D. Nissi Baskerville, MSW

I have served all my life on the front lines of social justice to empower women young and old to achieve their full potential. I have written plays and poems about the struggle’s women face, about the joy and challenges of living our best life. Sisterhood, Motherhood, living in the “hood”. The collective pain of the community that drives you to your knees and brings tears to your eyes. The pain that makes you seek prayer, redefine purpose, and stand on the promises of God. I have also written about the joy of life, love and being loved. The power and promise of family, and beloved friends, the wonder of miracles when we apply faith and belief.

I often say, I did not choose the profession of Social Work, it chose me, and for that I’m eternally grateful. Being a “social worker” has taken me places I thought I would never go, provided a way for me to serve, to give of myself, helped me to discover and develop skills and talents that have enhanced my life, and lives of children, family, and community. I have received many awards and I have been awarded a million times over. As I was saving lives, redefining lives, I saved myself.

LIFE MOTTO: I’m my Sister's Keeper… often our greatest gifts don’t come wrapped in ribbons and bows, it comes from the pain of living life (i.e. divorce, incarceration, addiction, unbelief, the loss of self, purpose, destiny, the loss of a love one, loss of a child, betrayal, sickness medical diagnosis, self-hate, depression) Tears of joy and sorrow are our greatest teachers. Conversely, I have learned more from my failures than my successes.

I have developed psycho-social behavioral interventions for “at risk” students. Active participant on panels and committees that address the human rights of women of color. Developed, written, planned, and implemented behavioral models for “at risk” youth, and teen mothers. Attended National Black Social Workers Conferences, Title I Parent Conferences. Developed and conducted Parental Involvement Educational Academy to address the needs of parents, families, and disaffected students. In addition, I ran for political office in the NJ State.

I had the opportunity to travel to Africa, Nigeria, Lagos, there I saw poverty, that I had only read about this experience changed my life and strengthened my social justice perspective.

Today the story of my life is being “rewritten”. Thank God, I can say with conviction, today I am a DAUGHTER of the Most High God. I was pursued by Grace, and saved by mercy, and I “gifted” with favor and the ability to write poetry from the depths of my “soul”.

I stand on the shoulders of Warrior Women who prayed and paved the way for me, for this I owe a tremendous debt. My journey has not been easy, my faith tested many times, my wisdom is made from the blood of my wounds.