By Alma J. Carten, DSW
(February/March 2001)

Currents is the official voice of the Chapter. It tells the stories of New York City social workers and communicates to our stakeholders what it is we do, stand for and represent as a profession.

The issue is devoted, in part, to telling our story from a black perspective. Because it is published during months commemorating the achievements of blacks, women and social work, we also take this an opportunity to emphasize the unifying role of the Chapter and represent ours as a profession that gives voice to many whose aspirations are interrelated and integral to the mission of social work. In many ways, the story of social work since its inception has been the story of women helping women; and for nearly half a century, public policy stances of the National Association of Social Workers have affirmed the profession's commitment to supporting blacks in the struggle for economic and social justice.

Social workers of the African Diaspora in New York City, past and present, men and women, working exclusively in their own institutions and organizations or joining with whites who shared their aspirations for a City of opportunity for all New Yorkers, have made notable contributions to social work causes. Yet their stories have not been fully recorded in the public record, and in fact, remain largely untold. In focusing on members of African descent in leadership positions within the Chapter structure and New York City social welfare community, the issue increases our knowledge about the contributions of blacks past and present to the profession.

Today, the social work leadership in the black community is as fluid, diverse and complex as the ethnic groups, communities and constituencies it represents and causes it embraces. Social workers of African descent are found in many places in the City's public and private, formal and informal social welfare infrastructure, including ethnic associations that have emerged to meet the needs of new groups of blacks immigrating from the Carribean, Africa and South America.

Some chose to speak to the issues from their positions in mainstream organizations infusing a black perspective throughout the system. Others, following the example established by Cenie Williams, founder of the National Association of Black Social workers, whose name is synonymous with black social work, have spawned autonomous organizations enabling them to speak to the issues in a singular voice. There are those with great influence and access that enables them to take the cause to the corridors of power in City Hall and Albany. And those working in some of the City's poorest neighborhoods to reverse the effects of racism and discrimination on the lives of black clients, whose voices are barely heard, and who receive little or no recognition for their efforts from the public or their employing organizations.

The following words from Frederick Douglas to Sojourner Truth are as apt today as in 1868 when discussing social work in black communities:

This devotion to freedom remains a defining characteristic of social work practice in black communities. And although social workers of African descent are not monolithic, their similarities are found in the enduring commitment to children, families and community; the understanding that social welfare policies and economic policies are inseparable; and a professional ethos anchored in the traditions and values of a common cultural heritage of collectivism, self help, and caring.

As we celebrate our diversity, we should also be reminded of our common purpose that allows us to speak to our cause in one unified, harmonious voice, and dedicate ourselves to building a Chapter that is truly multi cultural and representative of the pluralism of New York City. I am honored to share this issue of Currents with colleagues of African descent whose contributions enhance our image and effectiveness as a profession as a whole, and especially proud to share the President's Column with Dr. James R. Dumpson, New York City's most preeminent social worker.