Honoring Black Pioneers in Psychology
Black History Month is a time to honor resilience, achievements, and contributions. This article highlights Black pioneers in psychology who broke barriers, advanced mental health research, and inspired change. Their work continues to uplift communities and shape the future.
Karisma Lee
2/28/20252 min read
What is the purpose of Black History Month?
At its core, Black History Month honors Black individuals who have made significant contributions in the fight for equality or achieved remarkable success in various fields. As Black History Month comes to a close, it is essential to recognize why it exists in the first place: the tragic and complex history of Black people in America.
According to Karuna Meda, a senior science writer at Thomas Jefferson University, “The system of slavery was predicated on the belief that African Americans are inferior, and that systemic inequality persists today, as evidenced by the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans, educational and health disparities, housing inequalities, among many others.”
Black citizens in America have historically been denied equal resources, and when individuals receive less than what they deserve, it affects their sense of self-worth. These disparities are evident in medical, educational, and financial systems and have persisted throughout history. Black individuals were once considered the "inferior" property of white citizens, denied access to the same establishments and education, and subjected to dehumanization. These experiences have lasting effects on the human psyche, yet Black people have persevered through it all—both in the past and the present.
Celebrating Black History Month means acknowledging the full spectrum of this history. Every Black person in America who has risen above inequality and worked hard to succeed deserves recognition, as their resilience and progress in mental health illustrate their strength and capability.
While there have been many strides within the African American community, this post highlights some lesser-known individuals who have made history in the fields of psychology and mental health.
Francis Cecil Sumner – Known as "The Father of Black Psychology," Sumner was the first Black individual to earn a Ph.D. in psychology. He founded the psychology department at Howard University and published research on racial bias and racism despite facing significant controversy.
E. Kitch Childs – A key figure in the women’s liberation movement, Childs helped establish the Association for Women in Psychology. In addition to supporting Black women and feminism, she was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, providing therapy for those living with AIDS or HIV.
Beverly Daniel Tatum – Tatum is a clinical psychologist renowned for her expertise on race relations. She received the American Psychological Association (APA) Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contributions in Psychology for her work.
Maxie Clarence Maultsby Jr. – Maultsby made significant contributions to psychology by founding rational behavioral therapy. Through his cognitive-behavioral counseling and psychotherapy framework, he connected neuropsychology with self-control over behavior and emotions.
Beverly Greene – Greene is best known for her work in sexism, racism, social identities, and intersectionality. She expanded the understanding of how personal identity influences mental health. In 2008, she received the Distinguished Publication Award from the Association for Women in Psychology.
Taking the time to learn about historically significant members of society is not only insightful but also inspiring. It encourages us to strive for greatness as these extraordinary individuals did—to pursue our goals and persist even in the face of adversity. The people we honor during Black History Month demonstrate that with determination, we can all achieve remarkable success.
- Karisma
References:
https://www.plymouthpsychgroup.com/blog/what-black-history-month-means-for-mental-health
https://guildservices.org/blog/8-black-psychologists-who-made-history/
https://www.mhanational.org/black-pioneers-mental-health