Pioneers in Psychology, Neuropsychology and Health Services we Celebrate Year Round

Bebe Moore Campbell

One notable figure in the mental health advocacy space is Bebe Moore Campbell, a black American author, journalist, teacher, and advocate. Campbell dedicated her life to raising awareness of the mental health needs of the Black community and other underrepresented groups. She founded NAMI-Inglewood, a safe space for Black people to discuss mental health issues, in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Campbell also traveled to Washington, DC where, on June 2, 2008, Congress officially designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The aim of this designation is to draw attention to the unique mental health challenges faced by underrepresented populations in the US.

Dr. Carlton Haywood Jr. is a black neuropsychologist who has made significant contributions to the field of neuropsychology. He is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he is also Director of the Division of Medical Psychology. Dr. Haywood’s research focuses on the intersection of psychology, neurology, and health disparities. He has conducted numerous studies on the effect of race and ethnicity on cognitive function, healthcare utilization, and patient outcomes.

Dr. Reginald Alston is a black clinical psychologist who has dedicated his career to advancing the mental health needs of people of color. He is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Maryland, where he teaches and conducts research on topics related to cultural diversity, psychotherapy, and mental health disparities. Dr. Alston is also the Founder and Director of the Center for African American Health, a community-based organization that provides mental health services and resources to the Black community in Maryland.

Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett is a renowned clinical psychologist and author who has made significant contributions to the field of mental health. She is the Director of the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders among African Americans (PRADAA) and a Professor of Psychology at Kent State University. Her research focuses on the cultural and contextual factors that influence mental health outcomes, particularly for people of color. Dr. Neal-Barnett has published numerous articles and books on the subject, including “Soar: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Anxiety at Home and on the Go.”

Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum is a black psychologist and educator who has dedicated her career to promoting racial justice and equity in education. She is the President Emerita of Spelman College, where she served as President from 2002-2015. Dr. Tatum is also the author of several books, including “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race,” which has become a seminal text on racial identity development.

Dr. Monnica Williams is an African American clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Ottawa. Her research focuses on the impact of racism and discrimination on mental health outcomes. She is also the Director of the Laboratory for Culture and Mental Health Disparities, where she conducts research on the mental health needs of underrepresented populations. Dr. Williams is a leading expert on the psychological effects of racism and has published numerous articles and books on the subject.

Herman George Canady was an exceptional Black clinical and social psychologist, who made significant contributions to the field. His pioneering work in exploring the potential for bias in IQ testing based on the race of the examiner was revolutionary at the time. In addition, he conducted extensive research on the impact of racism on mental health, shedding light on the damaging effects of discrimination and prejudice. Canady was a trailblazer in his field, paving the way for future generations of psychologists and social scientists. His work continues to inspire and inform current research on race, bias, and mental health.

Dr. Hooker completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Ohio State University. In 1945, she became the first African American woman to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard, using her GI benefits to complete a master’s degree at Teachers College, Columbia University, the following year. She earned her Ph.D. in 1961 from the University of Rochester, where she was the only woman and only African American in her class. For 22 years, she worked as a psychology professor at Fordham University, mentoring many students and faculty. She also served as an early director of the Kennedy Child Study Center in New York City.

Dr. Williams was born in Biscoe, Arkansas and attended high school in Little Rock. After a high school aptitude test pointed him toward a career in manual labor rather than college, he lacked the confidence to pursue higher education. Nevertheless, he graduated from high school at age 16 and spent a year in community college before transferring to nearby Philander Smith College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1953. He then earned his master’s degree in education with a focus on psychology from Wayne State University in 1955. He became the first African American staff psychologist at Arkansas State Hospital. In 1961, he received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Washington University.