In Part 2 of this interview, Dr. Robert Cosby continues his conversation with Patricia Martin-O'Meally, ACSW, LICSW, LCSWC, BCD, CPM. She goes back to discuss her time growing up in Pittsburgh, including her experiences witnessing segregation and white flight, participating in Girl Scouts, and the impacts of having a phenomenal mother committed to giving her a broad range of experiences in the city. She also discusses the impacts of having several phenomenal speakers and visitors throughout her experience at Virginia Union and the history of the Richmond 37. She also discusses social justice issues including food insecurity, voting rights, mass incarceration, the impacts of climate change, and the importance of looking globally at all issues that impact vulnerable populations. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.

In Part 1 of this interview, Dr. Robert Cosby speaks with Patricia Martin-O'Meally, ACSW, LICSW, LCSWC, BCD, CPM. From a childhood interaction with Ms. Josephine Baker to the moment she heard about the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ms. Martin-O'Meally recounts powerful stories for listeners. She discusses participating in student protests during her time at Virginia Union University, her work with older persons and mentally ill clients with Family and Child Services in Washington, D.C. (now called Family Matters of Greater Washington), and navigating systems as a tenant advocate. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.

In Part 2 of this interview, Dr. Robert Cosby speaks with Don Clarkson about his work as a social work pioneer in the modalities of group work and psychodrama, including a discussion of his work training trial lawyers and their clients in psychodrama in order to improve client outcomes. You will be riveted by many of his stories about vulnerability, empowerment, and the ways that attachment experiences as a child can impact attachment styles throughout adulthood. He also discusses his time at Howard University and some challenges with aging, including dealing with ever-changing technology and recently transitioning into a senior living community. Listen now to learn about Mr. Clarkson's illustrious career and the impact he has had on the field of social work. Don Clarkson received his M.S.W. from Howard University. He is certified as a Trainer-Educator-Practitioner by the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy and was a member of the original Board of Examiners. After his psychodrama training, he joined the psychodrama staff of St. Elizabeths and later the Washington Psychiatric Institute. He then joined the faculty of Howard University as well as the staff of the Student Counseling Center. During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Don pioneered psychodrama training for trial lawyers through the National College for Criminal Trial Lawyers. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.

In Part 1 of this interview, Dr. Robert Cosby speaks with Don Clarkson about his experiences with discrimination and family challenges while growing up with three of his aunts in the Houston, TX area. From his memories of this time, he shares with us many pieces of wisdom, including the idea that "Pain is inevitable, but we don’t learn without it." Check back in two weeks for Part 2 of our interview with Don Clarkson.  Don Clarkson received his M.S.W. from Howard University. He is certified as a Trainer-Educator-Practitioner by the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy and was a member of the original Board of Examiners. After his psychodrama training, he joined the psychodrama staff of St. Elizabeths and later the Washington Psychiatric Institute. He then joined the faculty of Howard University as well as the staff of the Student Counseling Center. During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Don pioneered psychodrama training for trial lawyers through the National College for Criminal Trial Lawyers. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Cosby speaks with Shelton Sullivan about the influence of his "village" as he grew up in Los Angeles, his powerful experiences in law, in teaching, and in seminary and spiritual work, 12 compelling lessons to pass on to the next generation, and more. Shelton Sullivan was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and raised in Los Angeles, California. He is the husband of La’Tonya Virginia Sullivan. Together, they are the proud parents of two adult children, Callie Louis Sullivan and Jaya Marie Sullivan. He is a graduate of Belmont High School in Los Angeles, California; Occidental College in Los Angeles, California; Antioch School of Law in Washington, D.C.; and, Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. He is a retired school teacher of the Prince George’s County Public School System and an itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Washington School of Psychiatry. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.

Dr. Robert Cosby sits down to speak with Dr. Cudore L. Snell. In Part 2 of this powerful interview, he speaks about the rich culture and history of the District Six area of Cape Town as well as the social justice issues he sees as important today after having grown up during the Apartheid era. He also discusses the importance of respect for all human beings, the power of diversity to enrich our experiences, and much more. Dr. Snell is a current professor at the Howard University School of Social Work and Assistant Provost for International Programs at Howard University. He holds a Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Social Work and Psychology from the University of the Western Cape, a Bachelor’s of Social Science Honours Degree in Psychiatric Social Work from the University of Cape Town, and a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He then obtained a Doctor of Social Work Degree from Howard University, where his dissertation research focused on help-seeking behavior among young street males in Washington, DC. In South Africa, he practiced rural and urban family social work with a specialization in childhood mental health. Dr. Snell is the former Chair of the Council on Social Work Education’s Global Commission for Social Work Education and is a Social Work Pioneer from the NASW. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.

Dr. Robert Cosby sits down to speak with Dr. Cudore L. Snell, current professor at the Howard University School of Social Work and Assistant Provost for International Programs at Howard University. In Part 1 of this interview, Dr. Snell offers vivid insights into growing up in South Africa during the apartheid era, including details and memories regarding losing his childhood home to the effects of the 1965 Group Areas Act, arrests and banishments of family members and friends, the detrimental mental health effects for oppressed populations, and more. Check back in two weeks for Part 2.  Dr. Snell holds a Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Social Work and Psychology from the University of the Western Cape, a Bachelor’s of Social Science Honours Degree in Psychiatric Social Work from the University of Cape Town, and a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He then obtained a Doctor of Social Work Degree from Howard University, where his dissertation research focused on help-seeking behavior among young street males in Washington, DC. In South Africa, he practiced rural and urban family social work with a specialization in childhood mental health. Dr. Snell is the former Chair of the Council on Social Work Education’s Global Commission for Social Work Education and is a Social Work Pioneer from the NASW. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.

Dr. Cosby continues his conversation with NASW President Dr. Mildred "Mit" Joyner. In Part 2 of this interview, Dr. Joyner speaks about accomplishments she is proud of, the value in listening to our elders to learn about their stories and legacy, and the importance of bringing the student perspective to leadership roles. She also speaks on "bringing social justice to the forefront of social work" and social workers' obligation to stand up to injustice in all settings. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Cosby speaks with Dr. Mildred "Mit" Joyner. Dr. Joyner is the current President of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She also serves as President of the North America Region of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), and she has extensive experience in child and family social work, organizational change with a focus on equity, and social work academia with a focus on racial justice. She received a BSW from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and her MSW in planning, policy and administration from Howard University, School of Social Work. Dr. Joyner has also received numerous awards, including the 2005 AGE-SW and BPD Gerontology Leadership Award for stellar national leadership in the field of gerontology. In Part 1 of the interview, Dr. Joyner speaks about growing up in Chester County, PA, the gift of traveling to learn about other cultures, being elected NASW President, applying social work theories in practice, critical race theory, and more. Check back in two weeks for Part 2. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.

In Part 2 of this interview, Dr. Robert Cosby speaks with Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts about critical race theory, the power of discovering Black literature and art, police brutality and prison reform, healthy eating, and the strengths of Black families. Dr. Batiste-Roberts, a former president of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), serves as the Director of the Thomas F. Freeman Center for Forensic Excellence at Texas Southern University and adjunct professor of Social Work. She also serves as a Permanency Convener for Children’s Protective Services. She received her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Texas Southern University (TSU), her MSW degree from Howard University and a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Texas, School of Public Health. She has done comprehensive work in Child Protective Services, emergency room social work, private therapy for adjudicated youth, and more. She also spent many years as a Debate Coach for the TSU Debate Team. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.