Nia Buckley is a fierce social justice advocate and lover of people. She is a military veteran and licensed social worker with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Arizona State University, a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Houston, and a current Doctoral Candidate at the University of Kentucky. Nia holds multiple positions, including antiracism behavioral and organizational change coach, facilitator, strategist at Full Circle Strategies, and hospice social worker. Her research focus is on combating anti-Black racism through behavioral and organizational transformation. Nia's lived experience as a biracial (Black/White) person in a society rooted in white supremacy guides her capstone of addressing anti-Black racism directly. In 2022, she co-presented with Dr. B. Pitts at the 18th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, titled "Reducing Harm for Multiracial Individuals in Therapy." Nia delivered a presentation at the 3rd Annual Interdisciplinary Antiracism Symposium at Sacred Heart University, entitled "Anti-Black Racism: A Barrier to Anti-Racist Implementation in Social Work." In her capstone research presentation, "Love Black People Like You Love Black Culture: Addressing The Crisis of AntiBlack Racism," Nia emphasizes the necessity of moving beyond the monolithic idea of racism, which encompasses the racial experiences of all non-white individuals. She argues that there is a significant distinction in racial experiences between Black-presenting individuals and non-Black-presenting marginalized people. Her research will aid in developing multidisciplinary solutions to eradicate the violent and enduring prevalence of anti-Black racism and recognize it as a public health concern explicitly.
DSW Showcase Student Presentation
Nia Buckley
LMSW, DSW Candidate
Love Black People Like You Love Black Culture: Addressing the Crisis of Anti-Black Racism Through Anti-Racist Behavioral and Organizational Change
Concentration - Administrative Leadership
- Tuesday, April 29, 2025 -
- 10:30 am
Abstract
Anti-Black racism persists as a predominant form of discrimination and oppression endured by communities across America. Racism of this kind has deep historical roots in the transatlantic slave trade, which brought millions of Black/ African people to the Americas as property. This dehumanizing system ultimately established the framework for the perpetuation of violent racial disparities, segregation, and prejudice. Anti-Black racism is ingrained in all institutions, including education, physical and mental healthcare, housing, finance, the criminal justice system, and the workplace. This system functions in ethics that disproportionately disadvantage Black folx, whether through biased policy, inequitable treatment, or restricted access to resources. This ideology also influences intrapersonal, interpersonal, social, and familial manifestations of anti-Black racism, colorism, and anti-Blackness. The presentation aims to highlight the need to recognize anti-Black racism as a distinct issue rather than amalgamating it under the general category of racism, as this specific kind of racism is not experienced by non-Black individuals, including other non-Black marginalized groups. Participants will acquire knowledge of the ongoing impact of anti-Black racism on Black folx and communities and will also explore an anti-racist
behavioral change approach rooted in Black Critical Theory and Relational Cultural Theory. This presentation urges social workers and the collective to boldly confront and address anti-Black racism and foster enduring societal transformation via discussion, curiosity, and a call to action.