“I want this chapter to be a space where Black Social Workers can create community and support each other. ” - Founder Roxann Mascoll M.S., MSW, LICSW
Our Chapter covers from Cambridge Massachusetts , to Mount Washington Massachusetts
Land Acknowledgement
The Black Catalysts of Massachusetts acknowledges the land where we work, live, teach, learn, and build community has been a site of human activity for many years. This land is the territory of a number of Massachusetts tribes who have governed this land for hundreds of generations.
We recognize the repeated violations of sovereignty and territory perpetrated by invaders that have affected the original inhabitants of this land for hundreds of years. We extend our respect to citizens of these Nations, their ancestors, and to all Indigenous people. We also affirm that this acknowledgement is insufficient. It does not undo the harm that has been done and continues to be perpetrated now against Indigenous people, their land and water.
Massachusetts has two federally recognized tribes, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) of Massachusetts. The Nipmuc Nation tribe is recognized only on a state level. Below is a list of additional tribes of New England. This list may not be exhaustive due to colonial erasure or our own ignorance.
• Abenaki
• Micmac
• Maliseet
• Narragansett
• Passamaquoddy
• Pawtucket
• Pennacook
• Penobscot
• Pequot
Namesake
Per our affiliate NABSW constitution, this chapter has been named in accordance to its geographical location, therefore we will be known as MetroWest Massachusetts Association of Black Social Workers; our chosen name is MetroWest Massachusetts Black Catalysts. Herein we shall be referred to as the MetroWest Massachusetts Black Catalysts and operate exclusively for non-profit purposes.
‘Black Catalysts’ gives praise and remembrance of the original founders of the NABSW and the first national conference held the weekend, Aug. 30 - September 1st, 1968 hosted by the Chicago Catalysts at Lincoln Center, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, IL.
“Let us note here, for the sake of clarity, that the name N.A.B.S.W was not yet adopted as a permanent title, rather the group was sometimes referred to as the Association of Black Catalysts, a name suggested in Washington, DC by the group which planned the confrontation in San Francisco in May. The conference held in Chicago from August 30 to September 1, was hosted by the steering committee of T. George Silcott, William Robertson, Creige Beverly, Audreye
MISSION:The MetroWest Massachusetts Black Catalysts will recognize and uplift, Educate, and bring Joy to members of our community. We will do so by creating space for advocation, Webinars, and by promoting joy, health, wellness of social workers and mental health advocates of the African diaspora.
OBJECTIVES:To provide a structure and forum through which social workers, mental health advocates, and workers in related fields of social services who identify as descendants of the African diaspora can exchange ideas and offer service in the interest of the Massachusetts Black community.
To work in cooperation with, to support, develop, or collaborate in activities of social planning and social action, which will serve the interest of individuals, agencies, and groups serving the Massachusetts Black community, and the community at large.
Members will engage in understanding (through research) how the Black Social Work movement has played a role in forming our practice as Black social workers.
Members will collaborate with individuals, agencies and groups serving the Black community and will commit to volunteering/participating at a minimum of twice yearly.
Members will advance human rights, economic, and social justice for underserved communities of color by participating in community events and collaborating with community partners.
Members will celebrate the ways in which we are thriving as individuals in our chapter.