CRSP
The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work’s Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP) had an impactful year collaborating with departments and organizations at Pitt, the broader community, and internationally to further its mission. From thought-provoking lectures to artistic engagements, CRSP sponsored a wide range of events fostering connection, dialogue, and belonging. Additionally, CRSP was invited to present at a variety of conferences around the world.
This year, CRSP Director Kyaien Conner received a prestigious Pitt Momentum Funds Teaming Grant for Creating Synergies and Collaborations to Advance Race-based Research at the University of Pittsburgh. This project engages key racial equity research leaders across Pitt and aims to amplify local race-related research through a collaborative repository. Conner also received a Fulbright-Hays award, which will allow her to direct a monthlong seminar project in Senegal in the summer of 2025.
The Racial Equity Consciousness Institute (RECI), founded by CRSP Associate Director Ron Idoko in 2021, has continued to thrive this year. Community partnerships and cohort learning opportunities grew significantly, and the RECI film “Illuminating the Vaccine for Racism” premiered in January 2024. In addition, Pitt’s Schools of Social Work and Medicine were recently awarded a $5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to evaluate RECI’s impact on addressing systemic racism in health care.
CRSP also celebrated the achievements of its students who were awarded Year of Discourse and Dialogue grants:
• Sommer Blair, Parenting for Racial Equity: Assuring the Next Generation of Antiracists
• Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua (MSW ’24), Leading Social Work Students to LEAD: Legislative Education and Advocacy Day
• Daniel Abusuampeh, Space for Voice: Race and Social Problems Discourse
Abusuampeh, who also founded the African Tribe Bridge Institute, has been invited to present at various conferences to discuss his initiative, which aims to promote unity and address tribalism.
Aliya Durham led the successful launch of the Community and Racial Equity Leadership Fellowship program, which provides graduate students with opportunities to learn while working in community-engaged programs. The fellowship is designed to prepare students who are traditionally underrepresented in social work and to help them fill the gaps in their undergraduate studies with experiences and skills to enter careers in macro practice settings.
The launch of new programming and partnerships also highlighted the year. The Race and Youth Development Research Group, led by James Huguley in partnership with Awaken Pittsburgh and the Clairton City School District, launched Mindful Connections for Parenting and School Success. This initiative provides support to caregivers in marginalized communities to ensure academic and emotional success for their children. The Just Discipline Project, also led by Huguley, has expanded significantly, now reaching 18 schools in Pittsburgh and serving more than 5,000 students. This program, supported by a U.S. Department of Education grant, works toward equitable disciplinary and academic outcomes.
CRSP is positioned for continued growth and community impact, reinforcing its mission to advance racial equity on local, national, and global levels.