President’s message

Leadership is not simply about holding a title; it is about service, sacrifice, and vision. As President of CABSW, I am honored to stand on the shoulders of those who came before me and to walk alongside the next generation of Black social workers. Together, we continue our mission to uplift our community, strengthen our families, and advance justice.

I invite you to not only witness the work of CABSW but to become part of it. Whether through serving on a committee, mentoring students, or lending your voice to advocacy efforts, your involvement makes our chapter stronger. We need committed hands and passionate hearts to carry this work forward. Join us in ensuring that our legacy of leadership and service continues for generations to come.

Antanet Roberts, LCSW, President

Our Executive Board 2024-2026

Executive Committee

Antanet C. Roberts

MSW, LCSW President

Mrs. Cathy Smith Gilham

LCSW, Vice President

Franann A. Frempong LSW

Recording Secretary

Maxine Miller

Financial Secretary

Dr. Deborah Perkins

Treasurer

Past Presidents

We honor the legacy of those who came before us. Their leadership paved the way for our continued advocacy and community impact.

Antanet Roberts

Current President

(2024-Current)

Dr. Tiffany Johnson

Past President

(2020-2024)

Dr. Randy Sadler

Past President

(2016-2020)

Jataun Rollins

Past President

(2012-2016)

Audrena Spence

Past President

(2008-2012)

Carol Winn

Past President

(2007-2008)

Dian Powell

Past President

(2003-2007)

Annetta Wilson

Past President

(1999-2003)

Johnny White

Past President

(1995-1999)

Dr. Terry A. Solomon

Past President

(1991-1995)

Karim Childs

Past President

(1990-2000)

Dian Powell

Past President

(1987-1991)

Dr. Earnest Webb

Past President

(1983-1987)

Rita Fielder

Past President

(1981-1983)

James Stevenson

Past President

(1973-1977)

Jerome Stevenson

Past President

(1970-1973)

Henry Reed

Past President

(1968-1970

National Office

The National Office is located in Washington, DC and is operated by a three-person staff, National Office Manager, National Bookkeeper and the National Office Assistant. This office is responsible for implementing the national work plan, communicating with chapters, facilitating the distribution of newsletters, email blasts, processing memberships, managing National and International Conference registrations, and responding to daily inquiries from members and the general public.
The National Office is monitored and supervised by the National Executive Committee. National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc.

2305 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. S.E.

Washington, D.C. 20020

Phone: (202) 678-4570

Fax: (202) 678-4572

Our Committees

Love and Care

Constitution

Budget and Finance

Membership

Professional Development

Scholarship

Civil Liberties & Social Justice

Social Media & Website

Antanet C. Roberts

As the President of the Chicago Association of Black Social Workers, Antanet Roberts plays a pivotal role in advancing the welfare of Black communities through social work. With a tenure beginning in 2019, Antanet has contributed significantly to the organization in various capacities, including holding roles as Corresponding Secretary and Vice President.

Antanet has orchestrated numerous impactful events such as the Social Soirée, the Annual Foster and Adoptive Parent Celebration, Warm Winter Drive, and Sock Drive for the unhoused, the Networking Mixer and much more. These initiatives reflect Antanet’s commitment to addressing immediate community needs while fostering lasting support systems. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Antanet is deeply involved in committees such as Fundraising, Child Welfare and Adoption, and Professional Development, underscoring their dedication to both organizational growth and professional excellence.

Above all, Antanet is committed to the liberation and thriving of all Black people, leveraging expertise and empathy to drive change within and beyond the community.

Mrs. Cathy Smith Gilham

A graduate of The University Of Chicago, Master of Social Services Administration program. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Illinois and Indiana and is also holding a certification of the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Certification Board (CADC). Mrs. Gilham additionally specializes in blended family, marriage, and couples counseling and treats women who have experienced, relationships, Infidelity, and self-esteem issues. Mrs. Gilham provides premarital counseling for couples and Blended family premarital counseling. Mrs. Gilham conducts training and workshops in Blended Family and Effective Parenting for children and teens. Mrs. Gilham has been in private practice for 25 years.

Franann A. Frempong LSW

Franann A. Frempong is very excited to serve as Recording Secretary. Born and raised on the infamous southside of Chicago, Franann’s upbringing was shaped by experiences of adversity, strong Black culture, and a deep appreciation for African American cuisine. These elements have significantly influenced her journey to becoming a Social Worker and a Food Content Creator. Franann earned her Master’s degree from the Jane Addams program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her specialties are in Older Adult Health, Medical Social Work, and Community Health & Development. These specializations, combined with her passion for the communion that African American cuisine brings about, allow her to build strong, impactful connections with individuals, helping those in the community thrive and bringing awareness to those outside of the community. During her years of membership, Franann has formed both personal and professional relationships within and beyond her local Chicago Chapter. She has attended National Conferences and holds positions on both the Chicago Association of Black Social Workers’ Membership Committee and the National Association of Black Social Workers’ Membership Committee as one of the Midwest Regional Liaisons. Franann is not only passionate but also dedicated to being a change agent. She embodies the values of NABSW, leveraging collective expertise to strategically develop the capacity of those of the African Diaspora to sustain and flourish.

Maxine Miller

As a dedicated member of the National Association of Black Social Workers – Chicago chapter, I currently serve on the Executive Board as the Financial Secretary, following my previous role as Student Coordinator. With a fulfilling career at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services spanning over 35 years, I have been committed to ensuring children’s safety and well-being, and supporting families in achieving reunification and self-sustainability. Throughout my tenure, I served in various capacities within the Division of Operations, including as a Child Welfare Advanced Specialist and Public Services Administrator for both the Child Protection and Placement units. These roles involved supervising direct services Child Welfare Specialists and contributing to significant projects like Differential Responses. I hold dual Masters degrees in Psychology and Social Work from Chicago State University, along with a Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL). My lifelong goal is to empower others, providing them with the tools they need to lead fulfilling and prosperous lives.

Dr. Deborah Perkins

Dr. Deborah Perkins is a committed member of the Chicago Chapter of the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW), where she serves as Treasurer. Her long-standing involvement includes roles as Financial Secretary and active participation on the Ad Hoc Nominating Committee, Foster Care Committee, and Adoption Committee. Additionally, she has co-chaired the Membership Committee and the Fundraising Committee. Dr. Perkins is also an active member of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) – Midwest Chapter, where she serves as Parliamentarian and Co-Chair for Purple Reflections and the Women Making History event. She is involved with Operation PUSH and liaises with the HBCU Alliance. As a Founding Member of Black Administrators in Child Welfare – Illinois Chapter, she has supported Black professionals in child welfare. She earned her B.A. from Central State University (CSU) in 1973, an M.A. in Counseling from Bowling Green State University in 1991, a Master of Social Work from Dominican University in 2004, an M.A. in Gerontology from Concordia University in 2010, and a Doctoral Degree in Social Work from Capella University in 2020. Dr. Perkins has earned several awards in recognition of her dedication, including Social Worker of the Year from the Chicago Chapter of ABSW (2008), the Women Making History Award from NCNW (2009), the Outstanding Achievement Award from IDCFS (2012), and the Diamond Spirit Award from Teresa Griffin’s Better Love Yourself Foundation (2017). Her extensive work in education, community service, and advocacy continues to make a significant impact, reflecting her commitment to supporting and empowering future generations.