February is Black History Month. It is our hope that all social workers—and not just those who are Black—will take time out to reflect on the achievement and contributions of Black social workers to the profession.
There are still those who question the need, basis, or reason for having a month set apart for such celebration and recognition as Black History Month. Celebrating Black History Month is crucial as society continues to grapple with racism, prejudice, and white supremacy.
The University of Iowa School of Social Work is proud to honor Black History Month this year by recognizing the achievements and leadership of Black trailblazers in our profession. African Americans have long played major influential roles as leaders and mobilizers in social work, but their stories and contributions are often overshadowed or ignored in social work education. The work of Jane Addams and Hull House are cornerstones of social work history education—but did you learn about Ida B. Wells and Elizabeth Lindsay Davis, whose contributions included opening up settlement houses and social services for the Black community because places like Hull House did not allow Black people? What do you know about Mary Church Terrell, Whitney Young, Dorothy Height, E. Franklin Frazier, Marcus Garvey, and Thyra J. Edwards?
If our social work community truly aspires to work for racial justice, we need to take action to shift the narrative that centers the stories and contributions of white social workers. We challenge you to look up at least one of these Black social work trailblazers, learn their stories, and share them with others.
We also encourage you to engage in opportunities to learn and take action that are led by Black student and community organizations (see below). The University of Iowa Afro-American Cultural Center and the African American Museum of Iowa will be sponsoring events throughout the month of February.
While Black History Month is traditionally a 28-day celebration, we know that Black history doesn’t end after February—and that Black history is in the making, here in the present. The University of Iowa School of Social Work will continue to recognize the work and contributions of our own Black faculty, alumni, and students throughout the year. We look forward to sharing their stories with you, and we welcome your suggestions of stories and efforts that we can amplify and support. As a community, we must demonstrate by our actions that we acknowledge and value the contributions and leadership of our Black Social workers, past and present.
-Statement from the Diversity and Social Justice Committee on behalf of the School Of Social Work
Ways to Honor Black History:
Participate in Black History Month events hosted by the UI Afro-American Cultural Center: https://multicultural.uiowa.edu/celebrations/black-history-month/.
Download their Black History Month Zoom background and use it all month long!
Read Righteous Self Determination: The Black Social Work Movement in America, by Patricia Reid-Merritt.
Listen to "Doin' The Work: Frontline Stories of Social Change podcast episode about the founding of the National Association of Black Social Workers.
Attend the Social Work, White Supremacy, and Racial Justice Symposium.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see stories about our faculty, students, and alumni.
