My vision is the fulfillment of our Founders’ dream at the conception of The Association of Black Psychologists in 1968.  According to the By-Laws of The Association our purpose is to

1. promote and advance the profession of African Psychology
2. influence and effect social change; and
3. develop programs whereby psychologists of African descent can assist in solving problems of Black communities and other ethnic groups

I believe that we are chosen to be African healers.  It is our Divine Purpose to actualize our gifts and talents in service for the greater good.

     I have had the opportunity to serve as the Western Regional Representative for the 2007-2009 term.  During the first 6 months as Interim Representative, I convened a strategic planning team for counsel and to add voice regarding the needs of the region. Five major areas were addressed – the need to strengthen communication and collaboration among chapters and affiliates; the need to increase membership; strengthen the General Assembly; the importance of a strong ABPsi nationally that is not divided; and the return to Service in the community.  These points became the guiding principles for my goals and action agenda.  My Goals are:

1. Create a list serve of all Western Region Chapters, affiliate members, Student Circle Regional Rep. and communicate on a regular bases regarding initiatives of the Board and needs of my constituents.
2. Increase membership and affiliation of chapters with the National office.
3. Promote the 40^th and 41^st International Association of Black Psychologists Conventions in Oakland, CA and Atlanta, GA.
4. Promote a Western Regional Conference
5. Assist with the development/ chartering of new chapters – Arizona, and provide support and enhancement of activities of functioning chapters
6. Chair the Regional meeting at the annual convention, for the purpose of planning, implementation and evaluation of Regional agenda.

I am pleased to report that most of the goals for my term have been accomplished.  A list serve has been established and communication between and among chapters has been established.  All four chapters are affiliated and financial.  The Arizona Black Psychologists need further assistance toward membership and chartering.  We had the highest regional attendance at the 40^th Convention.  The Denver-Rocky Mountain ABPsi hosted an awesome Regional Conference on April 24, 2009-

Professional Development Symposium: Culturally Responsive Practices in Behavioral Health, Education, Criminal Justice, and Child Welfare.  I have attended all of the Board of Directors meetings for the 2007-2009 term and have provided quarterly reports and chapter activities in a timely manner.

I believe that the fulfillment of our vision to meet the needs of the community is through active collaboration, transparent communication, and accountability.  As Africans, we do our best work when we convene face to face through consensus decision-making and not in isolation or silos.  If I am re-elected to serve, I will continue with these goals.

In response to the question regarding internal and external opportunities and challenges facing the ABPsi, I believe that we are in the process of Transcendence, moving to a higher level of consciousness.  This was evident at our 40^th Anniversary with the new models of interventions, the illumination of our intergenerational Genius.  Our President pledged to strengthen the infrastructure of our operations.  However, with growth comes resistance.  Our biggest challenge internally is efficient management and technology.  Our leadership is inhibited from doing and being optimal because of this.  I believe that our relationships with each other as well as relationships external to the ABPsi need healing.  The break down of the African Family, male/female relationships, and intergenerational communication and relevance are critical. 

I believe that some of these issues can be addressed by increasing opportunities to come together to share knowledge by face-to-face conferences and via technology.  I would like to have a Regional Portal on our website that would provide up to date information, research, membership information, happenings, grant rfp’s, etc.  I would like to see more internal research regarding our own health and wellness via surveys.  The Psych Discourse is an excellent vehicle for this and I support every effort to maintain the quality we have seen since the convention. I also believe that we must demand accountability from those who are in contractual agreement with the ABPsi. 

My prayer is that we come to know Who and Whose we are.  I am reminded of the words of our ancestor and brother Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians,

Brothers and sisters:

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;

To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit

Is given for some benefit.

To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom;

To another, the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit;

To another, faith by the same Spirit;

To another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit;

To another, mighty deeds;

To another, prophecy;

To another, discernment of spirits;

To another, varieties of tongues;

To another, interpretation of tongues.

But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11