About this Interview

William R. Meek, social worker and activist, begins by discussing how he became interested in social problems early on and why he pursued and earned a master's degree in social work (MSW) at the University of Pennsylvania. He shows a particular interest in contemporary issues of discrimination and segregation in the United States. His experiences as a black man at war and in college at Penn State were particularly influential. Eventually Meek worked on trying to find a solution to the social problems that existed in North Philadelphia and in the city at large. Meek goes on to discuss his work experiences in Philadelphia, including his time as a teacher in social work at the University of Pennsylvania and his involvement with the Wharton Center as a social worker. He ends by discussing his involvement with the political organization of the black community in Philadelphia, its leaders, and the issues around which they organized.