Saturday, September 21, 2019, on the campus of Drew University in Madison, NJ, red, black, green decked the University’s Crawford Hall as the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists celebrated 45-years of its rich legacy. Founding members, current members, supporters, and our very own national president, Dr. Theopia Jackson, were all present to celebrate this joyous occasion. The night began with libations performed by chapter Treasurer Dr. Jennifer Jones-Damis and then opening remarks from the chapter’s president Dr. Monique Swift, who shared a brief history of Dr. Joseph White and the formation of ABPsi. Then it was on to, former chapter president, Dr. Abisola Gallagher, who took attendees on a journey through our chapter’s history punctuated by struggles and a multitude of accomplishments followed by a slideshow presentation by Dr. Charlena Sears with a...

Hair grooming is an integral part of social life in Afrika prior to the Afrikans being brought to the Americas by Europeans. In the remains of Kemet (Egypt) as well as in the West and Central Afrika explorers have found hair grooming tools such as combs. The Akan of present-day Ghana have Adinkra symbols that signify the power of hair rituals. There is a symbol known as duafe (wooden comb) which is a symbol of beauty, cleanliness, and the desirable feminine qualities. The mpuannum (five tufts of hair) is a symbol of priestly office, loyalty, and adroitness. This symbol is worn by priestesses and is said to represent the devotion and/or faithfulness that individuals are to display when they are engaged in required tasks. Also, the kwatakye atiko (hairstyle of the Asante chief) is a symbol of bravery and valor. It said to have been worn by an Asante war captain named Kwatakye. Such...

In African tradition, music is the medicine.  Dance is the delivery.  I’ve learned this personally through my study, practice and performance of traditional West African dance since childhood.  While...

Biofeedback is a process that uses instruments that record physiological signals from a person’s body and then displays the information so that a person can learn to change the signal that is being...

“For the Igede of Nigeria’s Benue State, music and dance contribute to the integration of society by expressing social organization, validating institutions, perpetuating values, and promoting group...

As an African-centered organization, ABPsi has historically integrated elements of African culture into conference proceedings.  In the recent 51st International Convention, an unprecedented Mbongi...