NASW-Michigan Celebrates Juneteenth 2023

Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

The observance of Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African Americans – from a horrific period of sanctioned enslavement and “ with the principles of self-determination, citizenship, and democracy magnifying their hopes and dreams,” enslaved folx “held fast to the promise of true liberty for all.” It is a story of pride, resilience and determination that will always be of historical and spiritual importance. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

It is important we recommit to doing our part in making our profession and our larger society an anti-racism place committed to dismantling the systems of oppression that continue to exist for Black Americans. It is in the NASW Code of Ethics to actively advocate for social justice.

Join NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet tomorrow, Tuesday, June 20th at 6 pm ET as he hosts “Licensing to Liberation: A Juneteenth Discussion,” during a special NASW Facebook Live Event! Guests include, National Association of Black Social Workers President Melissa Haley, MSW, LCSW, and Richmond, Virginia therapist Daryl Fraser, MSW, LCSW.

Learn more about Juneteenth at https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth

Where to Celebrate Juneteenth 2023 Across Michigan

NASW-Michigan Anti-Racist Principles

We believe:

- Being anti-racist doesn’t mean simply “not being racist.” Anti-racism is an active state of being.

- Social work is an institution rooted in racism. We must critically examine all areas of the social work profession in order to deconstruct them and reinforce anti-racist practices.

- To achieve structural justice, we must act as a part of a larger anti-racist movement and practice, and apply these values both inside our organization and externally with key partners and members.

- We must take action to increase representation of marginalized communities in our professional work. Racial diversity strengthens our organization and the work we do on behalf of those we serve.

- Our work must be rooted in addressing structural racism and its impact on us and those we serve.

- Failure to address policies and procedures that continue to drive racial inequities is a form of racism.

Want to get involved in NASW-Michigan’s anti-racism efforts?

Learn about NASW-Michigan's Social Justice & Anti-Racism Committee here: https://www.nasw-michigan.org/page/SocialJusticeAntiRacismCommittee