Connecting to Our Ancestral Wisdom
The Association of Black Psychologists sees its mission and destiny as the liberation of the African Mind, empowerment of the African Character, and enlivenment and illumination of the African Spirit.
Our History
The Association of Black Psychologists was founded in San Francisco in 1968 by a number of Black Psychologists from across the country. They united to actively address the serious problems facing Black Psychologists and the larger Black community. Guided by the principle of self-determination, these psychologists and students set about building an institution through which they could address the long-neglected needs of Black professionals. Their goal was to have a positive impact upon the mental health of the national Black community by means of planning, programs, services, training, and advocacy. Their objectives were:
To organize their skills and abilities to influence necessary change.
To address themselves to significant social problems affecting the Black community and other segments of the population whose needs society has not fulfilled.
The Association of Black Psychologists has grown from a handful of concerned professionals into an independent, autonomous organization of over 1400 members.
Mission and Vision
The Association of Black Psychologists sees its mission and destiny as the liberation of the African Mind, empowerment of the African Character, and enlivenment and illumination of the African Spirit.
Purpose of the Association
The Association is organized to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including but not limited to:
* Promoting and advancing the profession of African Psychology
* Influencing and affecting social change; and
* Developing programs whereby psychologists of African descent (hereafter known as Black Psychologists) can assist in solving problems of Black communities and other ethnic groups.
Ancestral Wisdom
To accomplish these purposes, the Board of Directors (hereafter known as “The Board”) shall exercise the following specific functions:
* Establish a central organization of Black Psychologists.
* Develop funding sources for working capital, staff support, and educational programs.
* Seek funding for projects involving Black Psychologists, such projects to include, but not be limited to: Scholarly Journals, Training Programs, Recruitment of Students and Faculty and community Mental Health Care Programs.
* Work with such organizations of behavioral scientists as are able to implement the purposes of The Association.
Executive Board
Dr. Patricia “Karabo” Nunley
Dr. Patricia “Karabo” Nunley is a recent Fulbright-Hays scholar who is also a tenured professor with almost 25 years of experience teaching children and adults. In addition to teaching human development, trauma, and violence courses, she provides consulting services.
Vacant Position
TBD
Dr. Wade Ifágbemì Sàngódáre Nobles
Dr. Nobles is a co-founding member and Past President (1994-95) of the Association of Black Psychologists and Professor Emeritus in Africana Studies and Black Psychology (Past Dept Chair, 1997 – 1999) at San Francisco State University.
Dr. Lawford Goddard
Born in Trinidad and Tobago and educated in Trinidad, Jamaica and the United States, Dr. Lawford L. Goddard is a sociologist/ demographer who received his doctoral degree in Sociology from Stanford University with a minor in Education. As one of the founders of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Family Life and Culture, Inc. in Oakland, California, he was involved in community-based programs for over forty years.
Rose H. Frazer-Ashford MA, MS, MBA, Doctoral Candidate (PhD & DBA)
Born in Sierra Leone and shaped by the pursuit of the American dream, Rose’s life and work reflect a deep commitment to service, reflection, and collective wellbeing. Guided by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words—“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity”—Rose has dedicated a professional journey to uplifting others and addressing the systemic and personal barriers that limit opportunity.
Dr. Tony Jackson
Dr. Tony Jackson is a licensed clinical psychologist, board certified in neurofeedback, clinical training director and co-founder of PranaMind, LLC. His clinical experience includes tours with Children’s Hospital-Oakland, New Leaf Treatment Center, Oakland Community Counseling and Sunset Day Treatment Center in San Francisco.
Zack Danielz
As an African American male who is the first in his family to pursue a doctorate degree, Zack’s focus is working with Black men and families. Having worked with many low-income BIPOC and immigrants for most of his career, Zack brings firsthand professional experience working with trauma, grief, and anxiety.
Azizi Gupton, MA, AMFT, APCC
Azizi Gupton is currently a Behavioral Health Clinician in SF County Jail and works with justice involved men & women having courageous healing conversations around what is disrupting the natural harmony in their lives and spirit. They work together to create a life balance that will illuminate their spirit and alleviate the negative energy forces that have created feelings of inadequacy and discourse in their lives.
Chapter Support
Sayoko Duhe Watson, MA
Sayoko Duhe Watson, an Oakland native, is the Director of Creative Content and Development at Olu8 Film & Culture. In this role, she guides innovative projects and crafts compelling content that resonates across varying demographics. In addition, Sayoko is a versatile consultant dedicated to transforming ideas into tangible wins for individuals and organizations.
Kevin Butler
Kevin Butler is a passionate, community oriented entrepreneur. He’s spent the last seven years pursuing a career that allows him to give the best of his talent and skill set to Oakland-based nonprofit organizations like the Brotherhood of Elders Network and East Oakland Youth Development Center. Kevin is driven by the wisdom of the ancestors that came before him like Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale of the Black Panther Party – he’s proud to embody and carry on their legacy.