Race and Social Equity Academy
THE RACE AND SOCIAL EQUITY ACADEMY (RASE)
Mission
RASE fosters the scholarship of practice and research focused on advancing racial and social equity. We support projects that acknowledge intersecting social statuses and identities and promote culturally responsive approaches to optimize human and community well-being.
Vision
RASE will serve as an international center of excellence focused on eliminating racial and social inequities across social services, healthcare, education, healthcare, and criminal justice systems.
Purpose
RASE is committed to bringing together thought leaders engaged in advocacy, social justice, cutting-edge scholarship, and inclusive practices for individuals, families, and communities. RASE is grounded in four action areas, including training/professional development, research collaborations, community partnerships, and programmatic initiatives. The RASE Academy is a volunteer initiative.
RASE Team
RASE Academy Director
Matthew Mills, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Matthew Mills is a Lecturer in the School of Social Work and Director of the Race and Social Equity Research Academy. Matthew focuses on supporting community based engagement to support social justice advocacy as well as policy change. Within this scope of work, he focuses on learning and engaging with a myriad of population groups and supports to help navigate racial and social equity and foster a positive culture of integration and justice.
UNC Charlotte Faculty Advisory Group Members
- Dante Bryant, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work
- Tianca Crocker, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work
- Kevin Edwards-Knight, MSW, LCSW, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Work
Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
LGBTQIA+ Health, Safety, and Well-Being Webinar 2025
RASE partners with J. Murray Atkins Library to host our annual forum events. Atkins Library representatives Beth Auten, Bridgette Sanders, and Denelle Eads are involved in helping to coordinate and plan these events. Our event guides from previous events created by Beth Auten are listed below.
Race and Social Equity Spring Forum 2023
- A Call to Action: Cultivating Antiracist Practices in the Helping Professions
- Featured Speaker: M. Josh McNeill, MSW, LCSW, and Isis Bey, LCSW, TFCBT, CCTP II
- Event Guide
Race and Social Equity Spring Forum 2022
- Strategies for Holistic Healing: Mental Health and Diverse Communities during COVID-19
- Featured Speaker: Isis Bey, LCSW, TFCBT, CCTP II
- Event Guide
Race and Social Equity Fall Forum 2021
- Houseless Close to Home: Stories from our Own Backyard
- Featured Speaker: Tony Peek, BSW
- Event Guide
RASE Policy Briefs
Contact:
RASE Academy Director:
Matthew Mills, MSW, LCSW
mmills44@charlotte.edu
* Offered in support of the School of Social Work’s mission statement, which is responsive to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)’s accreditation requirements.
