This Black History Month, Huckleberry House honors Black pioneers in social work, counseling, and human services who have shaped policies and advocacy efforts supporting vulnerable communities, including youth experiencing homelessness. We know our work at Huckleberry House stands on the shoulders of those who came before us. Their legacy aligns with our values of advocacy, solace, authenticity, compassion, and impact, which guide our work in supporting young people.
Trailblazers in Social Work and Human Services
Dr. Dorothy I. Height (1912–2010)
Often called the “godmother of the civil rights movement,” Dr. Dorothy Height spent decades advocating for racial and gender equality. As president of the National Council of Negro Women for over 40 years, she played a crucial role in the fight for desegregation and voting rights, shaping policies that impact marginalized communities today. Her dedication to advocacy and impact mirrors the work of our Youth Outreach Program, which connects young people with vital resources and support.
George Edmund Haynes (1880–1960)
The first Black person to earn a Ph.D. from Columbia University, George Edmund Haynes, co-founded the National Urban League, dedicated to economic and social justice for Black Americans. As director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Division of Negro Economics, he fought for fair employment and better working conditions, inspiring efforts to address poverty and housing insecurity. His commitment to solace and advocacy aligns with our Housing Programs, ensuring young people experiencing homelessness find stability and long-term solutions.
Whitney M. Young Jr. (1921–1971)
Whitney Young, a social worker and civil rights leader, worked to eradicate poverty and promote equal opportunity. As executive director of the National Urban League, he advocated for fair wages, employment opportunities, and social welfare policies, bridging the gap between business leaders and marginalized communities. His work reflects the impact and authenticity we strive for in our Teen Crisis Program, ensuring teens have immediate support and a safe place to turn.
Barbara Solomon (b. 20th century)
Dr. Barbara Solomon is known for her pioneering work in social work education and research on challenges faced by Black families. Her efforts in advancing culturally competent approaches in counseling and addressing racial disparities in mental health care have had a lasting impact on the field. Her commitment to compassion and authenticity aligns with our Counseling Center, which provides mental health support tailored to young people’s and their families’ unique needs.
The Continued Fight for Equity
These leaders have shaped social work and human services fields, creating pathways for justice and systemic change. Their work inspires organizations like Huckleberry House as we advocate for youth navigating crises, homelessness, and family struggles.
While we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize that youth homelessness disproportionately affects Black communities due to systemic barriers like generational poverty and lack of access to stable housing. By building a foundation together, we can honor these pioneers and work toward a future where every young person has the support they need to thrive.
Join us in celebrating Black history—not just this month, but every day.
Sources:
Dr. Dorothy I. Height | National Women’s History Museum and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
George Edmund Haynes | Social Welfare History Project and BlackPast.org
Whitney M. Young Jr. | National Urban League and The King Institute at Stanford
Barbara Solomon | USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and “Black Empowerment: Social Work in Oppressed Communities” by Barbara Solomon (Book)
