Even as they continually confront racism and other forms of oppression, men of color in social work bring tremendous strength to their work and lives. This past Saturday, dozens of men of color and others invested in their success came together at the Silver School to center their unique contributions to the social work profession while naming and challenging structural forces that perpetuate inequities. The day-long Men of Color in Social Work Summit, which was open to people of all identities, featured keynotes, workshops and discussions focused on how men of color can leverage their strengths to empower themselves, each other, and their communities.
Tanner Williams, MSW ’24, who co-organized the event with Associate Director of Career Design and Social Work Readiness Sooah Kwak, said in welcoming remarks, “Our presenters’ voices hold power, your voices hold power and today, that power will make its presence known.”
In the opening keynote, Dean Michael A. Lindsey shared that in many ways, his career was shaped by the tragic circumstances of his first client when he was an MSW intern. “That work taught me that I wasn’t going to be able to ‘fix’ this individual, but what I can do is interrogate systems and structures that perpetuate where individuals find themselves on a day-to-day basis.”
An interactive session led by Kenton Kirby, MSW ’11, explored the impact of participants’ social and personal identities on their social work practice. Oluwatosin Akindele, MSW ’17, facilitated a workshop analyzing the systemic and structural factors that affect the well-being of communities of color, specifically men of color. Adjunct Lecturer Joshua Ware led a workshop on action-based methods to create and sustain community for men of color in social work. Robert Aviles, MSW ’22/DSW ’27, facilitated a discussion of how men of color in social work can leverage their individual and collective power. Panelists Kelsey Louie, MSW ’01, Daniel Tanh, MSW ’13, and Tanner Williams shared their experiences as men of color in social work and provided insights on self-care, empowering self and others, visioning for the future, and structural transformation. The event closed with a keynote by DSW Program Director Kirk “Jae” James reflecting on the day’s themes and the importance of men of color bringing their authentic selves to the work.
Many thanks to Tanner, Sooah and all of the summit presenters and participants!
