On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at approximately 4:53pm the island nation of Haiti was disastrously traumatized and devastated by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake. Not since the 1960 Chile earthquake has a people been so overwhelmed by an unpredicted and bewildering force of nature. As the dust settled and the minutes turned into hours and then days did the frightening sense of loss and uncertainty begin to take hold.

The Association of Black Psychologists is committed to our Haitian extended family to facilitating culturally congruent psychological assistance in Haiti. During this critical period our Haitian family, like the world is in shock.

We as a Black psychological organization are dedicated to protecting and defending the historical and cultural legacy and integrity of the spirit and soul of the Haitian people in Haiti and elsewhere throughout the world.

We, The Association of Black Psychologists want our beloved brothers and sisters of Haiti and the African Diaspora to know that we stand by your side ready to assist with mental health support for the long-term.

We, The Association of Black Psychologists want our beloved brothers and sisters to know that in spite of the despair felt by those unable to escape the day-to-day hardship that we stand ready to heal your mental anguish with psychological support that is culturally sensitive to the mind, body and spirit.

Finally, we The Association of Black Psychologists want our beloved Haitian family to know that as we plan and work to establish a long-term support systems that we will continue to lift you up with the soulfully resilient songs and prayers that helped guide our epic struggles during the darkest periods of our survival as a people.

As one people, we are establishing a website dedicated to providing resources we believe can educate, encourage and empower our familys, and health providers already taking action in Haiti, as well as those who are on the way. We are eager to establish a partnership with government agencies, and international health organizations including the Haitian Psychological Association. With love and devotion, we will work tirelessly to help rebuild and rebirth the spiritual wellbeing of our fiercely independent, sister nation Haiti.

Benson George Cooke, Ed.D.
The Association of Black Psychologists, President,

Gislene C. Mariette, Ph.D.
SCABPsi, Haitian Sister in Spirit