Children are the only future of any people.
– (Frances Cress Welsing)

About ABPsi

The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) has been at the forefront of African-centered cultural competence and scholarly activism since its inception in 1968.

Our History

BIRTH OF ABPSI: SEPTEMBER 2, 1968

The following press release, from September 1968, summarizes the initial thrust of ABPsi:

“The Association of Black Psychologists was formed as a national organization during the recent San Francisco meeting of the American Psychological Association. More than 200 Black Psychologists who hold positions in various academic, public, industrial and governmental programs met to develop a nationwide structure for pooling their resources in meeting the challenge of racism and poverty. The Association charged that APA through inadequate positive measures condoned white racist character of the American Society, and failed to recognize the new Black movement as the most promising model for solving problems stemming from the oppressive effect of American racism.

As an outgrowth of the early formative meetings, a document titled “A Petition of Concerns Submitted by the Association of Black Psychologists” was submitted to the APA by ABPsi, which read as follows:

The Association of Black Psychologists being urgently concerned about its role and that of the American Psychological Association in the Black People’s struggle for dignity and equality in this country recognize the following problems as in need of immediate attention:

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NEW _The Protest of APA that gave birth to the ABPsi 1968

The Association of Black Psychologists has grown from a handful of concerned professionals into an independent, autonomous organization of over 1400 members. To see the full movie, “Toward a Black Psychology” by Shawn O. Utsey Ph.D click here.

1. The extremely limited number of Black psychologists, Black graduate students, and Black students in the undergraduate program
2. The failure of the American Psychological Association to direct its scientific and professional energies toward the solution of prominent social concerns, particularly the issues of poverty and racism and
3. The fact that the general organizational structure of the American Psychological Association reflects a serious lack of adequate representation of Black Psychologists.

“As historian, elder, and past president of ABPsi, I watched its growth from infancy to adulthood. The following information chronicles that growth process from past to present.”

Robert Williams, PhD.
Co- Founder, Past President,
The Association of Black Psychologists, inc.

A 56+ Year History and counting of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi)

The Association of Black Psychologists: An Organization Dedicated to Social Justice

Speaking Truth to Power: How Black/ African Psychology Changed the Discipline of Psychology

Making a positive impact on African/Black mental health since 1968

The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi)

“We stand on the shoulders of those who gone before us”

African/Black Psychology

Black/African Centered psychology is a dynamic manifestation of unifying African principles, values and traditions. It is the self conscious “centering” of psychological analyses and applications in African realities, cultures, and epistemologies. Black/African centered psychology, as a system of thought and action, examines the processes that allow for the illumination and liberation of the Spirit.

Relying on the principles of harmony within the universe as a natural order of existence, Black/African centered psychology recognizes: the Spirit that permeates everything that is; the notion that everything in the universe is interconnected; the value that the collective is the most salient element of existence; and the idea that communal self knowledge is the key to mental health. Black/African Centered psychology is ultimately concerned with understanding the systems of meaning of human beingness, the features of human functioning, and the restoration of normal/natural order to human development. As such, it is used to resolve personal and social problems and to promote optimal functioning.

Our Mission

The Association of Black Psychologists sees its mission and destiny as the liberation of the African Mind, empowerment of the African Character, and enlivenment and illumination of the African Spirit.

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Until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.

African Proverb

Purpose of the Association

The Association is organized to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including but not limited to:

9Promoting and advancing the profession of African Psychology
9Influencing and affecting social change; and
9Developing programs whereby psychologists of African descent (hereafter known as Black Psychologists) can assist in solving problems of Black communities and other ethnic groups.

To accomplish these purposes, the Board of Directors (hereafter known as “The Board”) shall exercise the following specific functions:

9Establish a central organization of Black Psychologists.
9Develop funding sources for working capital, staff support, and educational programs.
9Seek funding for projects involving Black Psychologists, such projects to include, but not be limited to: Scholarly Journals, Training Programs, Recruitment of Students and Faculty and community Mental Health Care Programs.
9Work with such organizations of behavioral scientists as are able to implement the purposes of The Association.

Meet Our Leaders

ABPsi International

The Association of Black Psychologists International (ABPsi International) is dedicated to advancing the global impact of Black psychology by fostering mental health, empowerment, and cultural resilience in communities of African descent worldwide. Through innovative research, transformative advocacy, and culturally grounded practices, ABPsi International champions the healing, growth, and liberation of Black people, ensuring their voices and experiences shape the future of psychology across borders.