OU Social Work Department Hosts “Black Expo”

On April 3, 2009 the Department of Social Work hosted the first Black Expo event.

One way to enhance student learning about the strengths, challenges and effective intervention methods for the Black Diaspora is through the creation of a venue in which the community can learn about important issues facing the Black community.  This was accomplished through the development of a “Black Perspectives Expo” (BPE), which was held at Oakwood on Friday, April 3, 2009, in the Ashby Auditorium.  The BPE consisted of a public composition of various disciplines (i.e. healthcare, human sexuality issues, education, business, housing, and social work), gathered together to showcase challenges, strengths, opportunities within the Black community.

One of the goals of the Department of Social Work is to develop the knowledge base of the unique historical strengths and challenges of the Black Diaspora, and develop effective practice strategies that can be implemented at various levels by generalist social workers.  Oakwood is one of 103 Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs) that were established to serve the needs of the Black community.  The Department of Social Work at Oakwood University has consistently supported this goal, by providing learning opportunities in which students can learn more about black issues both in the classroom and the field education learning environment.

The Black Perspectives Expo event was open to the community at-large as well as the Oakwood family.  Special thanks to all the Business, Nursing and Physical Education Departments, Oakwood University student clubs, community business sponsors, social service agencies and Social Work seniors who made this event possible.

George Ashley, Ph.D., Chair
Department of Social Work