The Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW) and the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) stand in solidarity with Muslim individuals, families, and communities against Islamophobia – and against the broader societal and political forces that incite and embolden it.
Our associations are horrified by the most recent targeted attack on 5 members of the Muslim community in London, Ontario and offer our deepest condolences to those impacted by this tragedy. We vehemently condemn not only this act of terror, but the Islamophobia – both blatant and covert – that underpinned this hateful act, and too many others.
As the horrific 2017 Quebec Mosque attack is still painfully fresh, this latest violence comes as part of a deeply troubling line of similar acts in our country.
While some may assign individual blame, the reality is that racism, prejudice, and white supremacy are deeply embedded in our society and in our politics: this was evident in 2015’s proposed ‘barbaric cultural practices’ hotline and the Zero Tolerance for Barbaric Cultural Practices Act, and it can be seen in small, everyday interactions that quietly kindle hate. We must remain vigilant against hatred however, and wherever, it appears.
Ours is the only profession that embeds the pursuit of social justice within everyday practice, with social workers at the forefront of many movements for human rights and against hatred throughout history.
ABSW and CASW remain committed to allyship, and to continuing the critical work of dismantling racism, hatred, and prejudice in all its forms, and echo calls from the Muslim community for justice and action.
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The Association of Black Social Workers’ key mission of the association is to act as support group and professional development resource for African Canadian workers. The ABSW provides a structure and forum through which Black Social Workers and workers in related fields can exchange ideas, offer services and develop programs in the interest of the Black Community and the community at large.
The Canadian Association of Social Workers is the national professional association for social work in Canada, with a dual mandate to support and promote the profession, and advance issues of social justice.
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Resources:
http://islamophobia-is.com/ : resources and educational tools
Naseeha mental health hotline for Muslim Youth: 12 PM – 12 AM, 7 days a week, 1-866-627-3342
https://www.ifssa.ca/counselling : Islamic Family and social Services Association resources
Beyond ‘good’ versus ‘bad’: understanding racism as more than hate crimes: Free webinar
