This year the theme for Black History month is Health & Wellness. This emphasizes the role of health in the black community. So, let’s take a look into instrumental men & women who have made a difference in the field of mental health.
Mamie Phipps Clark, Ph.D. And Kenneth Bancroft Clark, Ph.D.
The Clarks were a married couple who were the first African-Americans to receive doctoral degrees from Columbia University. Their research on internalized racism and segregation effects on African-American children. Their groundbreaking “Doll” study was used in cases such as “Brown vs. Board of Education.
M. Joycelyn Elders, M.D.
Dr. Elders was the first female African American woman to be the Surgeon General of the United States. Her contributions include a more proactive approach to sexual health.
Solomon Carter Fuller, M.D.
Dr. Fuller’s research in Alzheimer’s charted the physical changes that occur in the brain. His contributions are guiding research today. He also worked with people with chronic alcoholism, observing the neuropathy.
Beverly Greene, Ph.D.
Dr. Greene’s research is grounded in feminist psychology, working to incorporate more inclusive public policies in health for people of different races, sexual orientations, and gender identities. She trained as a psychiatrist and integrated cultural awareness into her practice approach.
Inez Beverly Prosser Ph.D.
Dr. Prosser was the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in Psychology. She investigated the effects of racism and inequality on black children. Her research helped lead to desegregating schools.
Francis Cecil Sumner, Ph.D.
Dr. Sumner was the first African-American man to receive a Ph.D. earning him the title “Father of Black Psychology.” His research explored mental health differences in black and white people. He also helped establish the Howard University Psychology Department.
Joseph L. White Ph.D.
Dr. White is a renowned psychologist whose focus lies with aid and support to students of color. He also championed education reform to incorporate all students, not just those with white middle-class backgrounds.
To learn more about these and other influential individuals visit https://www.mhanational.org/black-pioneers-mental-health.
And to learn more about Black History Month visit https://asalh.org/.
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