10th Annual Challenging Racism Conference Inspires Action, Reflection, and Hope

Nearly 600 social work practitioners, educators, and students gathered virtually on June 3 for Rutgers School of Social Work’s 10th Annual Challenging Racism Conference, a milestone event that underscores the School’s enduring commitment to advancing racial justice and equity through education, dialogue, and collective action.

Hosted by the Office of Continuing Education, this year's conference invited participants to move beyond reflection and engage in meaningful efforts to challenge racism in their professional practice, organizations, and communities. “Over the past decade, the Challenging Racism Conference has become a powerful forum for learning, reflection, and collective accountability,” said Dr. Douglas Behan, Director of the Office of Continuing Education. “We are proud to convene scholars, practitioners, and community leaders whose ideas inspire meaningful change and help build a more just future.”

The conference has grown into one of the School's signature events, providing a space for critical conversations about systemic inequities, social justice, and anti-racist practice. The 10th anniversary conference built upon that legacy, bringing together nationally recognized scholars, practitioners, and social work leaders for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.

The conference opened with a keynote address from Dr. Debora Ortega, whose presentation Hope, Hopelessness, and Joy: Living into Social Work Values challenged attendees to embrace social work's core values as a pathway toward transformative change. The conference also featured a keynote presentation from Dr. Ruha Benjamin, whose talk, DEEEEEP UNLEARNING: From Automated Inequality to Abundant Imagination, explored the ways emerging technologies can reinforce inequities while encouraging participants to imagine more just and equitable futures.

A highlight of the conference was a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Dr. Amml Hussein, Associate Teaching Professor at the School of Social Work. The panel brought together Dr. Ortega and Dr. Benjamin with Rutgers School of Social Work faculty members Dr. Durrell Washington and Mark Lamar for a wide-ranging conversation about anti-racist practice, leadership, and creating meaningful social change. Attendees repeatedly cited the panel as one of the most impactful aspects of the conference.

One attendee described it as transformative. "The panel discussion was one of the most profound, intelligent, and transformative conversations about how to make change that I've ever been privileged to witness," the attendee said. "Dr. Ortega brought such an embodied combination of humility and strength, along with her vision of hope, that I nearly wept with gratitude. She has a way of teaching that made me feel like she was speaking directly to me, saying what I needed to hear."

Participants praised the conference for fostering thoughtful dialogue and providing actionable insights that can be applied in practice. "It was a great conference full of critical analysis and constructive ideas for more relevant practice, especially as it relates to social justice," one attendee shared.

Another participant reflected on a discussion about the intersection of social work and systems of control and punishment. "One significant takeaway from the session was the importance of self-education, awareness, and acknowledgment of the carceral aspects of social work," the attendee said. "It was eye-opening to learn about how these elements can systemically imbalance access to resources and supportive services. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for practitioners to effectively advocate for and support those they serve. This awareness will undoubtedly influence my approach to social work practice moving forward."

In addition to providing participants with new knowledge and practical tools, the conference fostered a sense of community and collective purpose. "These get better every year," one attendee noted. "The energy around this conference was infectious today. My colleagues felt the same. There was something about the panelists' energy that gave me hope and strength. I feel better emotionally after having attended."

For many attendees, the conference served as both a source of inspiration and a reminder that meaningful change requires ongoing commitment. A decade after its founding, the Challenging Racism Conference continues to provide a vital forum for courageous conversations, critical reflection, and practical action, equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resolve needed to help build more just and equitable communities.