Honoring Black Trailblazers in Mental Health and Psychology
In honor of Black History Month, Seven Counties Services is proud to recognize the important contributions of Black psychologists and leaders who have helped shape mental health care. Their work has made mental health more inclusive and better for everyone.
To share their stories and honor their strength, knowledge, and dedication, we are highlighting some of these inspiring figures below.
Join us in celebrating those who have changed mental health for the better and continue to inspire others. Together, we can create a world that values diversity, encourages understanding, and supports mental well-being for all!
Honoring Beverely Prosser, Ph.D. (1895-1934): Breaking Barriers in Education
Inez Beverly Prosser was the first Black woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in psychology. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1933, where her research focused on how segregation and racial inequality affected Black students’ confidence and school experiences.
Dr. Prosser’s work helped pave the way for today’s fight for fairness in education. Her research showed the importance of celebrating students’ cultural and ethnic identities, helping to create a more welcoming and supportive school system for all.
Benjamin, L. T. (2009). A History of Psychology: Original Sources and Contemporary Research. Wiley.
Francis Cecil Sumner, Ph.D. (1895–1954): The Father of Black Psychology
Francis Cecil Sumner was the first Black American to earn a Ph.D. in psychology. He got his degree from Clark University in 1920. People call him the “Father of Black Psychology” because he worked to challenge unfair ideas about race in psychology. He believed it was important to understand different cultures and make sure all voices were included in research. Sumner also helped guide and support many future Black psychologists, making the field more diverse and inclusive.
Guthrie, R. V. (2004). Even the Rat Was White: A Historical View of Psychology (2nd ed.). Pearson.
Jennifer Lynn Eberhardt, Ph.D. (1965–Present): Illuminating Implicit Bias
Jennifer Lynn Eberhardt is a psychologist known for studying hidden racial bias and how it affects the criminal justice system. She is a professor at Stanford University and researches how people’s unconscious thoughts impact their actions, especially in policing and education. Her work has helped create ways to reduce bias, leading to fairer treatment in many areas of society.
Eberhardt, J. L. (2019). Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do. Viking.
At Seven Counties Services, we honor these trailblazers for their invaluable contributions to mental health. Their dedication and pioneering work continue to inspire our commitment to providing compassionate and inclusive care to all individuals. As an organization, we are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We recognize that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color face disproportionate health challenges due to systemic racism, and we are committed to dismantling these barriers. Our goal is to provide culturally responsive services, challenge unconscious bias, and ensure that all voices are heard and valued in our work and communities.
