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Welcome to Directions the Newsletter for DVABPsi

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Each issue is designed to address current issues, highlight the creative abilities of contributors, and teach from an African-Centered/Black perspective. Views and opinions in Directions are those of the authors and do not purport to represent the opinions or view of DVABPsi or its members.​

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Ayo Maria Gooden, Ph.D., ABPBC, Co-Editor

Auriane Kemegne, BA, Co-Editor

"It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela

Greetings Beloved DVABPsi Family,

 

Spring is here! Despite the variable weather we welcome the longer and warmer days in our Eastern Region of the United States. As nature reminds us of renewal and resilience, we also find ourselves navigating a deeply unsettling time. Across the U.S., we are witnessing mass firings of government workers, government-induced disappearances of individuals, skyrocketing cost of living, and the persistence of systemic discrimination that disproportionately impacts Melanated communities.

 

In the face of these injustices, now is the time to come together and engage in strategic actions to fulfill ABPsi’s mission: the liberation of the African mind, the empowerment of the African character, and the enlivenment and sustainment of the African spirit. Our strength lies in unity, and DVABPsi, our other ABPsi Eastern Region chapters, and ABPsi National Organization, continue to offer meaningful ways to remain connected, grounded, and empowered.

 

The upcoming events are more than dates on a calendar; they are opportunities to actively live out the values that guide our community. Whether through intentional dialogue, cultural celebration, or professional collaboration, these gatherings allow us to honor our shared purpose and deepen our commitment to one another.

 

By coming together, we live the principles of Kwanzaa—not simply as tradition, but as practice. We affirm our collective identity, commit to building our community, invest in one another, act with purpose, and nourish both faith and creativity. These aren’t just ideals—they are lived experiences woven into everything we do.

 

You can engage by attending our Monthly Chapter Meetings & Mbongis
DVABPsi meets virtually every 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 PM EST. These gatherings are sacred spaces to build, reflect, and move forward in collective healing and action. Join our Monthly Meeting via Zoom

 

You can celebrate Juneteenth and contribute to our organization and your own economic freedom by attending Eastern Region Gala & Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C. as we honor freedom, culture, and healing at the Eastern Region Gala.Click here to Register  If you have a business or book you’d like to promote and sell? We welcome your presence as a vendor at the Gala.
To receive a vendor form, email: easternrep@abpsi.org

 

You can connect with the larger ABPsi family and continue the tradition of learning, culture and collective organizing by attending  the 56th Annual National Convention ABPsi National Convention at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, from July 30 – August 3, 2025.Click here for Convention Info & Registration

 

These events are reminders that we are part of a larger community and together we are stronger.

Let us continue to move forward—grounded in culture, connected in spirit, and guided by purpose.

 

 

In Unity and Purpose,

 

Ingrid K. Tulloch, PhD.
DVABPsi President

PSU Justice Education Month Event

 

The Restorative Justice Initiative, Office of Education and Social Equity, and College Democrats present: 

Dascha Polanco

Beyond Prison Stories: Changing the Narrative on Justice and Education 

 

Thursday, April 24, 2025 

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT

121 Sparks

 

Dascha Polanco, from Netflix hit series Orange is the New Black and Innocence Ambassador, will be leading a discussion focusing on justice and education. This is more than just a keynote—it's a chance to engage in conversation about justice and the role we all play in building a more equitable future. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from a celebrated actress and fierce advocate who is using her platform to spark dialogue and inspire action.

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RSVP Here

Justice Education Month is a month-long event which runs April 1- 30, 2025. This series of events and gatherings hopes to bring awareness to the crisis of mass incarceration, its human impact, and build support for transformative educational movements in carceral settings and beyond. More information about Justice Ed Month and the variety of events can be found here!

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” - Langston Hughes

Movies by Sub-Saharan African directors

written and edited by

Auriane Kemegne, BA

African cinema is a vital part of world cinematic heritage, offering a unique lens through which the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences of the African continent are articulated. They are a powerful means of storytelling, preserving oral cultures, and addressing social, political, and cultural issues that are both locally and globally relevant. By centering African narratives, these films fight against stereotypes and offer authentic representations of Blackness, emphasizing the diversity of African creativity and identity.

African directors employ their imagination to highlight the beauty, richness, and strength of African cultures and, through this, familiarize the world more with the contribution of the continent to global culture. Ousmane Sembène's *Black Girl* (1966) and recent films like *The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind* (2019) confirm the evolution of African cinema and its ability to inspire, enlighten, and engage the international audience. African movies are not just entertainment; they are a celebration of heritage, a platform for innovation, and proof of how storytelling can transform the world's perspective.

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Here are some movies recommendations which highlight the diversity of African cinema, spanning genres like drama, romantic comedy, action, and art house, while showcasing the unique storytelling traditions of countries like Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, and Malawi. Most of the movies are available on Netflix (US). 

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**Drama**
1. Atlantics (2019) – Senegal  
   A haunting love story blending realism and supernatural elements, exploring themes of migration and resilience.

2. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019) – Malawi (UK co-production)  
   A heartwarming true story about a boy who builds a windmill to save his village from famine.

3. Black Girl (1966) – Senegal  
   A groundbreaking film about a young Senegalese woman’s struggles with exploitation and identity in postcolonial France.

4. Citation (2020) – Nigeria  
   A thought-provoking drama addressing sexual harassment and gender inequality in academia.

5. Lionheart (2018) – Nigeria  
   A heartwarming story of a woman trying to save her father’s transport business, highlighting family and gender dynamics.

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**Romantic Comedy**
1. The Wedding Party (2016) – Nigeria  
   A chaotic and hilarious portrayal of a high-society Nigerian wedding.

2. Seriously Single (2020) – South Africa  
   A fun rom-com about two friends navigating love and relationships in Johannesburg.

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**Comedy/Drama**
1. Fifty (2015) – Nigeria  
   A stylish and humorous exploration of love, relationships, and midlife crises among four women in Lagos.

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**Action/Comedy**
1. Sugar Rush (2019) – Nigeria  
   A fast-paced action-comedy about three sisters who discover millions in stolen money and must outrun criminals.

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**Classic/Art House**
1. Touki Bouki (1973) – Senegal  
   A surreal and poetic exploration of postcolonial identity and the allure of the West.

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“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcom X 

Annoucements 

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“A people without knowledge of its past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” - Anténor Firmin

“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” - Chinua Achebe

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“The African renaissance means that Africa must rediscover its self-confidence and turn its back on the cult of dependency.” - Ali Mazrui

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“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou

We are asking DVABPsi members to dig deep and donate money (to help pay for bus passes for doctor and lawyer appointments, food, medicine, etc.), clothing, interpretation services, tutoring English (If you speak French, Portuguese, Spanish, Mandingo, Fulani, Sosso), etc. to help our people. If you know of a building or housing that is available, please let us know. If you have a car, van, truck, boat, or other vehicle, let us know. 

We hope you will donate generously to the of Guinea Community of Delaware Valley, Inc. You may reach Brother Ousmane Tounkara at obimakinsuranceagency@gmail.com or call 302-565-8027 to make donations directly or you may contact Brother Holmes at 267-282-1062.  DVABPsi is also a tax-exempt organization and you may donate your items to DVABPsi and we will make sure your donations are given to our Guinea family. Please look at the services listed below that our Guinea family has to offer. Around 65% have degrees in the following areas:

  • Civil engineering

  • Accounting

  • Finance

  • Computer Science

  • International relations

 

The remaining 35% might have a profession (skilled workers such as electrical) and manual work experience.

 

DVABPsi is also a tax-exempt organization and you may donate your items to DVABPsi and we will make sure your donations are given to our Guinea and African family.

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You may evaluate your donations by following this link. Thank you for your generosity!

Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”  - Madam CJ Walker

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Join

        The Association of Black Psychologists (www.abpsi.org) and DVABPsi  

   

Make your contribution to healing our people! 

Your donations allow us to provide free

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  • Individual Therapy

  • Couples Therapy

  • Family Therapy

  • Court Assessments

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​The more you donate, the more we can serve.

DVABPsi membership dues were increased to $50.00 for professionals and associate members, $25 for elders and $20 for students. Membership information and the application form can be found on our website.

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BENEFITS:

 

  • Free CEs for Licensed Psychologists and licensed social workers

 

  • Advertising Your Products (Books, Toys, Products Research, etc.)

 

  • Opportunity to Present your Books or Research during our monthly Mbongi

 

  • Jegnaship (Mentoring) for Graduate and Undergraduate Students

 

  • Community Partnerships and Involvement

 

  • Job Opportunities and Advanced Notices of Job Postings

 

  • Networking with other Blacks in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling

 

  • Opportunity to Receive Supervision for Licensure

 

  • Advertise your Workshops/Training or Business to Members and other Mental Health Professionals

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” - Maya Angelou

      Opportunity to Advertise in DIRECTIONS Newsletter 

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Advertisements can be submitted for review and publication at least three weeks before the next month's issue along with a check or money order payable to:

DVABPsi or you may make an online payment. Advertisement rates are as follows:

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                                 Full Page:  $100.00

                                 Half Page:  $50.00

                                 Quarter Page:  $25.00

                                 Business Card: $15.00 

 

Mailing address:     Ayo Maria Gooden, Ph.D., ABPBC, Co-Editor

                                 DIRECTIONS Newsletter

                                 Delaware Valley Association of Black Psychologists

                                 P.O. Box 542

                                 Westtown, PA  19395-0542

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Directions Submissions

Members of DVABPsi are encouraged to submit articles, poems, announcements,  quotations, employment opportunities, and information related to undergraduate,   graduate, and post-graduate programs in psychology.   We welcome non-member guest contributors.  Members of DVABPsi are encouraged to submit their research, papers on their areas of interest and reflections on current events.  Please submit a short bio and photo with articles. Related pictures and graphics can also be submitted with articles. Contact: DIRECTIONS Newsletter Team for additional information at:  directionsdvabpsiorg@gmail.com. 

”You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” - Shirley Chisolm

                                                                 

The Mashariki Gazeti

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                                                A CALL FOR PAPERS​​

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Calling all articles (scholarly, opinions, etc.) about Africa, Africans, African Americans, psychology, advertisements, events, poetry, quotes, and announcements. The Mashariki Gazeti (MG) is published twice (i.e. September and March) during the fiscal year (i.e. August to July). Submission deadlines are August 15th and February 15th.

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Advertisement Rates

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Advertise employment opportunities, business ventures, office space, conferences, business cards, trips, and other events. Our circulation reaches over 300 people in Boston, New York, New Jersey, Delaware Valley (i.e. Philadelphia and surroundings), and Washington, D.C.


$100.00 – full page
$50.00 – ½ page
$25.00 – ¼ page
$15.00 – business card

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Advertisements must be camera ready. Make checks or money orders payable to:

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Dr. Faruq Iman

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Please submit all articles, ads, etc. to:


Faruq T.N. Iman, Ph.D., C.H.P., Editor

1301 N. 54 th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19131-4307

(215) 921 – 2557
Email: faruqiman@yahoo.com

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"Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us." - Susan L. Taylor

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