March 28, 2024

Highlights from the 2023 Annual Convention

The Association of Black Psychologists held it’s 54th Annual Convention in Detroit, Michigan with the theme, Homecoming: (Re) Claiming Our Divine African – Knowing, Being, Doing, and Belonging. The convention was filled with love, excitement, scholarship, and affirmation.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s convention was the first convention held in person since 2019, which made the “Homecoming” theme, all the more relevant.

Over 500 attendees convened in Detroit and participated in a range of activities, from research and theory sessions, to poster presentations, and special events, including a pre-convention line dancing party hosted by the Metro Detroit Association of Black Psychologists. Here are some convention highlights:

Enstoolment Ceremony

ABPsi enstooled President Dr. Sharon Bethea and Student Circle Chair Joanne Lebrun. Professional Officers of the association serve two-year terms, beginning October 1, and Student Officers serve one-year terms. Drs. Donell Barnett and Sharon Bethea will begin a period of transition between the enstoolment ceremony and October first when board members will be officially seated in their positions.

Dr. Sharon Bethea and Joanne LeBrun take the oath of office

State of The Association

President Barnett gave the state of the association address calling for an ABPsi that moves together not in uniformity, but in unity. In his address, he recounted the forward progress of the association including growth in membership, growth in the number of ABPsi chapters, stronger fiscal standing, and greater impact in communities through ABPsi’s national programs.

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President Barnett gives the State of the Association address

Awards Ceremony

The Association of Black Psychologists recognized outstanding contributions at its annual awards ceremony. Dr. Suzette L. Speight gave the Distinguished Psychologist address. The Association recognized Ms. Anisha Lewis for her longtime service and leadership in the ABPsi National Office.

Dr. Sharon Bethea presents Dr. Suzette Speight with The ABPsi Distinguished Psychologist Award

2023 Award Winners

Bobby E Wright Award
Karen McCurtis-Witherspoon, Ph.D.

Distinguished Service Award
Jane Robinson, Ph.D.
Co- Founder Detroit Chapter, ABPsi
Michigan’s Mother of African/Black Psychology

ABPsi Student Outstanding Service Award
Canaan Bethea

ABPsi Student Outstanding Service Award
Joanne LeBrun

Community Service Award (Member)
Anelle Williams, Ph.D.

Community Service Award (non-member)
Wayne & Myrtle Curtis

Community Service Award (non-member)
Dawn Wilson-Clark

Annual Business Meeting

At the annual business meeting, members of the ABPsi Board of Directors provided updates on exciting activities around around and key initiatives. 

Members of the National Board of Directors

Reactions from the 54th Annual Convention

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