Hi All,
On behalf of the UTA School of Social Work, we are deeply saddened at the passing of Congressman John Lewis on July 17. Rep. Lewis was a courageous man dedicated to social justice and civil rights. He was an icon of the civil rights movement and fought every day of his life against injustices.
Serving as president of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, he risked his life on numerous occasions fighting against racism, discrimination and Jim Crow Laws. He worked alongside other prominent civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., A. Phillip Randolph, Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young and James Farmer (known as the Big Six).
Rep. Lewis’ life is a testament to the ideals of social justice and is an example for all of us to emulate. Here at the School of Social Work our goal is to achieve a just society by educating leaders that will not only create partnerships for promoting a just society but lead in those efforts. Just as Congressman Lewis stood up against racism, bigotry and hate, so should all of us. We all have the responsibility to speak out against injustices wherever they may occur.
I would also be remiss in not mentioning we also lost Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian, another icon in the civil rights movement on July 17. Rev. Vivian organized and participated in nonviolent protests as early as 1947 and was part of the early civil rights movement that led to the successful movements and civil rights legislation in the 1960s. Rev. Vivian was instrumental in creating a college readiness program which would later lead to the U.S. Department of Education’s creation of Upward Bound. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
This summer the School of Social Work sponsored a Black Lives Matter protest and hosted a series of virtual discussions on race, diversity, inclusion and health disparities. In keeping with the same spirit of Congressman Lewis and Rev. Vivian, we will continue engaging and fighting for social justice through education, advocacy and action.
Why? Because it is the right thing to do and, per NASW's Code of Ethics, we are obligated to “advocate for living conditions conducive to the fulfillment of basic human needs and should promote social, economic, political, and cultural values and institutions that are compatible with the realization of social justice.”
In addition, Social Workers should “not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, or mental or physical ability.”
We are obligated to uphold these standards and ensure others in our profession do as well. Both Congressman Lewis and Rev. Vivian upheld their end of the bargain and it is up to us to continue carrying the torch of social justice forward.
In solidarity,
Scott D. Ryan, MSW, MBA, Ph.D. (pronouns he, him and his)
Dean & Professor, School of Social Work
Interim Director, Interdisciplinary Studies
Director, Center for Clinical Social Work
Faculty Affiliate, Center for African American Studies
Editor, Adoption Quarterly
Quotes from Congressman John Lewis:
"When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something."
"Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."
"A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option — for peace cannot exist where justice is not served."
Quotes from Rev. C.T. Vivian:
