DSW Candidate – KaReem Roberts, 1:00 PM-2:15 PM
$0.00
Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars 2025 Event!
Breaking the Mold: Confronting the Absence of Black Male Social Workers and Paving the Way for Change
DSW Candidate – KaReem Roberts, mSW, c-SSW
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
1:00 PM-2:15 PM Eastern Time Zone
Credit Hours: This session is not eligible for CE credit.
Description
Breaking the Mold: Confronting the Absence of Black Male Social Workers and Paving the Way for Change
The absence of Black male social workers is more than just a lack of representation; it is a significant loss to the communities that require them the most. Black boys, who are disproportionately affected by school discipline practices, the school-to-prison pipeline, and unmet mental health needs, frequently lack role models and advocates who share their lived experiences. This presentation examines the severe shortage of Black male social workers in K-12 schools, focusing on the role of social work education in addressing this disparity. It explores the systemic barriers that hinder the recruitment and retention of Black men in social work programs, the impact of social work curricula in preparing culturally responsive practitioners, and the broader implications for Black male students in educational settings.
This presentation investigates how social work education can catalyze change by developing pathways that support Black male students in pursuing social work careers and equipping all social workers with the competencies needed to serve Black male youth effectively. By examining the intersections of representation, education, and social work, this presentation highlights the urgent need to diversify the profession and advance culturally responsive, equity-focused solutions that better serve Black male students and their communities.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:
- Understand the systemic barriers contributing to the underrepresentation of Black male social workers in K-12 school settings.
- Identify evidence-based strategies to improve recruitment, retention, and support for Black males in the social work profession.
- Develop actionable steps for fostering culturally responsive practices and policies within educational and social work institutions.
Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing
Credit Hours: This session is not eligible for CE credit.
Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.
Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/22-9/29/25. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.
Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.
Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.
