African, Black, Neither or Both? Models and Strategies Developed and Implemented by The Association of Black Psychologists

Abstract

The Association of Black Psychologists’ (ABPsi) has embodied its mission within the context of the evolving discipline of Black Psychology. In its 50-year evolution, the association has evolved and expanded beyond its initial concerns to include an articulation of a science of Black human functioning, ergo an African-centered or African psychology. The nascent association called for a logic of human behavior, wellness, and illness from an African episteme and cultural worldview. Equivalent to a scientific revolution, the Black psychology discussion has evolved to a Pan-African discussion with a new cadre of debates emerging in the literature including among continental African scholars focusing on the existence, definition, and praxis of an African psychology. Over the course of this intellectual quest, ABPsi, aligned with its mission as a professional association, advanced several models of psychological theory and practice as well as strategies grounded in Black, African-centered, and/or Black psychology. A sample of these models and strategies are discussed through the lens of the association’s evolving articulation of a science of Black human functioning.