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.
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.
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.
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.
