Black History
“The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored. The disparity in access to mental health care in communities of color cannot be ignored. The inequality and lack of cultural competency in mental health treatment cannot be ignored." - NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.
Carter G. Woodson
Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) created Negro History Week in 1926 to honor Black Americans – a group long erased from the nation’s history.
Carter G Woodson wanted young African Americans to know more about their heritage and the achievements of those who came before them. Woodson also had a political aim. He believed equality and justice stood a better chance if white Americans understood that the institution of slave labor was central to and feuled the country’s founding.
The African America Flag History
The Pan-African flag also referred to as the UNIA flag, Afro-American flag or Black Liberation Flag is a tri-color flag consisting of three equal horizontal bands colored Red, Black, and Green. The Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA) formally adopted it on August 13, 1920, in Article 39 of the Declaration of Rights of the Negro Peoples of the World, during its month-long convention held in the United States at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Variations of the flag can and have been used in various countries and territories in Africa and the Americas to represent Pan-Africanist ideology.
Pioneers
These early academics set the blueprint that ushered in a revolution in the field of mental health that would address the mental and emotional trauma of the Black experience in America and beyond.
Dr. Inez Beverly
Psychologist
First Black Female Psychologist
Dr. Mamie & Dr. Kenneth Clark
Psychologists
Pioneering Psychologists Behind the famed “Dolls Test” - Revealed the effects of social and structual oppression.
Dr. Frances Cress Welsing
Psychiatrist
Author of The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors (1991)
Trailblazers
These brilliant trialbrazers are instrumental in transforming the field of mental health.
Dr. Wade Nobles
Psychologist
A Founding Member of The Association Black Psychologists
Dr. Linda James Myers
Psychologist
Developed the theory of Optimal Psychology
Dr. Joy Degruy
Social Work
Developed the theory Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: Be the Healing
Dr. Na'im Akabar
Psychologist
Instrumental in developing an African-centered approach in modern psychology
Black/Afro-Caribbean Resources
Lack of information, stigma and other factors surrounding mental health issues can prevent people in Black communities from getting the help and support they need. Here we highlighted some resources:
