Reflections from the Guest Editors: Navigating Change in a Time of Uncertainty

Authors

  • Kenya C. Jones Clark Atlanta University
  • Anthony T. Estreet National Association of Social Workers
  • James T. Freeman Johnson C. Smith University

Keywords:

collective care, resistance and resiliency, cultural responsiveness, ethical practice

Abstract

This first Issue in the Special Series affirms that helping professionals cannot remain neutral during periods of social and political upheaval. Instead, the reflections gathered here demonstrate the need for justice‑centered, culturally responsive, ethically grounded, and action‑oriented practice that responds directly to the realities shaping marginalized communities and the professionals who serve alongside them. Through narratives of advocacy, resistance, healing, leadership, education, and community engagement, readers are invited to reflect on the responsibilities of helping work during divisive times and to consider how advocacy, ethics, and collective care remain central to professional practice.

Author Biographies

Kenya C. Jones, Clark Atlanta University

Kenya C. Jones, PhD, LMSW (she/her) is Associate Professor, MSW Department, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA (404-880-8093, kjones1@cau.edu, linkedin.com/in/drkenyacjoneslmsw).

Anthony T. Estreet, National Association of Social Workers

Anthony T. Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C (he/him) is Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Washington, DC (naswceo@socialworkers.org, linkedin.com/in/anthonyestreetphd).

James T. Freeman, Johnson C. Smith University

James T. Freeman, PhD, MBA, LCSW (he/him) is Associate Professor, MSW Department, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC (jtfreeman@jcsu.edu, linkedin.com/in/dr-james-freeman-0126412).

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Published

2026-07-30

How to Cite

Jones, K. C., Estreet, A. T., & Freeman, J. T. (2026). Reflections from the Guest Editors: Navigating Change in a Time of Uncertainty. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 32(2), 6–12. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2410