A U.S. Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Social Work's Role in Racial Healing

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Public Policy
• Racial Justice Studies

Background:

• The legacy of slavery and systemic racism in the U.S. has caused profound historical trauma.
• Acknowledging this trauma is a crucial step toward achieving racial justice and social transformation.
• Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs) offer a framework for addressing such historical injustices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential function and impact of a U.S. Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
• To connect TRC principles and functions with social work practices and theories.
• To provide insights into the practical application of TRCs in the U.S. context.

Main Methods:

• Defining TRCs and their theoretical underpinnings in restorative justice.
• Analyzing core TRC functions: truth seeking, reconciliation, education, and engagement.
• Examining related concepts: healing, accountability, and reparations.
• Drawing lessons from global TRC experiences and U.S. local precedents.

Main Results:

• TRCs can facilitate a national reckoning with historical trauma stemming from slavery and racism.
• TRC functions align with social work principles like human rights, trauma-informed care, and community practice.
• Global and local examples offer valuable insights for establishing a U.S. TRC.

Conclusions:

• A U.S. TRC holds significant potential for advancing racial justice.
• Social workers should advocate for the establishment and implementation of a U.S. TRC.
• Understanding TRC mechanisms and limitations is key to their effective application.