GrandStories: Profiles in Aging

In her interview with Dr. Robert Cosby, Dr. Amy Billingsley opens up about her colorful family history, the difficulties of losing loved ones at such a young age, her gift of "knitting people together," her involvement with HistoryMakers, and Black Women's Agenda and her powerful impact in her campaigns and working with William Clinton, Alexis Herman, Barbara Skinner-Williams, and Dorothy Height.

Dr. Andrew Billingsley, Sociologist, Author, College Provost, Vice Chancellor, President and Professor shares with Dr. Robert Cosby his rich history. Starting with his childhood in Marion, Alabama and his recognition of what he needed to expand his intellect. He shared that thirst for knowledge and explained how "his intellect began" when transitioning to Birmingham, Alabama due to his father's injury. Dr. Andrew Billingsley touches on some of his greatest contributions including his writing "Black Families in White America." He discusses his promotion of peace and anti-poverty, and his love for former slave and U.S. Congress Representative Robert Smalls. Dr. Billingsley, recognized as a giant and scholar in the field of Sociology and Social Work, is the author of over ten books, four co-authored books, numerous edited books and journal articles. Dr. Billingsley received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science in 1951 from Grinnell University.  In 1956, he graduated with his MS degree from Boston University and his PhD from Brandeis University in 1964. He is a former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of California at Berkeley, Provost at Howard University, President of Morgan State University, and senior scholar and leader at other universities including University of Maryland and the University of South Carolina. He is recognized for his leadership and authorship. To learn more about Dr. Andrew Billingsley, please select here.

The conversation continues as Annette Solomon shares on the barriers of social work including the funding of programs. Ms. Solomon also talks about "planned failure," for "social workers not to get in their own way," self-care, the widening of the wealth gap, the reassessment of our value system, and the slow erosion of rights.

In the first of a two part episode, Howard University Graduate from the School of Social Work Annette Solomon discusses with Dr. Robert Cosby the inspiration driven by her parents and the impactful presence that Howard University had on her as a student. Ms. Solomon has a reputable resume in macro social work and talks about her prior roles at Urban League Greater Washington and Upper Cardozo Health Center. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.

Dr. Robert Cosby speaks with Dr. Frederica Barrow. She speaks about her upbringing in the rural town of Greensboro, North Carolina during the Jim Crow era, and her experiences with discrimination and racism that thrived at the time. Dr. Frederica Barrow also shares her experiences of fighting injustices by participating in sit-ins and boycotting for civil social justice. Dr. Barrow stressed some of the challenges in the field of education including how some governing officials are preventing schools from having access to African American literature. Lastly, Dr. Barrow plainly states how the prison system systemically disadvantages African Americans, including the devastating and lasting impact on children whose parents are incarcerated. Dr. Frederica Barrow graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from North Carolina Central State University in 1960. She furthered her education and received a Master's Degree in Social Work from Clark-Atlanta University in 1962. In 1980, Dr. Frederica Barrow obtained a Master's Degree from the Cary School of Business at Johns Hopkins University. Later in her life, Dr. Frederica Barrow went back to school and received a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Howard University in 2001. 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 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.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Cosby interviews Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts. 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. In Part 1 of the interview, Dr. Batiste-Roberts speaks about growing up with her paternal grandparents as caregivers, the power of representation in the media and in literature, and the importance of family, love, and truth. Check back in two weeks for Part 2 of the interview! 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 continues his conversation with Ms. Anita Bellamy Shelton. Ms. Shelton, widely regarded as a “living legend” by her contemporaries and those who look up to her civil and human rights work, has worked tirelessly throughout her career to create change in housing, anti-poverty measures, domestic workers’ rights, human rights and discrimination, economic opportunity, and much more. She obtained her Masters in Social Work degree at Howard University in 1959. Among her many contributions are her work as Director of the National Association of Household Workers and as Director of the Office of Human Rights in Washington, DC under Mayor Marion Barry. In Part 2, Ms. Shelton speaks about the importance of relationships in the pursuit of social justice, the interplay of her faith and her work, economic discrimination and empowerment, and many more powerful topics. 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 Ms. Anita Bellamy Shelton. Ms. Shelton, widely regarded as a “living legend” by her contemporaries and those who look up to her civil and human rights work, has worked tirelessly throughout her career to create change in housing, anti-poverty measures, domestic workers’ rights, human rights and discrimination, economic opportunity, and much more. She obtained her Masters in Social Work degree at Howard University in 1959. Among her many contributions are her work as Director of the National Association of Household Workers and as Director of the Office of Human Rights in Washington, DC under Mayor Marion Barry. In the interview, Ms. Shelton speaks about growing up in Englewood, New Jersey, her experience as one of two Black students in her high school, and the achievements she has been most proud of throughout her career. Check back for Part 2 of the interview in our next episode. 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. Ruby Gourdine. Dr. Gourdine is currently on the faculty as a senior professor at the Howard University School of Social Work. She has had a long and illustrious career as a clinician, administrator, consultant, and researcher in the areas of juvenile justice, foster care and adoption (child welfare), medical social work, school social work, and most recently in social work history. Her publications include refereed journal articles and book chapters on topics such as child welfare, teenage pregnancy, transracial adoption, females and violence, school social work, and disability content in social work curricula. In the interview, Dr. Gourdine speaks about growing up in a family that valued education and social justice work, the importance of studying history to recognize patterns in social justice movements, the education system’s responsibility to teach the truth, her thoughts regarding strategies to combat racism, sexism, and xenophobia, and more. 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. Wise E. Allen. Dr. Allen is an HUSSW alumnus, and he has served in many roles including Presidents of four state community colleges and also the Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District in Berkley, California. He has been part of local and state government as well as academia, having worked with several governors including former Governor Jerry Brown. He helped to enact legislation such as the California Dream Act, allowing undocumented young persons to attend college, legislation allowing non documented persons to work towards citizenship and serve on boards, and directly getting persons of color hired into local and state government positions from Oakland and Berkeley to Sacramento, CA. He served much of his life as a California Educator and Administrator, providing leadership from City Administrator for Richmond, CA, Governance, to Human Resources, to Health of Students. He holds his BA from University of California, San Francisco, MSW from Howard University, his PhD in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, his clinical psychology license, and his clinical social work license. In the episode, he speaks about his time growing up in Texas and then Oakland, his thoughts on economic freedom and generational wealth, the injustice of voter suppression, the importance of education as a foundational part of ensuring future equity and addressing racial inequality, and more. The podcast features music performed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby III.