OASW Celebrates Black History

February 1, 2023

On this first day of Black History Month, OASW is signaling the importance of celebrating the diverse accomplishments of Black individuals, communities, and social workers across Ontario. We are proud to continue to have critical conversations about systemic racism and re-thinking, reflecting, and re-building to better serve our communities and members. As we fill our calendars with educational opportunities and supportive and celebratory events and actions, we reflect on the significant history, vibrancy, and resilience of Black communities.

OASW acknowledges Canada’s inequity and discrimination towards Black Canadians, both past and present, and that despite this, Black Canadians continue to contribute to and enrich society. As an Association, we have committed to equity integration, including training our staff and board on anti-Black racism, delivering ongoing learning opportunities to our members, and ensuring that the diverse voices of Black social workers are reflected at all levels of the Association. We continue to critically reflect on our work and how we can engage in meaningful action to disrupt and resist anti-Black racism.

While this month can serve as a reminder to learn and to celebrate, it is also an opportunity to commit to dismantling anti-Black racism. This work must go beyond the shortest month of the year. We must turn intention into action every day.

We look forward to celebrating, learning, and making an impact with you.

 

Celebrate, Learn and Reflect:

 


About OASW
OASW is the voice of social work in Ontario. It is a voluntary, bilingual, non-profit association representing approximately 8,500 social workers. All members have a university degree in social work at the bachelor, master or doctoral level. OASW works to actively speak on behalf of social workers on issues of interest to the profession and advocates for the improvement of social policies and programs directly affecting social work practice and client groups served.