Uncovering and Recovering Latinx Perspectives on Social Work History - a Latcrit (Latino critical race theory) Approach

Recentering & Democratizing Knowledge in social work research requires new lenses and approaches. In this roundtable we will initiate dialogue on how Latino critical race theory (LatCrit) can address significant gaps in social work history regarding Latinx/a/o experiences.

We will focus on how Latinx/a/o have been represented in social work historiography, what we know and don't know about Latinx/o/as; examples of ways in which social work and social workers have engaged in practices and policies that have impacted Latinx/a/o people; and examples of Latinx/a/o resistance to oppression, including their own systems of care and activism.

Our roundtable will involve three speakers, a discussant, and a discussion. Each speaker will share a particular perspective on this issue and will pose questions for our roundtable discussion.

Speaker one will present the LatCrit approach to a social work history. LatCrit is an interdisciplinary movement that brings together critical race theory (CRT) and Latino/a/x studies. It challenges traditional and conventional views that perpetuate inequality and marginalization of Latina/o/x communities and re-examines social systems to accurately reflect the complex diversity of Latinx/o/a experiences. LatCrit methods center social justice and activism with the goal of creating a more inclusive society of Latinx/o/as and other marginalized people.

The second speaker will discuss how social work narratives have framed social work history as a product of epistemic privilege. Social work and its history are defined from a white supremacist frame that includes organizing, credentialing and writing that has invisibilized Latinx/a/o contributions. Practices of mutual aid, the early promotoras, and social clubs engaged in work later codified as social work. CRT and LatCrt argue for a counter narrative that recognizes these broader roles of the profession. Existing narratives have not recognizes the contributions of Latinx/a/o individuals and institutions, such as the Wordon School and Aspira, that were developed by Latina/o/x to address community needs and perspectives.

Speaker three will discuss the Mexican American Movement (MAM) of the mid-20th century as an example of the complexity of uncovering and understanding this history. The MAM arose from Mexican Youth Conferences organized by the Los Angeles YMCA that were aimed at developing leadership in Mexican American communities. As participants in these conferences grew into adulthood they organized their own programs and conferences, published a newsletter, and founded their own organization. The MAM provides an example of how Mexican American youth "flipped the script" of the program from Americanization to community advocacy.

The presenters will then facilitate discussion with audience members regarding their interest in the roundtable, their knowledge of Latinx social work history, and future directions for this work. Making the invisible visible can dismantle harmful policies, practices, attitudes, and social norms in social work programs by supporting institutional and social arrangements that contribute to a robust and anti-racist professoriate.