Courageous Conversations: A Pathway to Cultural Humility
Building Trust Through Cultural Humility and Courageous Conversations in Social Work
In today’s society, conversations about race and difference remain some of the most challenging spaces to enter. Glenn Singleton and Cyndie Hays, quoting Cornel West in Race Matters (2006), remind us that “race is the most explosive issue in American life precisely because it forces us to confront the tragic facts of poverty and paranoia, despair and distrust.” As social workers, we are ethically bound to treat every person with dignity and respect. Cultural humility asks even more of us—it requires openness, self-awareness, and a lifelong commitment to understanding the lived experiences of diverse cultures. Unlike cultural competence, which implies an endpoint of mastery, cultural humility is an ongoing practice of reflection and relationship-building. Every day in our work, courageous conversations about identity, culture, and race are not optional—they are essential.
I began to truly understand the depth of cultural humility while working at Bethany House, a homeless shelter for women and children. As a white woman with inherent privilege, I was constantly aware of the lens through which the women might view me. That awareness became painfully real when one woman referred to me as “a white bitch with a higher economic status.” Though difficult to hear, it opened my eyes. I wanted the women to know I cared deeply about their stories, that I acknowledged the limits of my understanding, and that I could still offer empathy and support without sharing my own personal experiences. Through practicing cultural humility, I found the courage to engage in honest, vulnerable conversations—to ask what they needed from me, to listen fully, and to allow them to see that my intention was connection, not authority. Over time, trust was built, walls began to fall, and the real work could begin.
This commitment has shaped every aspect of my professional journey—from my work with unaccompanied minors to my clients in private practice. I often ask directly, “How do you feel talking to a white woman who does not speak your language?” I encourage clients to teach me about their culture so I can understand them more deeply. The trauma carried by women in shelters and by those who seek therapy is profound, and cultural humility has been a key component in helping them feel safe enough to share the experiences they have held in silence: childhood abuse, domestic violence, neglect, and lifelong mistreatment. Through this approach, I have witnessed clients reclaim their voices, regain confidence, and begin healing.
This journey has required continuous self-examination—confronting my own biases, acknowledging where they originate, and committing to do better. We all have biases; denying them only deepens harm. Facing them has made me not only a better social worker, but a better human being. Courageous conversations have strengthened my rapport with clients and created environments where trust can grow. They have empowered people who once felt unseen to open up, connect, and find new purpose. Human beings are wired for connection, and when we foster spaces where people feel valued and understood, transformation becomes possible.
I encourage everyone—personally and professionally—to be present, ask questions, challenge your assumptions, show genuine interest in others, practice empathy, and lead with kindness. Courageous conversations are not easy, but with practice they become less intimidating and infinitely more meaningful. Through them, we build stronger communities, stronger relationships, and a stronger sense of shared humanity.
