To honor his impact across multiple psychological organizations, this posthumous Citation celebrates Figueroa-Garcia, EdD’s distinguished career at the APA Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs (OEMA) and we commend him for his tireless dedication to the advancement of psychology as it relates to culture, ethnicity, and the inclusion of persons of color in the field and practice of psychology.
Throughout his nearly 30-year APA career, Figueroa-Garcia’s conscientiousness, superior work ethic, quiet determination, humility and unwavering commitment to social justice served as a model to all those who had the honor to work with him. As an advocate, mentor, educator, scholar and friend, his efforts gave voice to so many in the psychology community who otherwise felt marginalized and his wise, often witty counsel provided much needed encouragement to numerous scholars of color as they ascended to leadership positions within the discipline. Without question, the field of psychology is more diverse because of him. His contributions to the framework of multicultural psychology are invaluable and the impact of his work will be felt for decades to come.
We honor Figueroa-Garcia’s contributions to APA and psychology. He was a true champion of equity and a staunch advocate for social change. His are now among the shoulders upon which we all stand in confronting the complexities of a multicultural world.
On this date, Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, we present this posthumous presidential citation to Alberto Figueroa-Garcia.
- The presidents of American Psychological Association, Asian American Psychological Association, Association of Black Psychologists, National Latinx Psychological Association, Society of Indian Psychologists, and Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race