Delaware State University

Wesley College of Behavioral Science

 Psychology Department

 

Decolonizing Psychology Conference

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.

 

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.

 

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. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10300435/

 

“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).

 

PROGRAM:

Welcome and Introductions: Dr. Gwen Scott-Jones, Dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences

Opening Remarks: Dr. Beverly Gordon, Chair of the Psychology Department

 

Session I:  An Introduction to Black Psychology:

Miss Kim Graham, Trauma Academy Director, Delaware State University

 

Session II: Keynote Speaker:  Dr. Ayo Maria Gooden, Ph.D., ABPBC, LLC,

Licensed Psychologist, Board Certified African Centered/Black Psychologist, Fellow, Published Author

Topic: African-Centered Modalities as Valid Therapeutic Interventions for Addressing Mental Health Concerns.

 

Session III: Workshops

Workshops

• Dr. Rochelle Mhonde, Assistant Professor, College of Public Health, George Mason University

Topic: The Impact of Health Disparities on The Well-being of Black Families

• Dr. Wendell Campbell, National Black Child Development Institute

Topic: 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. Tracy Garret

Topic: INU as A Therapeutic Modality

 

​Session IV: Panel Discussion

 (Students & the Guest Speakers - Gooden, Mhonde, Campbell, Garret

Topic: Practical Steps for Decolonizing Black Psychology to Benefit Black Children and Their Families

 

Session V

Afrocentric Poster Session: Coordinated by Dr. Mary Jenson, Assistant Professor, Psychology Department, Delaware State University

 

Session VI: International Reception

1. Performances by Sankofa – The Inner-City Cultural League: African dancers and drummers

2. Food sampling from the African Diaspora (provided by Ms. June Clarke and the Hospitality Club, College of Business, Delaware State University

3. Performance by Celebration of Black Joy