Explain how you might address race when working with an African American client.

If you are African American, respond from your perspective of sharing the race of your client.

How might the ways in which you perceive, understand, or experience race affect your work with an African American client?

Respond to two colleagues:

· Explain how race affects access to services.

· Describe one social work skill that a colleague could use when working with diverse racial groups.

RESPONSE1

When working with an African American client, a social worker should be aware of racial/ethnic identity development and demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the possibility of tensions and conflicts (Sue et al., 2016). One of the most important things to remember when working with African American clients is to display cultural sensitivity and acknowledge that race or culture may play a role in the client’s problem that led them to seek help (Sue et al., 2016). It is essential for a social worker not to ignore culture and race and be a culture-blind professional (Sue et al., 2016). I am a 35-year-old white woman raised in a prominently white town. I was someone who was sheltered from the disparities that others faced. Over the past five years, I have worked with many diverse groups. This experience made me more competent and culturally sensitive when working with African Americans. Through education and surrounding myself with diverse populations, I can see the issues of racism, discrimination, and privilege. I want to become better informed, educated, and culturally competent to help clients of different races and ethnic backgrounds best. If I remain teachable, continue my education to become culturally competent, and live the NASW code of ethics; I will not have many issues with helping African Americans or other races and cultures.  

References

Sue, D. W., Rasheed, M. N., & Rasheed, J. M. (2016). Multicultural social work practice: A competency based approach to diversity and social justice (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

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