Executive Officers

A native Mississippian, and a former music major from (HBCU) Jackson State University, Clarence Nelson, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration (BA) from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan in 1985. He started working with the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) in 1994 as a Social Work Trainee, and has served in both Sex Abuse, and the Family Preservation department within Children and Youth. He received his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Widener University, Chester, PA, in 2007, and was promoted to a Social Work Supervisor. Currently he works as a Practice Facilitator for the DHS, IOC, where he meets with children and families to assist them in meeting their goals and objectives through planned implementation strategies. He is the founder and former Director of the DHS Singers, and currently a member of the Department's Morale Committee. He has worked for DHS for 27 years. He is the current Director of the Philadelphia Municipal Employees Choral Ensemble, (City Worker's Choir). Clarence joined ABSW as a graduate student in 2006. He has served as Vice President from 2018 until 2021. He serves as the Vice Chairman of Deacons, Social Service Ministry Leader, and a member of the Praise Team at the Love Zion Baptist Church (LZBC), in North Philadelphia. He also serves as a member the Board of Directors with the Center for Economic Empowerment LLC at the LZBC. As a Community Advocate, he is the Chairman of the Strawberry Mansion Communities that Cares program, an affiliate of Central Division Victim Association in Philadelphia. He is a widower, and the proud father of four children and grandfather of three granddaughters and one grandson.

Tamar L. Riley is a native of Philadelphia, PA., and attended elementary, middle, and high school in the Philadelphia public school system. Her higher education achievements include receiving a B.A. degree in Sociology from H.B.C.U. Wilberforce University, and her MSW in Clinical Social Work from Widener University. Tamar currently holds her L.S.W. certification from the State of Pennsylvania. Mother of two adult children, a young man and a young lady, Tamar enjoys listening to audio books and walking which are just two of her passions at the top of the list. She prides herself in being a good listener and enjoys immensely being in a room where you can hear a pin drop. (smile) Tamar’s faith is rooted in Christianity and is a church member at Miller Memorial Baptist Church. Tamar started her Social Work career at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. Tamar also worked at Liberty Resources with the Attendant Care Waiver program, before joining the City of Philadelphia, Department of Human Services division as a Social Worker II. From there Tamar moved up in her career at DHS entering the field of Program Analysis as a Program Analyst, and lastly a Program Supervisor. Tamar joined the student chapter of ABSW when she attended Widener University, and after graduation joined the Philadelphia Chapter of ABSW where she has been a member since 2011. When asked why she joined ABSW, Tamar’s reply was “It’s feels good to be a part of an organization of likeminded individuals who have a passion for helping others.”

This position is currently vacant. Any member interested in fulfilling the term of office for this position, please submit your interest via email to abswphila@gmail.com

Alcqueline A. Dixon-Berry is a member of the Alliance of Black Social Workers PA Chapter and holds the position of Corresponding Secretary. She has been a member since 2020. Alcqueline graduated from William Penn High School as the class Valedictorian with numerous outstanding academic, Track and Field scholarship awards. She completed her collegiate education by matriculating at Temple University before transferring to Chestnut Hill College, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She earned a Master’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Villanova University Graduate School, completed postgraduate education received in the field of Alcohol and Drug Counseling from Villanova University, and she is currently matriculating in a Master’s of Social Work MSW program at Widener University Graduate School. Alcqueline is an active member in these organizations: National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice Pennsylvania Chapter of NABCJ-PA, Alliance of Black Social Workers-ABSW, Order of Eastern Star, Heroines of Jericho, AFSCME Local 2187, and Haven-Peniel United Methodist Church. Alcqueline is also the owner of a budding small business-clothing brand: named Alcqueline’s Creations.

Dedicated to the mission of ABSW and NABSW.

Rev. Arthur S. Brown, Jr. has served in several roles while in Washington, D.C. He was an Adjunct Minister at the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ and served on the ministerial staff of Third Street Church of God. As a Social Work professional in Washington D. C, Rev. Brown held numerous positions. He was a Social Worker/Director of the Urban Outreach Program for the Homeless at the Third Street Church of God, employed as Chaplain of the Gospel Rescue Mission’s Samaritan Program, employed as the Director of Homeless Affairs at the United Planning Organization, and was a Social Service and Parent Involvement Coordinator of Capital Head Start. Rev. Brown has served on the steering committees of the following organizations: The National Association of Black Social Workers, the Greater Washington Allies for Racial Reconciliation, and the Organization of Service Providers and Consumers (Washington, D.C.). Rev. Brown was active in the D.C. community. He served as a Community Organizer for Organizing Neighborhood Equity (ONEDC), a Board Member of and Mentor Coordinator for the Jobs Partnership Greater Washington and as Convenor of the Coalition of Housing and Homeless Organizations. In Philadelphia, Rev. Brown was an active member and founder of the Alliance of Black Social Workers, Inc. (which is the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers). Currently, Rev. Brown serves as Chair of the Ending Mass Incarceration Team of the local Philadelphia POWER Live Free Faith-Based Coalition and as Chair of the Social Justice and Human Rights Committee of the Philadelphia Alliance of Black Social Workers. Rev. Brown holds a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a MSW from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice. He holds a Restorative Justice Circles and Healing Communities certificate from Philadelphia Prison Ministries Re-entry Initiative.