A living branch of a fifty-year movement.
MAABPsi, pronounced "Maab-sigh," is the Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists. We have organized Black psychology in Atlanta since 1976.
Psychological liberation, healing, and wellness for people of African descent.
That is the purpose written into our bylaws, and it is the standard we hold ourselves to. We advance African-centered psychology through culturally grounded programs, professional and student development, community engagement, mentorship, education, and collective empowerment.
We affirm the mission of the national Association of Black Psychologists: the liberation of the African mind, the empowerment of the African character, and the enlivenment and illumination of the African spirit.
Our grounding values
African-centered principles shape how we lead, gather, and serve:
We work to create affirming spaces that recognize and value the diverse identities within our communities, including all genders and sexual orientations.
The movement behind the chapter.
In 1968, at the height of the Black liberation movement, a group of Black psychologists gathered in San Francisco and decided that psychology as practiced was failing Black communities. They founded the Association of Black Psychologists to build something better.
The Association of Black Psychologists is founded in San Francisco on September 2, during the APA convention, by Black psychologists determined to address racism, poverty, and the misuse of psychology against Black communities.
Dr. Joseph White, often called the father of Black psychology, publishes "Toward a Black Psychology" in Ebony magazine, introducing a strengths-based Black psychology to a national audience.
ABPsi launches the Journal of Black Psychology, now more than fifty years old and still a leading scholarly voice on the psychological experiences of people of African descent.
The Metro Atlanta chapter is established, bringing the movement home to a city at the center of Black American life, education, and leadership.
ABPsi counts more than 1,400 members and chapters across the country and internationally. MAABPsi carries the Southern flame with regular gatherings and an active mentorship program in Metro Atlanta.
Five decades, in brief.
The chapter partners with Morehouse College on a three-day summit on trauma and mental health in Black communities, and issues a public statement after the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
A renewed board relaunches regular chapter life, moving meetings online so members across the metro can attend.
The Baobab Tree Mentorship Program launches. Revised bylaws are adopted in November, the chapter elects its 2026–2028 Executive Board, and December's celebration honors outgoing president Dr. Thomas Vance.
MAABPsi turns fifty, and this website goes live.
Why a Black psychology?
The founders saw psychological testing used to label Black children deficient, research that pathologized Black families, and a profession with almost no Black voices. They answered by building institutions: a professional association, a scholarly journal, and a body of theory rooted in African culture and philosophy. That work continues, and it is far from finished.
Led by members, structured for the long haul.
An elected Executive Board of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer serves two-year terms under bylaws revised in November 2025 (members can email us for the full text). Seven standing committees carry the work, and every committee is open to any member.
Community Outreach & Service
Engages Metro Atlanta through culturally grounded service, partnerships, and programs that uplift Black communities.
Jegnaship
Mentorship and intergenerational support rooted in African-centered learning, connecting elders and emerging professionals.
Professional Development & Education
Training, workshops, continuing education, and leadership development for members at every career stage.
Student & University Engagement
Builds student pipelines and campus partnerships, and connects students to the national ABPsi Student Circle.
Member Engagement & Social Initiatives
Builds belonging inside the chapter: welcoming new members, planning gatherings, and sustaining community.
Public Relations & Marketing
Stewards the chapter's voice, brand, website, and digital presence with consistency and care.
Health, Wellness, & Healing
Plans wellness programming, healing spaces, and community care initiatives grounded in holistic well-being.
The 2026–2028 Executive Board
Elected in December 2025 and seated January 1, 2026.
Dr. Snoasha Braxton
President
Dr. Rashida Walker
Vice President
E'Terica Maddox
Secretary
Daisja Dukes
Treasurer
Fifty years in, the chapter still runs on its members.
Whether you hold a license, a degree in progress, or simply a commitment to Black mental health, there is work here for you.
See membership options ↗