Dr. Conial Caldwell Jr.
Assistant Professor
Social Work
About
I am a race and family scholar whose research explores the intersections of Black fatherhood, racial identity formation, and family dynamics within the broader context of systemic inequality. His work focuses on how Black men—particularly fathers—navigate, resist, and reshape societal narratives about Black masculinity and family life. Grounded in a strengths-based and culturally responsive framework, his scholarship highlights the often-overlooked emotional labor, guidance, and protective strategies that Black fathers provide within their families and communities.My current research examines how Black fathers influence their daughters' racial identity development, confidence, and resilience in predominantly white or racially diverse environments. This work seeks to uncover how father-daughter interactions contribute to the socialization of race, gender, and self-worth, while challenging deficit-based models that too often dominate conversations around Black families.
I am also interested in the cultural, emotional, and practical strategies Black fathers use to prepare their children to thrive in the face of racial bias and marginalization. He engages with qualitative and narrative methods to amplify the voices of Black fathers and families, aiming to inform more equitable social work practices, family policy, and public discourse.
Research interests
My research focuses on Black fatherhood, family dynamics, and racial identity development. My research explores how Black fathers influence their children in navigating race, gender, and belonging, with an emphasis on strengths-based approaches and countering deficit narratives about Black families.Teaching interests
I am interested in teaching the following:Research
Policy
Diversity
Education
-
Ph D, Social Work
— Louisiana State Univeristy (2024) RACE AND RACISM THROUGH THE LENS OF BLACK MEN: EXPLORING THE TALK AND LESSONS BLACK FATHERS TEACH THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT RACE AND RACISM IN AMERICA
- MS, Social Work — University of South Florida (2016)
- MA, Public Administration — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (2014)
- BA, Social Work — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (2012)