Charlotte, N.C. / June 29, 2021 -ÌýDr. Judith D. Crocker Billingsley, assistant professor of Social Work,Ìýwill be a panelist for theÌýJuly 15 - 16. For the first time, the event will be virtual. Besides her, the conference features other acclaimed social justice advocates includingÌýUS Congresswoman Cori Bush,ÌýMelissa Harris-Perry, andÌýDr. Marc Lamont Hill.Ìý
"To say that I am honored to be a speaker is an understatement. My interest in social workers in the United States Congress began during several conversations with my mentor, social work pioneer, former Congressman Ed Towns," saidÌýCrocker Billingsley.
Crocker Billingsley's panel, "The Future of Democracy," will highlight the impact of Black social workers on social legislation and their work on Capitol Hill.Ìý
"[The panel] will help demystify the public’s negative perception of social work as a profession due to the unrestricted use of the title 'social worker' caused by paraprofessionals including technicians and social service aides, whose job qualifications have derived from life experiences or from educational backgrounds in fields other than social work and are labeled as social workers with professionally trained individuals with a BSW or MSW degree.
The session will serve as platform to encourage political advocacy by challenging social workers to run for elected positions at all levels of government and for accredited schools of social work to place students in congressional internships.Ìý
