New Orleans Association of Black Social Workers 

NOABSW
NOABSW was created on November 12, 1973, in New Orleans, Louisiana by Millie Charles, Odessa Johnson, Richwell Ison, and B. M. Priestley a group of Black Social Workers. Those Black Social Workers ultimately became the founders of the New Orleans Association of Black Social Workers. This corporation is a non-profit corporation as defined in Section 201(7) of the “Non-profit Corporation Law” of the State of Louisiana and Section 501 C (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. in 1981, Dr. Morris F.X. Jeff, Jr. developed the Harambee Closing Ceremony for the annual conference in honor of our African culture and our brothers and sisters throughout the African Diaspora. Harambee is a Kiswahili word that translates as "pulling together” or "we all pull together.” In 1993, this closing ceremony was renamed the Morris F.X. Jeff Harambee Ceremony to honor his legacy and immeasurable contributions to NABSW. 

 

Purpose

To design and develop systems relevant to the needs of Black people. To work to the end that all minorities and poor people will have available the full spectrum of welfare and social services. 

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To help minorities and poor people overcome the effects of racism and poverty. To advocate the cause of minorities and poor people and engage in social planning and social action which will advance the welfare of minorities and poor people.

To achieve the maximum realization of the black and minority potential for a social, economic and political power base.

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To bring about a continuous evaluation of the performance of social workers, especially as they affect the black community.

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Mission 

The New Orleans Association of Black Social Workers, Inc. (NOABSW) comprised of people of African ancestry, is committed to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research. 

Our mission is to work to create a world in which people of African ancestry will live free from racial domination, economic exploitation, and cultural oppression. In collaboration with national, international, and other appropriate groups, NOABSW will continue to leverage its collective expertise to strategically develop the capacity of people of African ancestry to sustain and flourish.

 

 NOABSW’s vision is guided by the Principles of the Nguzo Saba, which are Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Our vision is also guided by the Seven Cardinal Virtues of Ma’at, which are Right, Truth, Justice, Order, Reciprocity, Balance, and Harmony. 

 

NOABSW is designed to promote the welfare, survival, and liberation of the Black Community; and to advocate for social change at the national, state, and local level. NOABSW is comprised of over 92 members, and over 3 university and college student chapters throughout the New Orleans area. Membership is available to persons of African ancestry who, regardless of profession, share similar concerns regarding health and welfare issues in the Black community.