The Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. collaborated with Bethune-Cookman University for a historic convening of our 56th Annual International Convention, guided by the theme Returning to Spirit: The Essence of Who We Be. The Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. (ABPsi) announced its 56th Annual International Convention, which took place from July 29 to August 3, 2025, at the historic Bethune-Cookman University.
The convention opened with the Writing Bootcamp, where scholars and practitioners developed strategies for creating publishable manuscripts. On July 30, we opened with sessions to create spaces of learning, healing, and liberation. Later, we gathered for the Opening Ceremony, where the Presidents of ABPsi and BCU formally welcomed everyone, followed by the Presidential Reception, where we honored, reconnected, and celebrated.
The next morning began with the Sawubona Unity Healing Circle, where we affirmed our collective spirit. That afternoon, the State of the Association and National Programs outlined ABPsi’s work across our communities. That evening, the film MORE LIFE by John Morgan and Marcel McDaniel held up African/Black stories of resistance.
Central to our gathering were the Mbongi sessions, where we as a community come together. On July 31, Mbongi: Ethics grounded us in African-centered standards. On August 1, Mbongi: International broadened our vision across global borders and lived experiences. On August 2, Mbongi: included the expertise and lived experiences of the African/Black community in Daytona Beach.
August 1 continued with the Student Circle Enstoolment Ceremony, which formally ushered in the next Student Circle Chair, Iniobong Etuk, MS, MSW. The Awards Ceremony recognized members whose dedication and contributions continue to advance ABPsi’s mission. Under the Baobab Tree was a sacred conversation with our elders, where wisdom and stories were shared. The evening closed with Spoken Word and Game Night, a Student Circle-led event of fun and joy.
The final day began with a sacred Tribute to the Ancestors at the beachfront, grounding us in remembrance of our Ancestors who came before us, making our journey possible. The day continued with Poster Presentations highlighting African/Black well-being and a screening of Fighting for Justice by Duane Fernandez. The ABPsi National Regional Meetings convened members from across the country in advancing African/Black Psychology.
We closed with the Presidential Enstoolment Ceremony, an affirmation of leadership rooted in African traditions and responsibility.
As we concluded at Bethune-Cookman University, we remained renewed in our commitment to advance the liberation of the African Mind, empowerment of the African Character, and enlivenment and illumination of the African Spirit. Anchored in the wisdom of our Ancestors, guided by our Elders and Jegnas, and strengthened by the vision of our Students in service to our Community, the 56th Annual International Convention honored Returning to Spirit: The Essence of Who We Be as a charge to continue our work, our responsibility, and our contribution to humanity.
To see our moments in full living color, visit our Facebook page here: view the gallery celebrating our shared spirit and purpose.
THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF THE ABPsi CONVENTION!
We would like to take a moment to thank you! Together We Rise, Rooted in Legacy, Lifting Community with Love, Power, Purpose and Gratitude. On behalf of the Association of Black Psychologists, Inc., I extend my deepest gratitude for the love, labor, and spirit poured into our historic 56th Annual International Convention at Bethune-Cookman University, our first at an HBCU.
▶︎To our Founders, Elders, Past Presidents and Jegnas. We honor the shoulders upon which we stand. Your vision and courage cleared the path for us to advance the liberation of African people everywhere.
▶︎To our Board of Directors. Thank you for your leadership, wisdom, and commitment to advancing our mission. Your guidance strengthens the path forward for generations to come.
▶︎To Bethune-Cookman University and President Dr. Albert Mosley. We thank you for opening up your beloved university to us and embracing us as family. To convene at an HBCU is to walk in the living legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, whose spirit and wisdom guided our steps.
▶︎To ABPsi Members – Professional, Students, and Lifetime. You are the living spirit of ABPsi. Without your membership, contributions, and dedication, there is no us. Ubuntu (I am because we are).
▶︎To our Student Circle. You are our heartbeat and our future. Your brilliance, energy, and vision ensure that ABPsi remains relevant, rooted, and prepared for generations to come.
▶︎To our National Office Staff and Volunteers. You carried out the work behind the scenes with diligence, grace, and excellence.
▶︎To ABPsi National Conference Committee (NCC) and the Bethune-Cookman University Conference Planning Team. Your tireless dedication and collaborative spirit carried this convention from vision to reality. Every detail, from logistics to programming, reflected your excellence and commitment and a special shoutout to Dr. William Berry.
▶︎To our Chapters and Committees. Your tireless work grounds our national mission in local communities. You embody ubuntu and ensure that our work touches lives on the ground.
▶︎To our National Programs. Your innovation and courage keep our field growing. You demonstrate what it means to combine scholarship, practice, and healing for our people across the globe.
▶︎To the Bethune-Cookman and Daytona Beach, FL Community. Thank you for welcoming us with open arms, hospitality, and love. You made this convention a true homecoming.
▶︎To our Sponsors, Partners, Donors and Vendors. Your support affirms the value of our mission and extends our reach. You have invested not only in a convention but in the well-being of African people everywhere.
▶︎To our Presenters, Speakers, Culinary Artists, Master Drummer, Musicians and Performers. You gifted us knowledge, wisdom, art, music, food and inspiration. You expanded our minds, nourished our spirits, and reminded us that African/Black psychology is both science and soul.
▶︎To our Attendees, Community, Families, and Friends. Thank you for walking beside us, lifting us, and keeping us grounded in love. Together, we created more than a convention.
We created a living expression of our mission, a moment of remembrance, and a vision of restoration. May we continue to carry this spirit forward, guided by the principles of Maat, the power of ubuntu, and the love of our people.
-Sharon L. Bethea, Ph.D., President, Association of Black Psychologists, Inc.
ABPsi Contact:
- Sharon L. Bethea, Ph.D., President, Association of Black Psychologists, Inc.
president@abpsi.org - I. Tomes, Ph.D., ABPsi National Convention Chair
convention@abpsi.org - Kathline Jones, Operations Manager, ABPsi National Office
jones@abpsi-hq.org
Media Contact:
- Candace Wilson, Marketing & Communications Manager
wilson@abpsi-hq.org
Bethune-Cookman University Contact:
- Daniel Hollar, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Psychology, Bethune-Cookman University hollard@cookman.edu