Voices of Impact: Amplifying HBCU Perspectives in Social Work Research

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have long served as bastions of academic excellence and community empowerment, while also conferring the highest number of doctoral degrees to Black individuals in the United States. However, despite the presence of over 70 social work Ph.D. programs nationwide, only five are housed within HBCUs. This roundtable seeks to illuminate the invaluable insights and experiences offered by HBCUs in the realm of social work research, addressing the disparity in representation and exploring avenues for enhanced engagement. This roundtable's dialogue will focus on strategies to elevate and integrate HBCU perspectives into the broader landscape of social work research. HBCUs possess unique strengths and perspectives rooted in their rich history and commitment to serving marginalized communities. Central to this conversation is the recognition of the Howard University's Black Perspective as a vital lens through which to address societal challenges. HBCUs have long been at the forefront of advocating for racial justice and equity, offering critical insights into the complexities of race, identity, and power dynamics within social work practice and research. By centering the Black Perspective, we aim to challenge conventional paradigms, confront systemic inequalities, and advance culturally responsive approaches to emerging social work scholarship. Furthermore, panelists will engage participants in discussion related to strategies to enhance HBCU engagement in research-driven spaces, recognizing the importance of collaborative partnerships and interdisciplinary exchange. HBCUs possess untapped potential as hubs of innovation and knowledge production, yet they often face barriers to participation and resource allocation. By fostering collaborative networks and identifying emerging topics of interest, the panelists hope to spark potential opportunities for HBCU scholars to contribute to the advancement of social work research.