NASW-Illinois Chapter Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Committee (NASW-IL DEIAB)
Sonya Massey is gone. The ache of “why” that accompanies grief has been heard from her loved ones and is echoed by our community. Excessive police force resulting in death is a common occurrence for the historically oppressed and marginalized. Mapping Police Violence data shows that in Illinois, Black people are 6.7 times more likely than whites to be killed by police. Still, our cry is no ordinary why—this is no ordinary grief. While the murder of Sonya Massey is current, the white supremacist programming that often leads to such violence has been a part of America for over 400 years. The systemic problems responsible for tragedies like the murder of Sonya Massey have been interrogated across and within the profession of social work, including efforts to dismantle racism and address the mental health crisis.
What we are witnessing is an element of blatant disregard for the humanity of individuals who do not fit white standards of being. It is a crisis of white privilege, and it must be confronted. While the social work profession’s fight for social justice remains resolute, we must come together across sectors throughout the country with action to end cyclical tragedies such as these. We cannot afford to continue this level of disregard for human life. We must confront the problem with the same forward-moving, direct, vehement, and unyielding force as the bullet that ended Massey’s life. The time is now. Now is the time to implement co-responder models, such as Treatment Not Trauma, to address mental health needs of individuals in crisis, and also create a layer of protection for those whose lives have consistently been devalued based on years of racial oppression and violence. Now is the time to create policies that include extensive training, background checks, and accountability measures for police districts across the country. Above all, now is the time for us to hold ourselves and one another accountable to doing what we can to end police violence. Without this, we cannot attain social justice, and death by power persists. To the loved ones of Sonya Massey, you have our thoughts, our prayers, and our action.
The NASW-Illinois Chapter demands a call of action for the federal government to reintroduce the George Floyd Policing Act, and that all members of Congress pass this important legislation in solidarity to enact national standards for policing and dismantle the culture of police injustice.
Additional Resources:
The NASW-Illinois Chapter Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Committee (NASW-IL DEIAB) works to promote the NASW programs and efforts that encourage awareness, respect, and appreciation of diversity in the social work profession and our society. Its particular focus includes race and ethnic diversity, social justice, women advancement, and sexual orientation (LGBTTQQIAAP) issues.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with over 120,000 members. The NASW-Illinois Chapter is one of the association's largest chapters representing over 20.000 licensed Illinois social workers and school social workers, with over 5,000 active members. NASW strives to advance social work careers, grow social work businesses, and protect the profession.
Comments