Dr. Kirk “Jae” James and Dean Michael Spencer pose together at the 2025 School of Social Work graduation.
June 30, 2025
At the 2025 University of Washington School of Social Work Graduation, keynote speaker Dr. Kirk “Jae” James delivered a powerful and deeply personal message of resilience, justice and transformation. A clinical associate professor and director of the Doctorate in Social Work program at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work, James drew upon his lived experience as an immigrant and formerly incarcerated Black man to inspire graduates to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for holistic change.
James shared his journey—from growing up in Jamaica to moving to New York City, experiencing incarceration and ultimately earning his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate within a decade of his release.
The School of Social Work extends its sincere appreciation to James for sharing his story, insight and vision with our graduates.
Watch his full speech here.