February 2, 2026 - The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is proud to announce, in collaboration with the National Africentric Social Work Circles, the establishment of two new national initiatives that recognize excellence and leadership in Africentric social work practice.
These initiatives align with CASW’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the report, Reparations for Social Workers of African Descent, including strengthening Africentric social work education, advancing professional development on anti-Black racism, and recognizing excellence through awards and scholarships.
Over the past year, CASW has worked closely with the National Africentric Social Work Circle Steering Committee to develop the criteria and selection processes for a national Africentric Social Work award and two student leadership scholarships. This collaborative effort has led to the creation of The Honourable Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard Legacy in Africentric Social Work Award, to be presented every two years, and the National Africentric Social Work Circle Student Leadership Scholarships, to be awarded annually.
These inaugural awards will be presented during Black History Month, beginning in February 2027. Application details and submission deadlines for the awards will be shared by CASW and the National Africentric Social Work Circles in the coming months.
“Black social workers have been at the forefront of advancing social justice in Canada for generations—often leading change in the face of systemic barriers,” states Barbara Whitenect, CASW President. “This award and scholarship honour that legacy while investing in the leadership of today and tomorrow. They also represent a step forward in our ongoing implementation of the recommendations from the Reparations report, reaffirming CASW’s commitment to addressing systemic anti-Black racism and strengthening the profession through recognition, education, and partnership.”