Delaware Valley Association of Black Psychologists (DVABPsi)
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DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
Welcome to DIRECTIONS the monthly online newsletter of the Delaware Valley Association of Black Psychologists (DVABPsi). We look forward to providing our readers with pertinent information to support, encourage, and uplift our community and those who serve the community. The goal of DVABPsi is to make a positive impact on Black Mental Health today and in the future.
Views and opinions in DIRECTIONS are those of the authors and do not purport to represent the opinions or views of DVABPsi or its members.
Ayo Maria Gooden, Ph.D., ABPBC, Co-Editor
Auriane Nguiadem Kemegne, BA, Co-Editor
President's Message:
Dr. Tashekah Smith Delaware Valley Association of Black Psychologists (DVABPsi)
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. - Marcus Garvey
Dr. Carlton Payne has more than 30 years of experience in the field of psychology. He earned his BA in psychology from LaSalle University, his MS in Counseling Psychology from Villanova University and his PhD. in Educational Psychology from Temple University. He has taught college and graduate students and served as the Chief Psychologist and Director of Behavioral Health for the City of Philadelphia Prison System. His areas of expertise include Forensic Psychology, Psychological Testing/Assessment, Learning Abilities/Disabilities, Mediation/Dispute Resolution, Suicide Prevention/Grief Counseling, Diversity/Multicultural Education, Anger Management, and Curriculum Design.
Ebonee is a six part story addressing child abuse by Dr. Carlton Payne.
Ebonee is a fictitious story based on real events.
EBONEE - PT 1
(The center was a holding facility for children who had been arrested and were waiting to go to court. Resident was a socially acceptable term for Inmates who were Juveniles.)
Ebonee was a resident on the female unit. She was a pretty girl who kept her hair neat despite her surroundings. Her beauty and grooming drew the anger and envy of the other girls who would try to scratch her face pull her hair or find some way to make her less good-looking. She was a well-behaved kid so the female counselors liked her. They allowed her to do clean-up jobs and other duties that kept her away from the rest of the group as much as possible. This only made the other girls more jealous. I would see Ebonee every once in a while, when she was passing with the rest of the girls on her way to the lunchroom or when I worked on the unit next to the girl’s unit. The boys were the real reason that I first noticed her. They would go crazy whenever she was around. Some would be mesmerized. Some of the guy’s eyes would pop out of their heads. “Cool out, fellas,” I would say. “You act like you haven’t seen a pretty girl before.” They would act like hungry wolves looking at steak. I would say, “Calm down,” when she passed in the lunchroom but they continued to swoon and moon for her.
I asked some of my co-workers, did you notice how the kids act when that little girl with the long hair is around?” One of them said, “You mean the one that has the body of a grown woman?” I said, “You know that’s not right. She’s just a kid. She probably has enough problems.” Over the years I had learned that you never know what a kid sees in you or why they choose to confide in one person and not another. It was important to be aware at all times. A teen could pick any of the counselors to open up to. They might report a pending escape or someone’s desire to commit suicide. They could pick any of the adults from the director to the maintenance man.
There was no rhyme or reason for why or when they opened up to you. It could be that you looked like someone they trusted or your mannerisms might be comfortable for them or a million other reasons. The key was to remain aware because you never know who they might feel safe enough to talk to. One day, out of the blue, Ebonee decided to open up to me. I think she overheard my reaction to one of the little guys who was crying. I told him that everything was going to be alright and this would all be over soon. Or she may have overheard my comment about her having enough problems. To be honest, I still have no idea why she picked me.
I was working the adjacent boy’s unit on the four to twelve shift and she was mopping the female unit. She was sniffling and crying, wiping her eyes. I started not to say anything to her because, in the system, a male counselor in close proximity to the female residents could spell trouble. Most of the male counselors just kept their distance, but she seemed distraught. My kids were settling into bed and I looked at the female counselors who both were occupied. Then one of the lady counselors left the floor. She walked right by Ebonee and she didn’t notice that the kid was upset. I decided to find out what was wrong.
©2023 Dr. Carlton Payne
Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live! - Bob Marley
Featured monthly starting in December 2023
JAMAICA
written by
Ayo Maria Gooden, Ph.D., ABPBC
Each month, we will highlight a different Black country. We invite you to share your knowledge about the country so that our knowledge grows. If we visit the country, we will be better prepared. We are starting off with Jamaica for December to recognize the contributions of the outgoing president, Dr. Tashekah Smith and the incoming president Dr. Ingrid Tulloch, who are both Jamaicans. My husband’s parents are Jamaican, and we enjoy staying for a month at a time at least yearly (sometimes twice a year). We rent an apartment at The Point in Negril. Negril is our preferred vacation location because of the wonderful beaches that are perfect for snorkeling. The Point has a beach that is perfect for non-swimmers and children, a deeper area for snorkeling and a cave that provides easy access. We snorkel daily for at least one hour.
When you plan your trip to Jamaica be prepared:
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Passport (If you do not have one plan on applying at least 4-6 months before you plan to travel.) Everyone, including babies need a passport.
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Travel documents https://www.pica.gov.jm/immigration/travel-documents-required
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Water shoes (to protect your feet from poisonous sea urchins in the Caribbean sea)
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Full-face snorkeling mask so that you feel like a mermaid or merman-it is awesome!
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Water flippers
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At least 2 swim suits so that one can dry
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Sun block
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Flotation device if you cannot swim or for babies
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US money $1 = JA$1.35 Keep your US money so you can judge what you are tipping and spending. Jamaicans prefer US money.
You have not had really sweet pineapple (try the sugar loaf) or fantastic bananas until you taste the ones in Jamaica!
In addition to the larger hotel chains, there are some smaller more economical places:
Negril:
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Travelers on the 7-mile beach
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Coco La Palm on the 7-mile beach
Black Owned Businesses in Negril, Jamaica:
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My husband’s cousin, Javell owns Chances Negril Restaurant and Club on the 7-mile beach, where you can get traditional Jamaican food, vegan choices, and the best pizza in Jamaica. You can also see the bobsleigh from the movie, Cool Runnings.
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Near Chances Negril Restaurant and Club you can enjoy live music with Luddy Samms, Jamaican lead singer of the famous Drifters musical group at Drifters on the 7-mile beach.
Luddy Samms (Lead singer for the Drifters), Dr. Ayo Maria Gooden, Dr. Warren Gooden at Drifters in Negril, Jamaica 2023. In case you are too young to know the Drifters, check out some of the music.
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RastaAde – Vegan food and café 876-957-3898
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Hi-Lo Plaza on the main road is owned by a Black family. It includes the Hi-Lo supermarket, pharmacy, hardware store, restaurants, souvenir shops, a print shop, and much more.
Montego Bay:
Most tourists go to Montego Bay which is an hour east of Negril. Here are two Black-owned hotels in Montego Bay.
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Hotel Gloriana & Spa http://www.hotelgloriana.net/ you cannot beat the prices and the food is excellent. It is located on the beach and there is off-street parking. They also provide shuttle service to the airport which is 5 minutes away.
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Airport Beach Hotel https://airportbeachhotelja.com/ you can get a room or if it is available, you can rent the apartment that has a kitchen. It is a one bedroom but they are flexible and will add a bed to accommodate families. You can sit in their bar and watch the planes take off because you are next to the landing strip. The beach is across the street so you can enjoy the warm, salty waters of the Caribbean.
Meaning of the Jamaican Flag:
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Two black triangles: overcome hardships, both in the past and future of Jamaica.
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Two green triangles: hope and agricultural fertility
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Yellow cross: also called a saltire, this represents minerals in the ground and sunlight in the sky of Jamaica.
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“Hardships there are, but the land is green and the sun shineth” – Jamaican flag motto
Famous Jamaicans:
The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jr.
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Political activist.
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Founder and first President-General of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League
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Born: August 17, 1887, Saint Ann's Bay, Jamaica
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Died: June 10, 1940, London, United Kingdom
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Children: Marcus Mosiah Garvey, III
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Organizations founded: Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, MORE
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Spouse: Amy Jacques Garvey (m. 1922–1940), Amy Ashwood Garvey (m. 1919–1922)
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Parents: Sarah Jane Richards, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Sr.
Jamaican musicians:
Jamaica is a paradise with beautiful, strong Black people. We will examine some of the more popular people from the music industry with the most famous, Bob Marley, the King of Reggae who was responsible for one tenth of the gross national product of Jamaica (over 190 million dollars).
Bob Marley (Nesta Robert Marley) was born on February-6, 1945 in Jamaica and died on May 11, 1981, in Miami, Florida. He was the person best known for introducing the world to Reggae music. He was an activist, musician, singer, and song writer. The Marley family is the most famous family in the history of Jamaica. Bob was married to Rita Marley (Alfarita "Rita" Constantia Anderson was born in Santiago, Cuba) and was his backup singer, the mother of 3 of his biological children (Cedelia, Ziggy and Stephen) and 3 of hers he adopted. Rita was an internationally successful reggae artist. She is an entrepreneur with businesses and foundations. Bob Marley had 11 children. His most famous children Damian, Ziggy, Rohan (partner of Lauren Hill), and grandson Skip who has won 2 Grammys for his music. I personally love Bob with Damian as my second favorite. Powerful lyrics! To learn more about the Marley family.
Exodus by Bob Marley and The Wailers
Damian Marley (July 21, 1978) Video Life is a Circle
Rita Marley (July 25, 1946) Who Feels It Knows It
Ziggy Marley (October 17, 1968) Love is My Religion
The Wailers – backup band for Bob Marley
Third World The Best Of Third World - Third World Greatest Hits
Alaine Laughton (September 21, 1978) You Give Me Hope
Shaggy, Orville Richard Burrell (22 October 1968) Bombastic
Jamaican athletes:
Usain Bolt was born August 21, 1986. As a sprint runner he is the fastest person in history. He holds world records in the 100 meters and 200 meters.
Some other Jamaican artists include, Grace Jones, Naomi Campbell and Patrick Ewing.
Food:
Here are some examples of Jamaican foods: Look up the health benefits of these foods and you will want to eat them daily!
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Callaloo
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Mango
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Banana
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Pineapple
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Papaya
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Sweet Sop
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Breadfruit
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Ackee
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Sorrel
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Dreadlocks
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Originated in Africa possibly by the warriors of the Masai Nation in Kenya
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In Jamaica, Rastafarians wore locked hair as a symbol of cultural pride and the celebration of Black pride. It is the rejection of Euro-centric standards that promote straight hair as the only acceptable hair.
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Reportedly became popular during post-emancipation as a way to reject European/White values.
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Eurocentric Jamaicans reportedly said the style was “dreadful”. It was also said that when White people saw the locks they felt dread.
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Rastafarians grow their hair into dreadlocks in accordance with their religious beliefs Nazarite Vow. (Also their vegan dietary rules are part of the law) All Rastafarians take this vow and claim it is commanded by the Bible (Leviticus 21:5 “They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard nor make any cuttings in their flesh”).
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Black people must be protected so that we do not suffer from hair discrimination. Please sign the petition for the C.R.O.W.N. Act.
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First recorded people were the Arawak or Taino
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Words from the Nation of Taino people include hurricane, tobacco, hammock, and barbecue.
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Jamaica comes from the Taino word Xaymaca which means land of wood and water.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Asante sana (Thank you very much) for reading our article on Jamaica! If you have questions or comments, please share them with us. Let's us know what country you want us to cover next!
"The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively." - Bob Marley
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Make your contribution to healing our people!
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The more you donate, the more we can serve.
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"Progress is the attraction that moves humanity." - Marcus Garvey
Opportunity to Advertise in DIRECTIONS Newsletter
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:
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
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.
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." – Frederick Douglass
The Mashariki Gazeti
A CALL FOR PAPERS
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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Advertisements must be camera ready. Make checks or money orders payable to:
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Please submit all articles, ads, etc. to:
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"The time is always right to do what is right." – Martin Luther King, Jr.
"I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear." – Rosa Parks
