Swampscott Reporter: James Fishman (SSW’78) Discusses His Social Work Legacy
As an alum of BU School of Social Work, James Fishman (SSW’78) has become a leader in improving the lives of Bostonians with AIDS. A recent profile of Fishman in the Swampscott Reporter celebrated his work as a therapist for those affected by AIDS, as well as his history-making appointment as the first social worker at the Fenway Clinic.
Excerpt from “Ina’s Insights: Social Hero and Accomplished Painter James Fishman” by Ina Resnikoff, originally published in Swampscott Reporter:
“James Fishman grew up in Revere in the 50s and moved to Swampscott when he was 10 years old. He graduated from Swampscott High School in 1968, proceeded to the University of Rochester to study psychology, and transferred to the University of California, Berkeley. He came back to Boston for graduate work at Boston University School of Social Work and has been in private practice since 1980. He continues to enjoy a robust career as a therapist in the Bay Area, specializing in issues around sexual identity and self-empowerment. In addition, he has become an accomplished painter.
Fishman has a resume of at least six pages with all kinds of teaching and seminar credentials, television appearances, conference and resource sponsorships and publications. His career has been prolific and full of energy. His most outstanding professional accomplishment was his participation in establishing the Fenway Community Health Center during the AIDS epidemic. The entire community was filled with fear and unknowns. Society at large was learning about AIDS with all of its stereotypes, blaming and prejudice. Fishman was the first social worker at the Fenway Clinic and is honored for break-through work with those who were afflicted with and involved with AIDS. He co-founded the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts in 1980.”