Founded during the Black Power movement (1968), NABSW has headquarters in Washington, DC, as well as state and local affiliates. It publishes the Black Caucus Journal, which engages race and public policy. It prioritizes equitable human services in and trains advocates for underserved communities of color. Its Office of Student Affairs pursues the recruitment and retention of African American students, along with the study and practice of diversity, in schools of social work. Related initiatives center on policy advocacy and delivery of services, including family adoptions of black children. Affiliates also promote public education, job training, employment opportunity, and political activism.