In early November, the Social Work Student Organization (SoWoSO)’s International Caucus (co-chaired by Naomi Broadway) organized a Day of the Dead altar in the school’s lobby, in coordination with the Latin@ Caucus. Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in much of Latin America.
“I wanted it to be an opportunity for the UNC Social Work community to be able to celebrate loved ones who have died, clients who have died, etc. but also to acknowledge and celebrate those who have died due to great injustice as well, e.g. Sandra Bland, Syrian refugees, the Muslim UNC students, Latin Americans who died trying to immigrate, and more,” said Broadway.
She invited students to submit photos and notes. The decorations were made by members of the International and Latin@ caucuses, and the display was set up by Glamarys Acevedo (a co-chair of the Latin@ caucus) and Broadway.
“I saw a lot of people looking at the altar and several names added to the table, so I feel like people appreciated the experience,” said Broadway. “I hope to do it again next year. Also, an interesting fact–my dad posted a photo of the altar on Twitter (with hashtags #SandraBland and #SayHerName) and Sandra Bland’s oldest sister replied and said that the family of Sandra Bland thanks us.”
Pumpkin carving contest raises funds for local nonprofit
In October, the Social Work Student Organization (SoWoSO) held a pumpkin carving contest in the school’s lobby to raise money for charity. Students from the organization’s caucuses created the pumpkins, and designated a local nonprofit for each. Each pumpkin had a jar to collect votes in the form of cash or change donations. The winning pumpkin was carved by the Homelessness Caucus, and designed by Michelle Helton. The money raised ($49.20) was donated to the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services.
Students speak at Board of Advisors meeting
On Oct. 23, MSW students Jennifer Bandzwolek and Michael Goodling joined Drs. Lisa Zerden and Anne Jones in speaking to the School of Social Work’s Board of Advisors about UNC’s PrimeCare program, which prepares MSWs for integrated behavioral healthcare. Read more about this exciting project.
