Social Workers, Inc. will work to cre-
ate a world in which people of Afri-
Newly Elected National NABSW team 9
can ancestry will live free from racial
Graduating Seniors 10-11 domination, economic exploitation
Where are they now? 12-14 and cultural oppression. In collabo-
Communication information 15 ration with national, international
and other appropriate groups,
NABSW National Officers 16
NABSW will continue to leverage
Contact the National Office 16 its collective expertise to strategically
develop capacity of people of Afri-
can ancestry to sustain and flourish.
NABSW’s vision is guided by the
Principles of the Nguzo Saba, which
are Unity, Self-determination, Collec-
tive Work and Responsibility, Coop-
erative Economics, Purpose, Creativ-
ity, and Faith, and the Seven Cardinal
Virtues of Ma’at, which are Right,
Truth, Justice, Order, Reciprocity,
2009-2010 OSA Officers: Balance, and Harmony.

President Quanastacia McMillan- University of Houston

1st Vice President Melanie Bryant- Widener University
2nd Vice President Stacie Winn- Norfolk State University
Secretary Jaclene Ashford- Widener University
Treasurer Tierra Collins- Virginia Commonwealth University
Parliamentarian Shenicka Jones- The Ohio State University
Advisor Traci Lewis– The Ohio State University
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 1

Hotep Student Chapter Members and Student Chapter Advisors of NABSW,

It was an awesome time meeting and working with all the students that at-
tended our 42nd Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA. Thank you to those
students who were able to participate in our “Eat Healthy, Play Healthy,
Stay Healthy” Service Project at the Mander Recreation Center during the
conference that concluded this administration’s efforts toward the NABSW
service initiative of combating childhood obesity as charged by our First
Lady Michelle Obama. Our service that day had a huge impact on the com-
munity, and we can’t thank you enough for your contributions. The 2010
Conference was the culminating event for your 2009-2010 OSA administration, and it was definitely
exciting and memorable!
As we all convened in our respective cities after conference, we were able to conceptualize our ex-
perience and how we will use that experience in our professional and personal lives. Some of us
were greeted by new job opportunities, responsibilities, family, and approaching commencement
ceremonies. You have worked diligently throughout your educational careers, and OSA is ex-
tremely proud of your accomplishments! We would like to recognize and celebrate all BSW, MSW,
and PhD graduates from the Fall/Winter 2009, Spring 2010, and Summer 2010. Please provide
those names to OSA 2nd VP Stacie Winn at Stacie.winn@gmail.com, so we can recognize them on
the OSA blog site.
As your college and universities come to a close for summer break, I encourage you all to hold your
student chapter officer elections. Please submit newly elected officer names and contact information
to OSA Advisor Traci Lewis at lewis.40@osu.edu. This will ensure that the 2010-2011 OSA ad-
ministration will be able to maintain the connection to your student chapter as well as your chapter
staying informed as what’s happening in NABSW and OSA.
It has been both an honor and a pleasure to serve and work with you throughout this past year! As
we prepare for the July Steering Committee Meeting I encourage you to attend. We are meeting
again, in our Nation’s capital, Washington, DC, which is also the home of our National Office. This
meeting is expected to be a great and powerful event as we will have a Day of Service on the Hill
and our 2nd Annual Dorothy I. Height Breakfast Leadership Symposium. You can find more infor-
mation at www.nabsw.org. We look forward to seeing you in DC where we will induct your 2010-
2011 OSA Officers!

Peace and Blessings,

Quanastacia McMillan, MSW, LBSW
2009-2010 OSA President

“I AM because WE are; Because WE are THEREFORE I AM”

NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 2

Chapter Advisor Spotlight

Professor Julian Green
South Carolina State University

In an attempt to highlight and recognize those who work with our student chapters, OSA’s Advisor Lewis
asked Professor Green to tell her about his experience as a NABSW Student Chapter Advisor. Below is re-
sponse.
My experience working with our social work students as an NABSW Student Chapter Advisor has been an
enriching, and sometimes challenging experience. I began working for SC State University in Spring 2009 and
re-started our student chapter around that time. Initially, there was a lot of excitement on the part of the stu-
dents regarding the re-initiation of the student chapter. Many of our students had not been exposed to the real-
ity of "black social workers"; most of them marveled at the mere existence of the network that is the NABSW.
During each of the initial meetings, a brief recap of the NABSW history would be provided along with the
code of ethics. As I'm sure is typical of many student chapters, students routinely inquired about the intersec-
tion between NABSW and NASW, especially with regard to the contrasting codes of ethics. Obviously, as stu-
dent chapter advisor, I want our students to join and be supportive of NABSW, however, I don't disparage the
NASW. Yet, the intersecting history of these organizations always provides a great model for color boundaries
that continue to exist within our profession.

An exciting, yet sometimes difficult task as advisor has been to provide the students with a primer on black
consciousness and pan africanism. Many of our students are from rural areas and previously lacked both infor-
mation and tangible examples of the aforementioned concepts. Conflict also derives from confronting the bar-
riers that some black churches have installed which rejects the tandem of Christianity and African spirituality.
At times, I have sought to convince students that their Christian beliefs don't have to be diminished or collide
with our organizations ancestor veneration rituals or usage of Yoruba language. Though some of this may pre-
sent a bit of a struggle for some students, maturity and progression of character strength usually follows, which
is the payoff.

My present goal is to increase our student membership and service activities. We are presently brainstorming
about service activities within both South and North Carolina. One of my objectives is to present to each of our
social work freshman classes during the SW 300 Intro to Social Work. I believe that if we expose our Black
Social Work students to NABSW early in their matriculation, we will have a greater and more sustainable in-
terest in the organization. I'm also editing a video that I created, documenting our most recent trip to annual
conference, which I will present to students at interest meetings.

Working with our students in this capacity has been of great benefit to me on both a personal and professional
level. Professionally, I've had an opportunity to meet some of the most outstanding individuals in our profes-
sions; individuals who are willing to impart tried and true practice knowledge and skills. Personally, I've en-
gaged people who I stand proud to have as reflections of my African-ness and beliefs.
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 3

We were all deeply saddened to hear of the loss of one of the great pioneers of our time Dr.
Dorothy Irene Height. Known as the “godmother of the women's movement”, she lived a life
to help and serve others through her selfless actions and dedication to improve the struggle for
all women. During her time working with the New York City Welfare Department as a case-
worker, she joined the National Council of Negro Women then later the YWCA. She also
served as National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority from 1946 to 1957, and remained
active thereafter. In 1957, she was named president of the National Council of Negro Women,
which she held until 1997. People began taking to her counsel including First Lady Eleanor
Roosevelt. Dr. Height also encouraged President Dwight D. Eisenhower to desegregate schools
and President Lyndon
B. Johnson to appoint
African American
women to positions in
government. In 2004,
Dr. Height was recog-
nized by Barnard- a
school she was once
turned down from be-
cause of her race- for
her achievements as an
honorary alumna during
its commemoration of
the 50th anniversary of
the Brown v. Board of
Education decision. Dr.
Height was the chairper-
son of the Executive
Committee of the largest civil rights organization in the US; the Leadership Conference on
Civil Rights. She was also an honored guest and seated on stage at the inauguration of Presi-
dent Barack Obama on January 20, 2009. Dr. Height (March 24, 1912 – April 20, 2010) earned
many medals and honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994, and the Con-
gressional Gold Medal in 2004. During her long life of service, she was able to recently pro-
vide our organization with hope and inspiration when she spoke in July 2009 at our steering
committee meeting in Washington, D.C. Although she never married or had any children, her
legacy will forever live on with us in each of our hearts.
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 4

CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY

The Cleveland State University ABSW Chapter became affiliated with the National Organi-
zation Chapter in the fall of 2008. During their first year, the chapter successfully conducted
a raffle to raise money in an effort to help the family of a little boy in needed a kidney trans-
plant. They presented $500.00 to the father to aid in travel expenses to Texas for the little
boy’s treatment. The chapter has also conducted several meeting with an inner city high
school in an effort to begin a mentoring program between the chapter and the high school
students.

The chapter successfully conducted a bone marrow drive in conjunction with the National
Marrow Donor Program and through their efforts they were able to secure 27 first time regis-
trants and disbursed over 200 information packets and brochures to the students, faculty, and
staff attending Cleveland State University. April 23, 2010, the chapter is scheduled to con-
duct an HIV/AIDS awareness seminar and provide free HIV/AIDS testing for students, fac-
ulty, staff, and any member of the general public. The seminar and testing is a collaboration
between the chapter and Cleveland's Free Clinic. We successfully co-sponsored a guest lec-
turer on psychotropic drugs and social work practice on March 23, 2010 and invited the
other student social work organizations to join them at this very informative event. The
chapter has taken a sincere interest in the social and public health in their community. For
the next academic year, the chapter is planning to conduct educational seminars on Hepatitis
C and Diabetes in the Black Community.

Although the chapter is not quite 2 years old, through their aggressive recruitment measures
and campus/community activities, they are growing by leaps and bounds! Under the leader-
ship of the current officers: Piccola Williams, President; Emanuel Williams, Vice-President;
Carla Lanier, Treasurer; Kierra Overton, Secretary; and Cynthia Amir, Green Room Monitor,
the Chapter’s advisor, Dr. Lisa Workman-Crenshaw states “I am very proud of the students
in this organization and how they are making a true commitment to bring about awareness
and work towards the prevention and decrease of many of the social and physical ailments of
our community!”

CONGRATULATION CLEVELAND STATE ABSW, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 5
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 6
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 7

Hotep Family!

I'd like to personally thank each of you who assisted us in the Play Day at Mander Recreation
Center for OSA's Day of Service. Each of you who assisted in any way, from food prep, set
up, station leaders, group leaders, facilitators, clean-up, stand-by, you all were FANTASTIC!!!

Not only were the children and staff at Mander excited, I knew that each one of you truly en-
joyed what you were doing, and shared in the excitement that filled the center. We were able
to show the children at Mander that they can have fun, eat well and BE well!!! I have already
had requests that we come back to volunteer when we are in Philadelphia in the future! Also
as a response to your hard work, a call has gone out to all local and student chapters in the
Philadelphia area to volunteer with Mander as often as possible!

I'd also like to challenge each of you to go into your communities and replicate the activities
from our Play Day. If you'd like instructions and further details, please contact me at melanier-
bryant@gmail.com. Also, check out OSA's Blogspot for more pictures from the event. For
those who could not attend, your presence was greatly missed! We hope you will be able to
join us in New Orleans in 2011!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Melanie Bryant, MSW

1st Vice President

President Elect

Community Service Chair

Office of Student Affairs

National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc

"I am because WE are, because WE are I am"

NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 8

2010-2011 Office of Student Affairs Team

President Melanie Bryant

Widener University
1st Vice President Dierdra Oretade
University of Connecticut
2nd Vice President Stacie Winn
Case Western University
Secretary Ibrahim Ali
University of Washington
Treasurer Aduago Glenda Duru
University of Houston
Parliamentarian Tajsheena Leggs
University of Kansas

From L to R, Ibrahim Ali, Tajsheena Leggsm Aduago Glenda Duru, Quanastacia McMillan (OSA 2009-2010
President), Stacie Winn, Dierdra Oretade, and Melanie Bryant
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 9

2010-2012 National Executive Committee

(Pictured below from left to right)

President- Joe Benton

Vice President- Toni Oliver
Treasurer- Patricia O’Neal-Williams
Recording Secretary- Tracy Golliday
Corresponding Secretary- Karen Allen
Member-At-Large- Melissa Haley
Member-At-Large- Dayvid Brown
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 10

Virginia Commonwealth University University of Washington

Tanisha Anderson Ibrahim Ali

Roxann Franci

Reginald Norris Fayetteville State University

Chrystal Bailey Crystal Whitted

Paladin Wiley

Gerri Archer Middle Tennessee State University

Tierra Harrington Anthony King

Michelle Kimble Sheila Rhodes

Gerri Archer

Cleveland State University

Louisiana State University Charisse Berry

Brandy George Carla Lanier

Jamie Richardson

Fayetteville State University

Fordham University Tabatha Pankey

Hanif Benjamin Tony Hornes

University of Georgia University of Illinois at Chicago

Dacia Davis Carissa Hall

NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 11

University of Houston

Quanastacia McMillan

Arkansas State University

Tangella Mensah

Simmons College

Kimberly Harrell

The Ohio State University

Shenicka Jones

Bryanta Spencer

LeAsha Lackey

Janay Alston

Jasmine Clark

Malcolm Tolliver

School not listed

Valeria Robinson
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 12

Former NABSW Students….

Where are They Now and What are They Doing?
Councilwoman Angela Benjamin, MSW
Recent-Past President of OSA 2007-2008

Angela Benjamin began her journey in NABSW as one of the founding student
members of the Alabama State University (ASU) chapter. During her tenure as 2nd
Vice-President and chair of the Membership Committee, then President of the stu-
dent chapter, Angela saw the group flourish from 14 members to over 60.

The team at ASU skillfully and strategically created plans and drafted programs that
addressed social issues pressing to students on college campuses and ones that proved to help affect change in
the community-at-large.

Attending our National Conference in Detroit, Michigan in April 2007, Angela was asked by her peers to run
for President of the NABSW Office of Student Affairs. She declined at first but later prepared herself to an-
swer what would turn out to be the journey of a lifetime—serving students on a national level!

The OSA presidency was both rewarding and challenging. “Gaining the friendships, knowledge and network
was priceless”, stated Angela. “I am thankful to the student body that showed confidence in me and supported
me as their peer-leader”, she added.

As OSA President, Angela created subcommittees and think tanks to aid in the mission of the student office.
A technology component was added to the OSA in efforts to communicate more effectively with students, a
group in our society highly dependent upon social media and networking. She started the office’s first Quar-
terly Meeting of the Presidents, which spilled over into meetings with other officers as well. Angela was
strictly business when it came down to social work and serving our people—“It is why we’re here. We can
party after hours”, she would say. And because of this work hard-play later policy, the students of NABSW
were able to form a team of rising social workers spanning across our united states that served the needy and
advocated for the sick, downtrodden, displaced and the vulnerable.

Angela and her administrative team excelled in the areas of strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, peer lead-
ership development and mentoring, and communications—they were a force to be reckoned with. Students
wrote them letters of thanks, sought them out for their skills in social brokering, aligned with them in protest
and stood with them in celebration!
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 13

. But where she is now and what is she doing?

Angela graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2008. While she had plans to take on a full time job
in a different city, her community had something different in mind for her. They pleaded with her to run for
public office, and so she did. Angela accepted a part-time position at the University of Alabama (serving stu-
dents) and ran for office as an underdog candidate in her city. While her opponents surpassed her in financial
resources, Angela had something better—social work skills! Using skills learned in her social work journey
and relying heavily on her social network, Angela was able to connect with the people in a way none of her
opponents could imagine. Her campaign soured. And to the victor go the spoils-- she won the position of City
Councilwoman by an overwhelming 60%. !

Did she stick with NABSW, though?

Of course, she did! Angela’s leadership as a student gained her the confidence of our National President.
When asked to take a new position in the organization, Angela was reluctant and hesitant to answer. After
careful consideration, thought, and a lot of time elapsing, she again answered the call. Angela was appointed
the national position of Membership Committee Co-Chair, where she is serving under the current administra-
tion until her term ends this year. The Membership Co-Chairs set goals and have met them each quarter thus
far, including increasing new chapter membership. The Committee has consistency and accountability. An-
gela and her co-chair imposed quarterly meetings with all Chapter Presidents and additionally with the mem-
bership committee, all in their promise to communicate effectively and be an inclusive body.

Today, students still keep in touch with Angela. She is still with NABSW. And she is still serving the commu-
nity and advocating for students.

The editor of Angela’s local newspaper writes of her: “…Community. Harmony. Something we’ve noticed
about Benjamin: She is one organizer. She’s not the kind of person who will plan out something and run to the
next shiny event. No. Benjamin sticks with her organization, makes plans and follows through. Benjamin is a
young woman. She is new to leadership. And if this is what we have in store for us in the future, then Selma
had nothing to worry about.” http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/news/2009/dec/12/building-community-and-
keeping-promises/

Angela Benjamin: “I have been abundantly blessed in my short life, and I want to be the same in return, a
blessing. I am thankful for NABSW and the opportunity I have been given to grow and learn among the
young and the old, the seasoned and not-so-seasoned, the founders and the newbies. I can only hope that I am
repaying the loyalty of those who put their confidence in me by continuing to serve the community and advo-
cate for those who cannot for themselves. You see, we all have this “thing” we’re suppose to be doing or mas-
tering at each level in our life, and then we move on to the next. I can only pray that that I’m doing what I’m
supposed to be doing on my end, in hopes that God will still rain down Grace and Mercy (regardless of my
shortcomings), so that at my final level, He says to me, ‘Well done’.”
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 14

Jamia Obbs, LMSW

Past President of OSA 2008-2009

Jamia L. Obbs, LMSW, is the Immediate Past President of

the Office of Student Affairs (2008-2009). Since graduat-
ing from the University of Georgia in December 2008
with the Master of Social Work degree Jamia has contin-
ued in service with the NABSW family. She served as a
mentor to the incoming administration of OSA for 2009-
2010 and attended the OSA officer induction in July 2009
in support of the newly elected administration.

In July 2009 Jamia was solicited by NABSW President, Dr

Gloria Batiste-Roberts, to serve as cochairman for the National Sankofa Mentorship Project. She
graciously accepted. Jamia remains active in NABSW locally where she was elected Vice Presi-
dent of the Greater Metro Georgia Chapter in Atlanta in October 2009.

For Jamia, service to others is a lifestyle not an experience. She serves her community as an active
member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Psi Alpha Omega Chapter. She has been appointed
by the chapter’s President for her third term of service as the chapter Membership Chairman. She
is honored to have been chosen by her chapter to receive the “Sister of the Year”, “Committee
Chairperson of the Year” and “Queen of Sisterly Spirit” awards.

Professionally, Jamia became a Licensed Master Social Worker in 2009. She currently holds the
position of Clinical Therapist with Pathways Transition Programs where she serves children and
families providing daily therapeutic interventions to enhance the mental health and well being of
her clients. Jamia is sought after to conduct trainings and workshops addressing culturally sensi-
tive Social Work practice and professional boundaries in Social Work. She is a member of
NABSW, NASW and the National Christian Counselors Association.

Jamia is an active member of Beth-el Temple Ministries Church International where she serves as
the Director of the Super Kids Ministry and Ladies Fellowship.

She is part of a sibling group of nine children and loves spending quality time with her loving cir-
cle of many family and friends. She enjoys gospel music, writing poetry, fellowship with like-
minded professionals and enjoying new restaurants.
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 15

Check out the BlogSpot for OSA! http://www.nabswstudentaffairs.blogspot.com/

And we are on...

President Quanastacia McMillan: qdmcmillan@yahoo.com

1st Vice President Melanie Bryant: melanierbryant@gmail.com
2nd Vice President Stacie Winn: stacie.winn@gmail.com
Secretary Jaclene Ashford: jaclene3@hotmail.com
Treasurer Tierra Collins: precioustee2005@yahoo.com
Parliamentarian Shenicka Jones: jones.2807@osu.edu
Advisor Traci Lewis: lewis.40@osu.edu
NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 16

PRESIDENT CORRESPONDING SEC- OFFICE OF STUDENT AF-

Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts RETARY FAIRS
Missouri City, TX Sharon Holmes Thomas Quanastacia McMillan
NABSW- Durham, NC OSA Coordinator
President@nabsw.org Corresponding- University of Houston
Secretary@nabsw.org OSA-President@nabsw.org
VICE PRESIDENT
Cheikh Mbacké MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Southfield, MI Sharon Bomar
NABSW-VP@nabsw.org Decatur, GA
Member-at-
TREASURER Large1@nabsw.org
Patricia O’Neal-Williams
Jacksonville, FL MEMBER-AT-LARGE
NABSW- John Gordon
Treasurer@nabsw.org Charlotte, NC
Member-at-
Large2@nabsw.org
RECORDING SECRE-
TARY IMMEDIATE PAST PRESI-
Renata Hedrington-Jones DENT
Richmond, VA Judith Jackson
Recording- Detroit, MI
Secretary@nabsw.org

2305 Martian Luther King Ave. S.E.

Washington, DC 20020

Phone (202) 678-4570

Fax (202) 678-4572

Email nabsw.harambee@verizon.net
Website nabsw.org