Struggle for Freedom: Remembering History of Social Injustices for a Better Future

While social work education takes pride in a radical past, the profession rarely links this past to current day social work practice in a critical way. This paper will look at multiple social work concerns that will be investigated through a cultural history lens by discussing the oppression of various groups of people from a certain social movements, federal laws, or events. The Black Panther movement, Anti-psychiatry movement, Anti immigration policy in World War II, and the debate within social work to protect profession status or to be politically radical will be used as examples of fights for freedom. Looking back at these social justice concerns over time is helpful in giving a needed historic context to macro social work practice today. Panel participants found it helpful to look at the strengths and the challenges of social work practice over time as a way to thoughtfully approach social justice action today. Historical context helps social work remember that the struggle for freedom is an ongoing one. In addition, the panel participants learned the importance of not only advocating for oppressed and vulnerable groups, but also educating those who may not be knowledgeable about the oppression and discrimination that is happening.