President’s Message
Keeping It Real
This year people of African ancestry will be faced with the awesome task of re-electing the first African-American President in this country. Despite all of the economic and emotional challenges we face each day, we must remember the “power” of our vote in this year’s election. We have an obligation to our ancestors to stand up and be counted by casting our ballot.
Some things are a little more difficult to change in this country. In California, and specifically in the Bay Area , we are faced with mental health disparities for African-Americans. The California legislature has been challenged by the restructuring and reorganization of the Mental Health Services Act . We must be ever vigilant that services to African Americans are provided in a culturally congruent manner and with respect to the dignity of African people.
Meeting the needs of our members. Our chapter conducted a survey among our members this year. Our members include psychologists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, educators, graduate students, undergraduate students, and community advocates. What I learned from this survey was that our members desired more information about African-centered Psychology – something they were not receiving in their classroom, nor could readily find in their private practice. The members wanted to be more knowledgeable about African-centered/Black Psychology so as to inform not only their studies, but also their work in private practice. To meet this need our chapter will continue our monthly discussion of critical readings on African-centered/Black Psychology. This discussion of the readings provides our membership with a forum that affords them the ability to grow and develop in the area of African/Black Psychology. As this chapter seeks to address the psychological needs of African people both locally and around the world, I understand also the importance of addressing the needs of our members. It is the interest of the members that keeps the chapter alive. Our chapter will develop programs and activities that will meet the needs of our members.
Come to Cali!!! I am very happy to see our national organization, The Association of Black Psychologists, host in my state, California, the 44th annual ABPsi International Convention in Los Angeles (July 15-22). The theme couldn’t be more perfectly suited for this chapter : “African-Centered/Black Psychology: From Root Causes to Sustainable Change”. Our chapter plans to have a strong presence at this convention as we become more prepared in our work of healing our people.
We inspire together to heal the land together.
Sincerely,
Rachel Bayard Cooks, Psy.D.
President, Bay Area Association of Black Psychologists
