President’s Message

Keeping It Real

I am reminded of this quote from Ayi Kwei Armah (The Healers):  “ The work of healers is work for inspirers working along and steadily, in a group that grows over the generations, till there are inspirers, healers wherever our people are scattered, able to bring us together again.”

Within this chapter, we are the healers of the land who desire to make a difference in all of the communities that we serve. Our chapter is one of several local chapters of our national organization, Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi).  Geographically, our Bay Area chapter supports (Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties), where students and professionals from these areas are welcomed with open arms.  I have watched this chapter grow. Our membership includes students and professionals in the fields of psychology, both research and clinical, education, and various other mental health professions. All of whom express a keen desire to make a difference in their communities.

Where are those communities?  Our chapter has reached out as far as Haiti and as near as the family next door. Last year I was heartened by how passionately our members rallied and responded to the Haiti disaster. I was fortunate to be able to bring all of our membership donations to Haiti for distribution to those families in need.   Following the Oscar Grant incident, we charged in agreement of the need to create a Rapid Crisis Response Team to address and respond to the needs of the community.   We have participated in community health fairs to provide critical information about mental health care, we have formally acknowledged individuals and organizations who have shared our passion for the enlivenment of the Black community, and we have supported the growth and enrichment of students throughout their educational journey.

Looking ahead, I am committed to pushing us even farther as we attempt to help our communities to identify and address the many social and mental health issues that are adversely impacting so many of our Black families.  I also am committed, with your support, to working to address the needs of our members. Including organizing forums that bring together other professional leaders, as a way to provide both networking and learning opportunities.  We need to expand opportunities for our students to attend and present at our national annual convention, as well as to increase the opportunities for our students and professional members to do rigorous research and to have their work published.

We inspire together to heal the land together.

Sincerely,

Rachel Bayard Cooks, M.A.
Psy.D. Candidate, Wright Institute
President, Bay Area Association of Black Psychologists