Association of Black Social Workers, Greater Los Angeles The Dr. Shirley Better Special Collection

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The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW-GLA) was founded in May 1968. Black social workers walked out of the National Conference on Social Welfare, held in San Francisco, California, in protest of their refusal to address issues meaningful to the Black community through activism; such as poverty, racism, police violence, equity, and access to education. A set of demands were made by Black Social Workers that included Black representation on the Executive Board of the National Conference on Social Welfare and Black involvement in setting the national agenda for the organization. These demands were denied and Black social workers walked out of the conference and established the National Association of Black Social Workers. Details of the founding of NABSW and its history are documented in two books written by one of the NABSW founders Garland Jaggers entitled “That Rare Moment in History Volume I & II”. Both books are included in the archive. In 2010, Patricia Reid-Merritt also authored a book entitled “Righteous Self Determination: The Black Social Work Movement in America.”

This virtual exhibit highlights significant events and accomplishments of ABSW-GLA through selected artifacts presented in a historical timeline. Three areas are also highlighted with accompanying documents and artifacts, including (1) Advocacy, Community Education, and Services; (2) Establishing a community-based residence and the Institute of Black Parenting, a non-profit adoptions agency; and (3) Supporting Professional Development through scholarships, conferences, and professional networking.

 

Association of Black Social Workers, Greater Los Angeles The Dr. Shirley Better Special Collection