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Decolonizing Psychology Conference

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March 27, 2025
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Bank of America Building, Delaware State University
1200 DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901

Theme: Decolonizing Psychology Through an African Centered Lens

The idea for this conference originated with Mrs. Marcille Sewell. In 2023 Mrs. Sewell and Ms. Leandra Casson took a group of students to the Decolonizing Black Psychology Conference at Hampton University in Virginia. The experience had a profound and lasting impact on those who attended. Mrs. Sewell returned home with a passion for sharing what she had learned at the conference and to create a similar event at Delaware State University. The first such conference was held at DSU in 2023 by the Trauma Academy in collaboration with the Psychology Department.

The 2025 conference is intended to build on that which was done before and to broaden the scope and impact. It is being presented by the Psychology Department in collaboration with The Trauma Academy, and the Health Equity Research Center at Delaware State University. It is our hope that this might become a biannual event.

Decolonizing Psychology

Decolonization seeks to reverse the impact of colonization on minoritized groups. Governments, healthcare institutions, criminal justice and education systems have procedures and protocols deep-rooted in colonization and operate through a western lens. Decolonization reaches beyond increasing inclusivity and aims to re-establish history through the experiences and perspective of those most affected. As with many disciplines, core theories, practices and interventions within Psychology (reflect) an ethnocentric viewpoint … continuously reinstated through its curriculum. With awareness around diversification and increase in varying demands, it is important that the Psychology curriculum evolves to suit the needs of its’ users.

Frontiers in Psychology. (2023, June 14). Decolonizing the psychology curriculum: a perspective

“When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him to stand here or go yonder. He will find his ‘proper place’ and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary” (Woodson, 1993).

Lead Coordinator: Dr. Beverly Gordon, Chair of the Psychology Department

Committee: Kim Graham, Marcille Sewell, Raquel Farmer, Beverly Gordon, Mary Jenson, Sarai Bolan, Samara Benjamin, Jamisha Baynard, Tamara Bobbery, David Adams

Purpose of the Program: Educational, Outreach, Student-focused, Research-focused, Cultural

Objectives:

  1. To raise awareness of African-centered modalities as valid therapeutic interventions for addressing mental health concerns.
  2. To elevate the academic authenticity of Black Psychology.
  3. To encourage students and other groups of the Black diaspora to view their cultural identity in a positive light.
  4. To identify practical applications of Black Psychology for addressing issues of health disparity that impact the well-being of Black Families.

PROGRAM

8:30 AM Continental Breakfast

9:30AM – 9:45 AM:  Opening Remarks and Welcome:

  • Dr. Gwendolyn N. Scott-Jones, Dean of the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
  • Dr. Beverly P. Gordon, Chair of the Psychology Department

9:45AM: An Introduction to Black Psychology

  • Miss Kim Graham, Trauma Academy Director, Delaware State University

10:30 AM: African-Centered Modalities as Valid Therapeutic Interventions for Addressing Mental Health Concerns

  • Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ayo Marie Gooden, Ph.D., ABPBC

11:30 AM – 11:45 AM: BREAK

11:45AM: The Impact of Health Disparities on The Well-being of Black Families

  • Dr. Rochelle Mhonde

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM LUNCH

1:30 PM: The Unique attributes and needs of black children, birth through age 8 for establishing the foundation for their health, safety, and overall well-being

  • Dr. Wendell Campbell

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM   POSTER SESSION

  • Featuring the work of Delaware State University Psychology Faculty and Students

3:15 PM NTU(tm): An African-Centered Approach to Health and Healing

  • Dr. Tracey Garrett, Chief Clinical Officer for Progressive Life Center

4:00 PM – 4:10 PM BREAK

4:10 – 5:00 PM PANEL DISCUSSION

Panelists:

  • Dr. Ayo Marie Gooden, Delaware Valley Association of Black Psychologists
  • Dr. Rochelle Mhonde, Assistant Professor, Global and Community Health College of Public Health, George Mason University
  • Dr. Wendell Campbell, National Black Child Development Institute
  • Dr. Tracey Garrett, Chief Clinical Officer, Progressive Life Center
  • Dr. Chanda Reynolds, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Student Moderator: Ms. Chebria Bryant, Graduate Student, Delaware State University, MS Program In Counseling track of the MS degree in Clinical Psychology

5:00 PM: International Reception

  • International Food Sampling provided by The Hospitality Club, College of Business, Delaware State University
  • Entertainment provided by:
    • Celebration of Black Joy
    • Sankofa African Dancers and Drummers