African American Pioneers in the Social Work Community

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By: Jasmine Davis

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Happy Black History month! During the month of February in the
United States and some other countries, like Canada and the
United Kingdom observe this national holiday with us. In 1986,
President Ronald Reagan filed proclamation 5443 -- National Black
(Afro-American) History Month.

In the proclamation, Reagan (1986) stated:

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The foremost purpose of Black History Month is to make all
Americans aware of this struggle for freedom and equal
opportunity. It is also a time to celebrate the many
achievements of blacks in every field, from science and the
arts to politics and religion. It not only offers black Americans
an occasion to explore their heritage, but it also offers all
Americans an occasion and opportunity to gain a fuller
perspective of the contributions of black Americans to our
Nation. The American experience and character can never
be fully grasped until the knowledge of black history
assumes its rightful place in our schools and our scholarship.

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Who are some of the African American pioneers in the social work
community?

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Dr. George Edmund Haynes (1880-1960)

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Mr. Haynes become the first black graduate from New York
University school of Philanthropy and sociology scholar. He was
the co-founder of the National Urban League and made many
contributions to the black community and our world. Dr. Haynes
became interested in social problems affecting Black migrants
from the South. This interest led him to the New York School of
Philanthropy, from which he graduated in 1910. Two years later
he received a PhD from Columbia University.

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Mary Church Terrell (1863 – 1954)

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Ms. Terrell graduated from Oberlin in 1884 and was the first
African American woman to earn a college degree. Ms. Terrell was
passionate about combating the exclusion of woman from the
women’s rights movement and co-founded the National
Association of Colored Women. Ms. Terrel was a member of the
NAACP and fought for civil rights all throughout her life.

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Thyra J. Edwards (1897-1953)

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Ms. Edwards was an avid social worker who focused on
disadvantaged and at-risk populations, woman, and children.
According to Simmons EDU, “Edwards was one of the first Black
American civil rights advocates to turn her attention to the
struggles of Black people around the world. She advocated for
people of all races, nationalities, and ethnicities, and worked
internationally until her death in 1953.”

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Reference:
National Association of Social Workers Foundation . (n.d.). NASW
social workers pioneers bio index. Www.naswfoundation.org.
https://www.naswfoundation.org/Our-Work/NASW-Social-
Work-Pioneers/NASW-Social-Workers-Pioneers-Bio-Index/id/
676

Reagan, R. (n.d.). Proclamations, February 24, 1986. Ronald
Reagan.
https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/proclamation
s-february-24-1986
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Simmons EDU. (2015, February 19). Celebrating our heroes:
African American social service pioneers. SC-UMT.
https://online.simmons.edu/blog/celebrating-heroes-african-
american-social-service-pioneers/
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Univerisity of Southern California- Suzanne Dowrak Social of
Social Work. (n.d.). Honoring the african-american women
who have changed social work. USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck
School of Social Work.
https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/news/honoring-the-african-
american-women-who-have-changed-social-work

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