Martin R. Pierre, PhD was awarded a 2022 Presidential Citation in recognition for his leadership and commitment to advancing health equity, increasing access to culturally competent psychological services for underserved youth, families, and communities, reducing mental health stigma for communities of color, and creating inclusive environments to attract psychologists of color to the profession.
As a fellow immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago, Pierre came to the United States as a teenager. In his research, he examines the relationship between racial identity and psychological stress, particularly for men of color. He applies that knowledge in his work focused on reducing stigma for men of color seeking mental health services. To expand access to culturally competent services, he co-founded the Ashmont Counseling Center in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, which focuses on underserved adolescents, adults and families who are primarily people of color. As the first Black president of the Massachusetts Psychological Association (MPA), he seeks to create environments and conditions that are inclusive and attract all identities to the state psychological association. He also formerly co-chaired the MPA Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs.
Pierre also serves on the Board of the Boston Ten Point Coalition, which seeks to help reduce youth violence within the Black community by building meaningful relationships and providing mentoring for at-risk youth, and connecting and rebuilding the lives of youth who have been incarcerated and face additional stigma from society. Pierre, for all of your service to our profession and your communities, it’s my honor to present you with this Presidential Citation.