African American social work pioneers' response to need

This article discusses the fundamental values and principles that guided African American social work practice at the beginning of the century. The elements and dimensions that were a significant part of this practice repertoire are also discussed. As African Americans claimed their place among social work pioneers, the primacy of their mission improved the collective social functioning of their communities. For these pioneers social work was both "cause and function." Their legacy is a strength-based practice model on which contemporary scholars and practitioners can build.