Changing of the Guard

This chapter discusses Eugene Kinckle Jones's resignation from the position of executive secretary of the Urban League in 1940 and his assumption of the title of general secretary until 1950, as well as the profound changes to the social-work paradigm that occurred during this period. Following the Great Depression, the complexity of state and federal intervention drastically changed social-work programs. Particularly following the adoption of the Social Security Act in 1935, many social reformers, black and white, began looking to government- rather than community-initiated relief. By the 1930s, there was a gradual move away from the community settlement-house concept toward the establishment of government welfare agencies. The chapter concludes with an overview of Jones's work and life from 1940 until his retirement in 1950.