Special Call on Navigating Change: Reflective Insights for Helping Professionals in Shifting Political Landscapes
The political landscape of the United States continues to face unprecedented challenges in recent years, characterized by divisive rhetoric, heightened racial and social tensions, public health crises, and a deepening struggle for justice. These challenges—consisting of systemic racism, immigration disputes, healthcare inequities, police brutality, and threats to voting rights— profoundly affect the work of various helping professionals who work at the forefront of advocacy, intervention, and systemic change. As social work educators and practitioners at HBCUs, we draw upon our previous work in HBCUs Respond: Social Justice and Social Work Education in a Trump Era (2017, Estreet; Jones; and Freeman) to expand our exploration of social work’s role in these turbulent times.
In this turbulent context, helping professionals—including social workers, public health practitioners, healthcare administrators, legal advocates, educators, and community organizers—play pivotal roles in addressing the root causes of inequality, advocating for human rights, and promoting justice. As we continue to confront ongoing struggles for racial equity, reproductive rights, and protections for marginalized populations, this special section offers a platform to reflect on the resilience, innovation, and advocacy needed to navigate these shifting political landscapes.
This issue invites narratives that capture the complexities of working in politically charged environments where policies often worsen the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities. By reflecting on sharing these experiences, we aim to illuminate the collective strength and diverse approaches of helping professionals committed to justice and equity. By working collaboratively, these diverse professions amplify their impact, creating more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to systemic inequities
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