Click here for the Leadership Lessons from Whitney M. Young, Jr. Teaching Guide

The Whitney Moore Young Film and Leadership Development Project, made possible in part, by grants from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is an opportunity to teach students about Whitney Young and his unique leadership philosophy. The project seeks to develop leadership skills among social work students to carry out Young’s philosophy of equality and social justice. NASW and the NASW Foundation are pleased to support this project. Whitney Young is a social work role model whose legacy can provide a stronger understanding of the concepts of peace, justice and equality at a time when these are vital for societal success.

At the heart of the project is the film “The Power Broker: Leadership Lessons from Whitney M. Young, Jr. ” produced by Bonnie Boswell, an award-winning journalist and the niece of Whitney Young. Boswell was also a student activist involved with the Black Power movement during the 1960s, often questioning Young’s strategies of negotiation. NASW staff in partnership with The Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) have collaborated with Ms. Boswell to develop this teaching guide to help social work faculty focus on developing social work leadership. Using the guide, faculty can provide students with an understanding of Young’s philosophy of social justice and his ability to use social work strategies to achieve his goals.