Mr. Joe Benton is the focus of a special edition of Living Legend- Honoring our Elders. Two time National and Chapter ABSW President, Author, Advocator, and Educator walks us through his history making life.
Mr. Benton affectionately called Mr. Joe, was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee and raised in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Joe attended Claflin University after high school, later transferring to Benedict College in 1966.
Activism began early for him, around 1965 in Orangeburg, SC protesting voting rights and segregation. “That is the most dangerous thing I have ever done in my life.” He recalls being swept to safety by students to elude police.
Mr. Joe graduated in 1968 from Benedict with his B.A in Social Sciences. One of his favorite memories of attending Benedict is meeting his wife Almateen. “I met her that summer (1967) and I married her that fall.”
After Graduation he returned to Seattle, Washington to start his career as a probation officer and later started graduate school at the University of Washington. While at the University of Washington his activism continued. He was elected President of the newly started student chapter of the NABSW. Mr. Joe helped stage a walkout with the black student body. “We needed a better curriculum, otherwise we were going somewhere else.” “Most people thought I was a sincere troublemaker. They were right.” Mr. Benton went on to graduate with a Masters in Administration and Community Organization (MSW), in 1971.
Upon returning to South Carolina Mr. Joe accepted a position at the Department of Youth Services - John G. Richards School for Negro Boys as a Social Worker. He then was promoted to Supervisor and again began his trouble making ways. “This was supposed to be rehabilitation. That was not happening. I fired the whole staff.” Mr. Benton reflected on the physical, mental, and emotional abuse that was taking place at John G Richards.
His advocating continued in the community by supporting DSS workers battling for better working conditions, along with being an influence for the Welfare Mothers program. From 1975-1977 Mr. Benton worked with State Legislation to ensure that Black Social Workers had the same professional opportunities regarding state licensure. Due to his involvement, the local NABSW was given the same power as other Social Work organizations in the state.
In 1978 he moved to Washington, D.C to accept a position offered by President Jimmy Carter. He managed the Youth Development Program with wide-ranging responsibilities that included run away children and human trafficking on the federal level. Due to change in administration, “One President hired me another fired me (Reagan). Never been so happy to be fired.”
He returned to South Carolina with a vision of personal change. “I really wanted to raise rabbits, I saw Clemson (University) had a program, even went to the class.” However, others thought his talent could be more valuable in the Social Work community. Later he was named Assistant Deputy Director of Juvenile Placement and Aftercare. “The 1980’s was all about the work.”
Mr. Benton began spreading his knowledge on the collegiate level. Teaching off and on at the University of South Carolina, his alma mater Benedict College and South Carolina State University. He often lectured in the field of Diversity, Black Social Work Experience and International Social Work.
After the establishment of the Columbia-NABSW, he was elected President twice 1978-1979 and 1982-2009 respectively. Mr. Benton then expanded his proficiency to the national level, serving as the National President for NABSW 2010-2014.
Contemplating his extensive career “I never really had a job. I was thrilled, I was able to get up and help somebody. People in Social Work are the luckiest people in the world, they paid me to do good.”
Mr. Joe continues to dedicate his time to creating, advocating, educating and nurturing the black community with the goal of holistic health and wealth, even in retirement.
He expresses it is essential for black Social Workers to “…. understand the edited version of history. We have to think different, have a different set of skills otherwise you are no good to the people.” ……violence, deep seeded mistrust and deep seeded trauma... you must have a historical context when working with the people.”
In no comparison, of all his professional accomplishments his greatest delight is his family. His wife Almateen , daughter Adia, son Joey and his grandchildren. “They have done good for themselves.”
He momentarily reflects on his legacy, “……. my life has always been about helping people, I don’t want much more than that. I am at peace with everything.”