Work underway to recruit more Black male social workers
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Many times in the past two and a half years, we’ve talked about how mental health needs have exacerbated by the pandemic. That also means more work for social workers.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all work. There is a need, but a lack of Black male social workers.
The number of Black male students who graduated in 2019 and 2020 with degrees in social work was extremely low – roughly 2%. Why are those numbers so low?
The numbers are low for a number of reasons. The first one is opportunity. When you don’t see someone like yourself in a profession, it can be harder to see yourself in that profession.
Money is also a factor and the cost can be prohibitive.
The number of Black male social workers is very low. Gregory Owens has been one for 40 years, and has some ideas on how to increase those numbers.
Finally, for many in the Black community, the field of social work has a negative connotation.
At 6 p.m. Tuesday, there will be a webinar – and a panel discussion on the issue with the hope of raising awareness.
Hear from one Black social worker who’s been in the profession for 40 years, and what he says needs to be done to change the numbers by watching the video of Elaine Houston’s story.