Revealing counter-stories: racist encounters of Black social workers in the profession

This phenomenological pilot study investigates four Black clinical social workers’ interactions with colleagues and clients, revealing accounts of experienced and witnessed racism. Rooted in Black Feminist Thought, this study emphasizes the need to acknowledge the challenges endured by Black clinicians in an effort to foster a more inclusive understanding of the social work profession. The findings indicate Black social workers endure repeated emotional injuries as a result of race-related discriminatory practices and behaviors. Specifically, study participants share stories of the racially fraught incidents they were subjected to via direct contact with clients and colleagues or through organizational policies. Additionally, participants discuss the phenomenon of vicarious trauma that Black professionals experience when supporting Black clients. These findings are presented through Blackout poetry to integrate the use of erasure to transform existing texts into new works that highlight, critique, or challenge societal issues like power dynamics, censorship, and historical narratives, amplifying often marginalized voices. By centering Black perspectives and recognizing these voices as legitimate sources of knowledge, the researchers aim to amplify the narratives of Black social workers.