Revisioning Social Work: Strategies For Abolishing Anti-Black Racism in the Curriculum

Slavery, white supremacy, and anti-Black racism provide the historical context within social work’s legacy of participation in anti-Black racist initiatives such as eugenics, segregation, and discrimination. Most of the academic books and research in social work have been penned by white authors. Black authors and voices are noticeably lacking.

A systematic review addressing anti-Black racism in the social work curriculum reveals that anti-Black racism continues in the academy through the absence of frameworks to teach about internalized racial oppression; deficits found in management of student interactions on topics of race in the classroom; instructors’ limited knowledge on the topic; instructor restraint and discomfort teaching anti-racism; and a lack of social work research on the topic.

Conceptually, Critical Race Theory (CRT), Intersectionality, and Radical Love Theory can be used to provide a more potent student learning experience and dismantling of anti-Black racism in the social work curriculum. CRT provides the intellectual understanding of the systemic nature of anti-Black racism that is a permanent feature of our culture; Intersectionality identifies a person’s oppression and privileges; and, Radical Love provides the heart and the will to action. Radical Love helps to create liberatory spaces for discussions centering Black voices and experiences, and creates a student-centered approach.

Instructors are advised to start with Radical Love, sharing that mistakes will be made and welcoming feedback. An example of this conceptual model supporting “use of self” through language, critical inquiry, and positive disruption of mainstream practice will be provided.