| Contact Donate Login | |
 |
MembersWe have a new area just for members! Visit our Members Only page or update your membership profile. Stay InformedNever be caught outside of the loop. Stay informed about all of our upcoming events. It's fast and it's free. Join or get on our mailing list now... |
The Delaware Valley Association of Black PsychologistsAbout UsIn 1968, The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi), founded on self-determination and a passionate desire to respond constructively to the most significant health and mental health challenges of black communities, sprang to life in San Francisco through the collective vision and work of several, black academic and practitioner psychologists. These founding ABPsi leaders "broke rank" with the American Psychological Association (APA), the dominant professional association for all psychologists at the time. ABPsi declared its "independent" intent to deliver rigorous study and research, training, programs, planning, thought leadership, advocacy, community healing and uplift. It called for strong, empowering professional development for its membership base. Its leaders set out to build, not just a protest "independence", but a credible, sustainable institution for research, practice development, advocacy, and healing. Over the next 5 years, ABPsi affiliate chapters began to develop in numerous regions, states, and cities. Today: Nearly 40 ABPsi affiliates serve more than 1500 members nationwide. In 1973, Philadelphia, PA proved to be decidedly fertile, ABPsi expansion ground. Several, black academic and practitioner psychologists began to meet then to discuss personal, employment, school, and community healing challenges. These professionals openly shared their best thinking and fellowship energy: They journeyed from South Jersey, Delaware, and all Philadelphia sectors to refocus, refresh, and replenish their spirits — routinely tested and at times significantly depleted amidst the challenging particulars of their predominantly white-controlled "day jobs". They gathered in homes, at Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania to deliberate, develop collaborative trust, and dissect the prevailing health/mental health challenges. They built strategy and tactics consensus on the full re-empowerment of local black communities and their own professional development needs. All assembled seemed to appreciate the special opportunity, not readily afforded by predominantly white-controlled "day jobs", to stack conversations and capabilities among diverse, black colleagues in an atmosphere of genuine fellowship and community healing exchange. Tom Gordon, Janice Hoffman (Willis), Norman "Rocky" Jones, Melvin Rodgers, Rita Smith, J Otis Smith —these and other leaders decided to amplify and harness the positive regard of these "fellowship" and "community healing" discussions by establishing an organizational "space" for this restorative, black-on-black exchange. ABPsi, given its 1968 start-up charge and subsequent momentum, looked to be the logical choice. In recognition of the founding conversations and the practical potential to draw future members from South Jersey, Delaware, and Greater Philadelphia, the ABPsi affiliate we now recognize as DVABPsi developed into being as a professional resource and operational force. Today: DVABPsi continues to serve a Delaware Valley tri-state, academic and practitioner psychologist membership base. From its onset, DVABPsi championed rigorous professional development and robust fellowship as signature components of its organizational identity. Members still enjoy spirited, topical dissections and treatments of important health and mental health affairs. Members continue to thrive among colleagues and friends, who show respect and support for one another non-competitively. At the same time, DVABPsi also developed to serve black people, black communities, and those disadvantaged or marginalized. Our current community-healing seminars and interventions, our student scholarships and career advancement programs, and our abiding commitments to personal and collective re-empowerment still reflect this DVABPsi history of uplift and service. DVABPsi self-renewal, service impact, and community healing are joined inextricably. The power of One is foundational for the impact of All. An authentic commitment to self is, ultimately, a resounding commitment to community. May our service "branches" —the good that DVABPsi seeks to do in the world —continue to honor our heal thyself and change communities for the better "roots". So goes the African proverb: "I am because we are. We are because I am". History drives our Now —and Tomorrow. |
President Immediate Past President Past President President Elect Secretary Treasurer Chair, Professional Development Chair, Professional Affairs Chair, Community Service Chair, Student Concerns Committee Chair, Membership Chair, Public Relations Member-at-large Member-at-large |