Eliminate Racism
Racism permeates American society, and eliminating racism is inextricably linked to the work of each of
the Grand Challenges for Social Work (GCSW). Indeed, the GCSW had previously developed a statement of
Vision, Mission, Domain, Guiding Principles, and Guideposts to Action that clarified that "the commitment
to ending racism and other injustices is fundamental throughout the Grand Challenges." However, this
statement was not strong or specific enough to express the GCSW's commitment to eliminate the scourge
of historic and structural racism.
In this context, the Grand Challenge to Eliminate Racism was established in 2020 - a year in which the
nation and the world's attention was once again focused on racial injustice and ending systemic violence
and oppression against Black people. It recognizes that the United States is built on a legacy of racism
and white supremacy that has consistently and significantly affected the daily lives of millions of people.
It acknowledges that today, racist policies, bias, and discriminatory practices continue to promote racial
inequality in myriad ways. In response, the Eliminate Racism network will identify evidence and practicebased interventions that take on discrimination in all its forms
and redress racism's most dangerous
and negative effects on the health and well-being of our country by joining the national efforts to
build anti-racist systems, policies, and communities. We encourage all to share how you are working to
#EliminateRacism so that we may work together to tackle this Grand Challenge.