From the President’s Desk: October 2023

• As one of my presidential initiatives (chaired by Dr. Shavonne Moore-Lobban), hosted APA’s first free community day-long conference entitled Psychology for the People: A Summit on Culturally Informed Healing Pathways for Survivors of Trauma, Grief, and Oppression, which was held in person at Howard University. Presenters included psychologists, community leaders, and a state senator;
• Co-edited and approved APA statement on trauma in Israel and Gaza;
• Gave invited lecture at Duke University Chapel on the intersection of psychology and faithopens in new window;
• Conducted interview with attorney Sherilynn Ifill on Collective Grief and Democracyopens in new window;
• Released a video statementopens in new window in response to the mass shooting in Maine;
• Convened APA’s Board of Directors fall retreat which included speakers on decolonial and indigenous leadership as well as guest presenters on challenges facing Black and Latinx graduate students and potential solutions. Additional topics included the future of APA publishing, advocacy priorities, leadership development, and strategic planning;
• Cohosted orientation for board and committee members;
• Participated in signing APA’s first MOU with the Bermuda Psychology Association (PDF, 863KB)opens in new window;
• Met with members regarding the role of APA and psychologists in the well-being of trans persons;
• Cohosted APA/APF Awards virtual ceremonyopens in new window to honor great contributors in the field;
• Participated in CLT open meeting with Council of Representatives attendees;
• Represented APA at the National Latinx Psychological Association conference;
• Facilitated APA Board of Directors meeting where the agendas covered ACC appointments, strategic alignment items update, Council town hall meeting on the number of in-person council meetings & hybrid vs. in-person council meetings, process of CLT/Board recommendations on council items;
• Facilitated Board of Directors Executive Committee meeting;
• Met regularly with Dr. Arthur Evans, Jr., APA CEO, Dr. David Sussman, CLT chair, and key staff members;
• Continued individual meetings with board members to facilitate dialogue and liaison feedback;
• Provided support for and/or promoted my presidential initiatives, which are:
  1. Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence (completed),
  2. Representation Matters Documentary (completed film, working on discussion guide),
  3. Free public summit on culturally informed trauma recovery held in October at Howard University,
  4. Culturally Informed Trauma Recovery Kits which will be available online (written documents completed; issued call for video submissions),
  5. Enhancing belonging and engagement at APA which presented findings at this year’s APA convention (research survey of members completed and presented at convention),
  6. Decolonizing and Liberation Psychology which is editing a special issue for the American Psychologist and has provided trainings for the APA Board of Directors, boards and committees, and Council of Representatives in alignment with APA’s EDI Action Plan (call for submissions received over 100 submissions; Taskforce presented at the convention)

Thank you for your support and efforts in service of society and the field of psychology. To reach me, please feel free to email me. To be more engaged, check out my monthly calls to action including the call to engage with our advocacy initiatives and to register for the APA convention. Look out for an upcoming call to donate to a fund to support student registration. We thrive together!