Michigan Social Work’s New Leaders in African-Centered Social Work (NLACSW) Scholars Program is designed to help MSW students develop the skills and training necessary to build culturally-responsive social work practices in and with Black/African American communities. The program was inspired by Michigan Social Work’s 30-year affiliation with the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), which began with the late Howard V. Brabson, a former president of NABSW and Associate Professor Emeritus of Social Work.
In 2015, Associate Professor Emerita of Social Work Leslie Hollingsworth looked to build on this legacy by creating a course of study that is culturally specific and affirmative. “We work to serve from a place of understanding,” says Admissions Coordinator Nyshourn Price. “The more you have a background and history of a people, the better you can give and serve.”
Each year, the NLACSW program accepts a cohort of eight students who are dedicated to working within these communities. Students can choose from all pathways. “Anyone interested in working with Black/African American communities is welcome in this program, and anyone working within these fields should have a culturally rich toolbox - we want to give you the tools,” says Price.
The program receives support and guidance from an active community board; monthly cohort meetings and special events enrich students’ experience. In October of 2018, the program hosted a two-day visit from Dr. Aminifu Harvey, a pioneer in bringing Africentric theory to the field of social work. His visit included a reception, small dinner and public discussion, where he used traditional methods such as storytelling to discuss the history, legacy and descendancy of the diverse cultural issues affecting Black/African-American communities through a social work lens.