Dedication to the Social Work Profession: Gilda Cobb-Hunter and Her Service
by Janaesia Floyd, Anna Grace McLaughlin, Hannah Pringle, and Farrell Wright
Gilda Cobb-Hunter, from Orangeburg County, was the first African American woman to be elected to the South Carolina State House of Representatives. Furthermore, she is the longest-serving House member, the longest-serving African American ever in the history of the South Carolina House, as well as its longest-serving female - and most importantly, a social worker. Cobb-Hunter has championed Earned-Income Tax Credits legislation to support families with low- to moderate-incomes. Cobb-Hunter is inspiring to many in more ways than one. As a social worker, she has humbly paved the way for other social workers who strive to make changes in a government setting.
Cobb-Hunter has shown others the importance of building a bridge between social work and policy. We, as students and future MSW practitioners, tend to shy away from any policy-related practice simply because policy is intimidating. Knowing that there is a social worker in state office is inspiring for us to not be afraid to tackle politics. Ultimately, the work we do is restricted by legislation. It is empowering to know there is a social worker advocating for the rights of others from a higher position of power. Cobb-Hunter states, “I’m all about making a difference for people” (Gleaton, 2018, para. 26).
Cobb-Hunter has made a difference in the lives of South Carolina citizens through advocating for legislation that supports social and economic justice for all. She has made a difference in our lives by embodying social work’s core values of social justice and the importance of human relationships. Cobb-Hunter’s dedication to making a difference, whether or not she receives credit, exemplifies a dedication to positive change for vulnerable or oppressed populations. She empathizes with those who are struggling. With her focus on the importance of relationships, in the political sphere and in her community, Cobb-Hunter guides others to see the change that collaboration can make in the profession of social work. Personally, as social work students in the process of obtaining our Master’s degrees, Cobb-Hunter has had an impact on us. As a group composed of African American individuals and women, Cobb-Hunter has shown us the intersectionality of being part of a vulnerable population while also working as a social worker in a position of political power. Despite her own vulnerability, Cobb-Hunter says, “I see myself as a voice for those who have no voice” (Gleaton, 2018, para. 33). This quote in and of itself is empowering for us to hear, as it displays Cobb-Hunter’s determination and unwillingness to back down. We hope to take Representative Cobb-Hunter’s selflessness and her dedication to the profession into our future careers.
Reference
Gleaton, D. (2018). Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter talks about her legislative career. https://thetandd.com/news/local/rep-gilda-cobb-hunter-talks-about-her-legislative-career/article_aba9962f-88f1-50d3-9b0e-6b8ccfc8dcfc.html
Janaesia Floyd earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is now continuing her education as a Master’s student in social work at Winthrop University. Ms. Floyd has been offered a part-time position at her current field placement, Anuvia Prevention and Recovery.
Anna Grace Mclaughlin received her Bachelor’s in Social Work in December 2018 from Winthrop University and is currently set to receive her Master’s in Social Work from Winthrop University in May 2020. Anna Grace is planning to pursue her clinical license in South Carolina immediately after graduation.
Hannah Pringle graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor’s in Social Work in December 2018 and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work from Winthrop University. She is interning at the City of Rock Hill Grants Division and hopes to do macro social work after graduation.
Farrell Wright graduated cum laude with his Bachelor’s in Social Work in May 2019 at Winthrop University and is pursuing his Master’s in Social Work at Winthrop University. Farrell is the 2019 SC-NASW BSW Student of the Year, and currently works in a psychiatric residential treatment facility.