Still Fighting for Change: Black Social Workers in Canada

“These women have had to overcome many struggles to survive and succeed, and the struggle and journey continues. As you read each story, and the story of ABSW, we invite you to imagine the struggle, then imagine the resistance, and finally, imagine what you can do to join the fight for change.”

In their own words, the twenty authors create a conversation with the reader about the Black social workers in Canada who have struggled to bring change not for themselves, but for their communities. This volume contains stories of social workers breaking barriers as they fight for changes to improve the system and enhance the lives of those they serve. There are also stories by members of the Association of Black Social Workers speaking frankly about the struggles they have encountered to become who they are.

Included are stories of foster care, adoption, immigration, disability, poverty and how social workers deal with the everyday racism in education and in their practice. Grounded in Afrocentric theory, these writers invite readers to think critically about their experiences, their journeys and the lessons learned to help others become more involved in the struggle for change.

The contributors to Still Fighting for Change share their experiences of oppression, racism, and struggle, interwoven with their acts of courage, tenacity, resilience, resistance, and ultimately change and empowerment. Finally, the book ends with reflection on critical hope and spirituality as a possible way forward for the next leg of the journey.