Afrocentric Knowledge Within the Context of Social Work Education and Practice

Abstract

Our poster examines the results of a scoping literature review and seminal works search related to the existing knowledge on the inclusion of Afrocentric paradigms within Social Work and African/Black studies disciplines. It presents the firsthand findings about identity development and Africanness related to knowledge gathered through an ongoing research project on Afrocentricity and Social Work. Our poster’s purpose is to highlight the necessity to implement the recommendation of the United Nations People of African Descent decade which is a concrete inclusion of Afrocentric education within Social Work discipline in particular, and in higher education. It uplifts People of African descent’ contributions to sciences and community well-being over centuries of a true world history. As two first-generation African Canadian graduate students, this study allowed us to explore the spaces we occupy within graduate studies focused on Eurocentric frameworks. Our poster, therefore, discusses the intersecting identities that have shaped our lives, by allowing us to dissect the theories and empirical evidence surrounding Afrocentricity and Social Work.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Somnoma Valerie Ouedraogo