(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Faculty, staff, and students of the National Catholic School of Social Service (NCSSS) at The Catholic University of America, will gather for a day-long teach-in Thursday, Sept. 21, to address racism and its manifestation in social policies, non-profits, and social service organizations. They will discuss how social workers can address systemic racism.

“NCSSS was founded 100 years ago by the Catholic Church in the United States to respond to societal challenges and issues,” says William Rainford, dean of the school. “Today, our nation is confronted by vile and violent racism. The NCSSS Teach-In is a time for our school to reflect on and learn about our role as social workers in helping our community and nation grow beyond the hate in society.”

The day will begin at 10 a.m. with a series of panel discussions. Speakers will include:

• Aja Taylor, advocacy director, Bread for the City, the largest food pantry in D.C.
• Eleanor Hancock, director, White Awake, which combats white supremacy by focusing on educational resources and spiritual practices designed to facilitate white people’s engagement in the creation of a just and sustainable society.
• Indira M. Henard, M.S.W., executive director, DC Rape Crisis Center, the designated sexual assault coalition for the District of Columbia.

After the panel discussion, there will be break-out sessions to discuss actions social workers and others can take in the communities they work in.

Eun Koh, assistant professor of social work, says she hopes this event can “be a start for ongoing discussion and activities.”

The day will conclude with a lecture by Bishop Edward Braxton of Belleville, Ill. He will talk about The Catholic Church and the Racial Divide in the United States. His talk begins at 3 p.m. and is open to the public.

MEDIA: To attend the teach-in or Bishop Braxton’s lecture, contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cua.edu or 202-319-5600.

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