updates
Updates from AABPP
Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in mental health and AABPP’s work in Arkansas. Explore our recent initiatives, events, resources, and news that are making a positive difference in the Black community.
Stay informed about our upcoming events, workshops, and conferences. Connect with other community members and learn about the latest in mental health.
68th Anniversary of the Little Rock Nine
Join us for a powerful evening as we commemorate the 68th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine. This special event will feature a meaningful conversation on the psychological impact of trauma and pathways to self-wellness, led by members of the Little Rock Nine alongside Dr. Ivory A. Toldson.
Location:
Harry R. Kendall Health – Nugent Conference Center
Philander Smith University
900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive
Date & Time:
Thursday, September 25, 2025
7:00 p.m. CST
Come and honor this historic legacy while gaining insights into healing and resilience.
L.E.T.S. Save Lives: Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities
Please join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025 for our first in-person meeting since COVID. Guest presenter is Ms. Kionti Traylor, Program Manager with the Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Location:
Philander Smith University, Titus Bldg Rm 107
Date & Time:
September 20, 2025
12:00 p.m. CST
CEU will be offered.
Discover the impact of our past events through recaps, photos, and resources. Learn about our achievements and how we’ve made a difference.
Strengthening Our Impact Through Partnership – HUSH a Documentary on Black Mental Health
On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the Central Arkansas Association of Black Social Workers hosted a special screening of HUSH, a thought-provoking documentary on Black mental health. Held at the Donaghey Student Center at UA Little Rock, the event drew a diverse audience for an in-depth exploration of the unique challenges faced by the Black community in addressing mental health issues.
Celebrating the Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education: A Remarkable Gathering
AABPP recently commemorated the 70th anniversary of this landmark Supreme Court decision by honoring the strides made in education and reflecting on the work still needed to achieve true educational equity for Black students. Explore the impact of this historic ruling on the Black community.
A Centennial Commemoration: Historical Contributions of African American Psychologists from Arkansas – February 28, 2020
This event commemorated the 100th anniversary of the first African American to receive a doctorate in psychology, Francis Cecil Sumner. The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Terrence Roberts, a member of the Little Rock Nine, and honored Minnijean Brown Trickey, another member of the Little Rock Nine. The commemoration highlighted the contributions of African American psychologists from Arkansas in the fields of psychology, education, and social justice. It traced the history of African American psychology in Arkansas from 1920 to 2020 and recognized the first PhD African American psychology graduates from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Future Psychology and Mental Health Professionals Student Mentoring Program
An informational meet & greet and discover the benefits of our Student Mentoring Program, network with professionals, and learn how mentorship can support your academic and career growth in the field of psychology.
Parents and Educators as Change Agents, Part 2 – November 9th
This event will equip parents and educators with the tools and knowledge to support the mental health and well-being of Black youth.
Missing From the Story: Autism in Black Girls and Women
Join the Arkansas Association of Black Psychology Professionals (AABPP) for a powerful community event exploring the underrecognized experiences of Black girls and women with autism.
68th Anniversary of the Little Rock Nine
Join us for a powerful evening as we commemorate the 68th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine. This special event will feature a meaningful conversation on the psychological impact of trauma and pathways to self-wellness, led by members of the Little Rock Nine alongside Dr. Ivory A. Toldson.
Location:
Harry R. Kendall Health – Nugent Conference Center
Philander Smith University
900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive
Date & Time:
Thursday, September 25, 2025
7:00 p.m. CST
Come and honor this historic legacy while gaining insights into healing and resilience.
L.E.T.S. Save Lives: Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities
Please join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025 for our first in-person meeting since COVID. Guest presenter is Ms. Kionti Traylor, Program Manager with the Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Location:
Philander Smith University, Titus Bldg Rm 107
Date & Time:
September 20, 2025
12:00 p.m. CST
CEU will be offered.
AABPP is dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of Arkansas’ Black community through a wide array of programs and initiatives.
Robert L. Williams Student Scholarship
AABPP is proud to offer scholarships to support Black students pursuing degrees in psychology and related fields. Meet Kathryn Armstrong, the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award. Kathryn is a doctoral student in Psychology & Counseling and was selected for her dedication to her studies and her commitment to making a positive impact on the Black community. The scholarship was established in memory and honor of Dr. Robert L. Williams, a trailblazing psychologist and graduate of Philander Smith College. Learn more about eligibility and the application process to see if you qualify for this scholarship.
programs
Programs and Initiatives
We offer a comprehensive range of programs designed to improve the mental health landscape for the Black community in Arkansas. Our core focus areas include:
Community Education
Empowering the Black community through mental health education and awareness.
- Providing mental health information and resources to the public.
- Hosting workshops, seminars, and community events.
- Collaborating with schools, places of worship, and community organizations.
Social Change
Advocating for policies and systems that support the mental well-being of Black individuals and families.
- Advocating for policies that support mental health equity.
- Partnering with policymakers and legislators.
- Raising awareness of systemic issues impacting Black mental health.
Professional Development
Enhancing the skills and knowledge of mental health professionals.
- Offering continuing education opportunities for mental health professionals.
- Providing mentorship and networking platforms.
- Supporting the professional growth of Black psychology professionals.
Student Mentoring
Nurturing the next generation of Black mental health leaders.
- Guiding and supporting Black students interested in mental health careers.
- Offering resources about mentorship programs and internships.
- Fostering a pipeline of future mental health professionals.
Mental Health Resources
Providing access to essential mental health services and information.
- Maintaining a directory of Black mental health providers.
- Offering crisis hotlines and referral services.
- Providing information on available treatment options and insurance coverage.
The organization is committed to providing accessible and culturally competent mental health services to the Black community. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a mentally healthy life.
Become a Member
Join the AABPP community and make a difference in the mental health of the Black community. As a member, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits, including:
- Networking opportunities: Connect with other Black mental health professionals.
- Professional development: Access to workshops, conferences, and resources.
- Advocacy: Be part of a powerful voice for Black mental health.
- Community impact: Contribute to initiatives that improve the lives of Black individuals and families.
By becoming a member, you’re investing in your professional growth and supporting AABPP’s mission to create a healthier future for the Black community.
Hear From Us
Member Stories: Growing Together
From networking to leadership development, our members share how being part of AABPP has shaped their professional journey and community impact.
Dr. Rosilyn Sanders, PsyD
Sanders Consulting & Associates, LLC
I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Philander Smith University, where my advisor and mentor was Dr. Patricia Griffin. I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Psychology from William James College. I am also certified as a Prosci Change Management Practitioner and DevSecOps Practitioner, where I implement and lead change into global workplaces.
Additionally, I served as the curriculum architect for the first-ever Master’s degree program in Organizational Psychology within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, launching in Fall 2025. My experience with AABPP has been truly enriching.
The networking opportunities have connected me with professionals who inspire and challenge me. The ongoing mentorship, especially from Dr. Griffin, has been invaluable in both my academic and professional journey. The community engagement within AABPP has fostered a sense of belonging and purpose that continues to support my growth.
Thank you AABPP for creating a great platform for early career professionals like me!
Kathryn Armstrong, M.S.
Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Candidate
University of Central ArkansasI first joined AABPP over a decade ago as an undergraduate psychology major, and later rejoined the organization when I entered graduate school several years later. The organization offered opportunities for community outreach, to connect with other professionals in the field, and scholarships. I was the first recipient of the Robert L. Williams Scholarship.
This award is in memory of the life and legacy of trailblazer Dr. Robert L. Williams whose contributions had a significant impact in psychology, education, and social justice. Both the professional and financial support offered by AABPP has played a pivotal role in helping me accomplish my career goals and becoming a part of the psychology community.
Further, connecting with other professionals who look like me and are willing to invest in my development is invaluable.
Cameisha Brewer
C.Brewer Consulting & Marketing
My experience with the Arkansas Association of Black Psychology Professionals has been incredible. I was so honored when they asked me to come and speak at their recent event. The work they’re doing is so important because it highlights the differences and the nuances in the black community, as well as mental health disparities in education.
In clinical training, we learned about so many researchers and theorists and program developers, and few or none of them were people of color. Literally, in the textbooks and in the curriculum, there are very few people who look like black people. Our clinical criteria for diagnosis, and even the DSM, wasn’t originally developed for people of color.
Our field is changing and evolving, but there must be more cultural consideration to mental health disparities, to mental health outcomes and to treatment approaches.
AABPP truly has a heart for addressing this divide and making sure that the community is educated on resources and other things that are available for crisis prevention and crisis intervention. Their core programs for community education, social change, professional development, and student mentoring have deeply inspired parts of my clinical practice and my clinical work.
I think it’s amazing that they’ve created a space and a community where providers, along with supporters and allies of the work we do in the field, can volunteer, attend events, become a member, and donate and contribute to the cause.
I will continue to support their work and share about their mission.
Dr. Rosilyn Sanders, PsyD
Sanders Consulting & Associates, LLC
I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Philander Smith University, where my advisor and mentor was Dr. Patricia Griffin. I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Psychology from William James College. I am also certified as a Prosci Change Management Practitioner and DevSecOps Practitioner, where I implement and lead change into global workplaces. Additionally, I served as the curriculum architect for the first-ever Master’s degree program in Organizational Psychology within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, launching in Fall 2025.
My experience with AABPP has been truly enriching. The networking opportunities have connected me with professionals who inspire and challenge me. The ongoing mentorship, especially from Dr. Griffin, has been invaluable in both my academic and professional journey. The community engagement within AABPP has fostered a sense of belonging and purpose that continues to support my growth.
Thank you AABPP for creating a great platform for early career professionals like me!
Kathryn Armstrong, M.S.
Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Candidate
University of Central Arkansas
I first joined AABPP over a decade ago as an undergraduate psychology major, and later rejoined the organization when I entered graduate school several years later. The organization offered opportunities for community outreach, to connect with other professionals in the field, and scholarships. I was the first recipient of the Robert L. Williams Scholarship. This award is in memory of the life and legacy of trailblazer Dr. Robert L. Williams whose contributions had a significant impact in psychology, education, and social justice. Both the professional and financial support offered by AABPP has played a pivotal role in helping me accomplish my career goals and becoming a part of the psychology community. Further, connecting with other professionals who look like me and are willing to invest in my development is invaluable.
Cameisha Brewer
C.Brewer Consulting & Marketing
My experience with the Arkansas Association of Black Psychology Professionals has been incredible. I was so honored when they asked me to come and speak at their recent event.
The work they’re doing is so important because it highlights the differences and the nuances in the black community, as well as mental health disparities in education.
In clinical training, we learned about so many researchers and theorists and program developers, and few or none of them were people of color. Literally, in the textbooks and in the curriculum, there are very few people who look like black people. Our clinical criteria for diagnosis, and even the DSM, wasn’t originally developed for people of color.
Our field is changing and evolving, but there must be more cultural consideration to mental health disparities, to mental health outcomes and to treatment approaches.
AABPP truly has a heart for addressing this divide and making sure that the community is educated on resources and other things that are available for crisis prevention and crisis intervention.
Their core programs for community education, social change, professional development, and student mentoring have deeply inspired parts of my clinical practice and my clinical work.
I think it’s amazing that they’ve created a space and a community where providers, along with supporters and allies of the work we do in the field, can volunteer, attend events, become a member, and donate and contribute to the cause.
I will continue to support their work and share about their mission.
Racism Learned at an Early Age Through Racial Scripting: Racism at an Early Age
A groundbreaking exploration by Robert Williams on how racial scripting shapes young minds
For just $30, you can gain valuable insights into the insidious nature of racism and learn how to challenge these harmful stereotypes. Robert L. Williams’ “Racism Learned at an Early Age Through Racial Scripting” is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and combat prejudice.
For any inquiries or to learn more about the book, please contact us at info@arblackpsych.org
Your purchase will help support important research and initiatives aimed at promoting racial justice and equality. Please note that your order will be shipped via mail, ensuring you receive a physical copy of this groundbreaking work.
Activity
Community Engagement
The Arkansas Association of Black Psychology Professionals (AABPP) is committed to fostering a strong and engaged community. We invite you to join us in our mission to elevate the mental health of Black Arkansans. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Attend our events:
Participate in workshops, seminars, conferences, and community gatherings designed to educate, empower, and connect the Black community. Learn from mental health experts, network with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable insights on promoting mental well-being.
Volunteer your time and skills:
AABPP thrives on the dedication of its volunteers. Share your talents and passion to support our initiatives. Opportunities include assisting with event planning, outreach programs, administrative tasks, and more.
Become a member:
Join a community of passionate individuals committed to improving mental health outcomes in the Black community. Membership offers exclusive benefits, networking opportunities, and a chance to directly contribute to AABPP’s mission.
Together, through collaboration and collective action, we can create a lasting impact on the mental health landscape for Black Arkansans. We encourage you to get involved and be a part of the change!
AABPP Executive Committee Members Attend 56th Annual ABPsi Convention at Historic HBCU
AABPP Executive Committee Members, Patricia L. Griffen, PhD and Regina Hunt, M.S. attended the 56th Annual Convention of the Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. held on the HBCU campus of Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fl.
This year’s theme was, Returning to Spirit” The Essence of Who “We Be.”
Presentations were highly relevant for today’s political climate to equip for continuing to strengthen our communities.
They are pictured here with other attendees at the home of Dr. Bethune McLeod Cookman, founder of Bethune Cookman.
Visits were made to her gravesite and to White Hall, one of the original buildings on the campus that now served as the Administration Building.
A visit was also made to the Howard Thurman Historic Home. Howard Thurman was an author, theologian and educator who greatly influenced the civil rights movement in the United States.
NAMI Arkansas 5K Run/Walk
Look who we spotted at the recent NAMI Arkansas 5K Run/Walk – Yolanda McCallum, M.Ed, LPC and Tiffany Haynes, PhD, two esteemed members of our organization! This inspiring event was held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Burns Park Soccer Complex in North Little Rock, AR.
The 5K Run/Walk was a community-focused event aimed at raising awareness for mental health issues and advocating for accessible resources. Participants of all ages and fitness levels came together to show their support and promote a more compassionate society.
It was a heartwarming sight to see our organization’s officers alongside other dedicated mental health advocates leading by example. Their presence at this event not only demonstrated their commitment to mental health but also inspired others to join the cause. If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming events, initiatives, and ways to get involved in mental health advocacy, stay tuned to our website for updates. Let’s continue to make a difference together!
2025 Arkansas Psychological Association
Student Poster Presentation
Kendall Sanders is a first-year graduate student in the PhD Counseling Program at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. She made a student poster presentation at the 2025 Arkansas Psychological Association on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Little Rock.
AABPP Executive Committee Members Attend the 68th Anniversary of the Little Rock Nine
AABPP Executive Committee Members Cary Crawford, Regina Hunt, Dr. Terrance Roberts, and Dr. Patricia Griffen joined community leaders and attendees at the 68th Anniversary Commemoration of the Little Rock Nine. The event, held at the Harry R. Kendall Health–Nugent Conference Center at Philander Smith University, featured Dr. Ivory A. Toldson of Howard University as the guest speaker and honored the enduring courage and legacy of the Little Rock Nine.
The evening featured a powerful discussion on the psychological impact of racial trauma and the importance of self-wellness and healing. Members of the historic Little Rock Nine shared their reflections on courage, resilience, and the lasting emotional effects of the 1957 desegregation crisis. Dr. Toldson emphasized the need to acknowledge past trauma as a step toward collective growth and a healthier future. The event fostered an atmosphere of reflection, unity, and continued commitment to equity in education and mental health.
Dr. Terrence Roberts, Dr. Patricia Griffen
Dr. Ivory A. Toldson, Regina Hunt
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