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Black Psychologists Celebrate 50th Anniversary, June 27-July 1, at The Marriott Oakland City Center

Published

8 years ago

June 25, 2018

By Theopia Jackson, PhD

Oakland has a long history of activism dedicated to the uplifting of Black communities. The city was the birthplace of the Black Panther Movement in 1968, and more recently the birthplace of Ryan Coogler, director of the Black Panther movie—a cultural phenomenon and a worldwide game-changer.

The Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. (ABPsi) was forged in the bosom of Oakland’s activist history in 1968. The founders, including several Bay Area residents such as Wade Nobles, who was a graduate student at the time, Joseph White, Reginald Jones, and others, boldly challenged the American Psychological Association (APA) to critique its science/practice by taking culture into consideration (e.g., a group’s practices and beliefs).

It was apparent to these scholars that comparing Blacks to whites and interpreting the difference as something lacking in Blacks (and defining treatment accordingly) was well off the mark and potentially damaging.

This activist spirit informed the landmark Larry P. court case that addressed the misuse of intelligence tests in California, resulting in the overrepresentation of African-American children in special education.

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I am forever grateful to Black scholars in establishing the field of Black psychology.

I can recall my early training and intimately feeling like the messages about Black families and how to work with them felt alienating; simply not how I knew my people. For example, I knew that the prevalence of single-parent households was not a cultural value as much as a result of complex social contexts.

Engaging with the members of ABPsi expanded my awareness of Black psychology, which was not integrated in my education 30 years ago and still isn’t today for many. Through this scholarship, it became clear that my education and training settings could give me what is needed to be a good psychologist yet not an effective Black psychologist or healer.

My experience is not unique, particularly when reflecting on the realization that only four percent of all psychologists identified as Black/African American in 2016—a consistent finding for years.

The challenge for many Black mental health professionals, especially psychologists, trained in predominately white settings, has mirrored the seminal caution purported by Carter Goodwin Woodson in his 1933 book, Mis-Education of the Negro: “When you control a (person’s) thinking, you do not have to worry about (their) actions.”

The mission of ABPsi serves as an inoculation for many Black professionals and begs questions of the field like:

What does optimal mental health look like from a culturally-centered or culturally-affirming place for Black folks?
What are the mental health interventions or treatment that promotes such development for persons of African ancestry?
From a social justice and trauma-informed perspective, what is the role of mental health services in countering the adverse impact of psychological terrorism when Black Americans are exposed to the highly publicized trauma of Black children and adults being killed unnecessarily by law enforcement with no one held accountable?

Inquiries such as these and others should inform questions asked by Black folk of their providers—more than simply asking for a Black provider. As our youth teach us, one needs to be ‘woke’. It shifts the problem-saturated language from ‘at-risk youth’ to social activism of ‘at-potential youth in at-risk environments.’ Healthcare services, particularly mental health, must address more than symptom reduction and contribute to the overall quality of life for those they serve.

There must be more accountability. Toward this end, it is no mistake that ABPsi returns home to Oakland where it was born to celebrate its 50th anniversary. There will be more than 500 African scholars from around the world and it is imperative that we actively engage local leaders and community folk.

The Emotional Emancipation CirclesSM, a vision of the Community Healing Network (CHN), is one example of the outcomes of such engagement.

This initiative is the first of its kind in terms of having been designed by and for persons of African ancestry in the healing from and coping with the residuals of the myth of Black inferiority and white supremacy on a global level.

More than 500 persons globally have been trained since its inception. Given the current social-political context at home and abroad, we must be more strategic and cross-trained in our work. Oakland and surrounding communities, consider this your personal invitation. We look forward to seeing you.

The ABPsi’s 50th Annual International Convention will be held June 27–July 1, 2018 at The Marriott Oakland City Center.

Please join this gathering of psychologists, university professors, health care professionals, educators, researchers, students and everyday folk.

Theopia Jackson, PhD is President-Elect (2017-2019), The Association of Black Psychologists Chair, Clinical Psychology Degree Program; Saybrook

Oakland Post

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New Protections for Ticket Buyers: Gov. Newsom Signs Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s Bill

OAKLAND POST — Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

Published

1 week ago

October 4, 2026

Post News Group

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights). File photo.

By California Black Media Staff

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sept. 27 authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) that strengthens consumer protections for Californians purchasing tickets to concerts, sporting events and other live entertainment.

Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

“Buying a ticket shouldn’t come with hidden risks or unfair practices,” Newsom wrote on social media after signing the measure.

Under AB 1349, ticket sellers are prohibited from listing tickets before they have been officially released unless they have authorization or a legally enforceable right to receive them. Online marketplaces must also take reasonable steps to prevent speculative ticket sales on their platforms.

The law prohibits sellers from using bots, multiple accounts, email addresses or internet protocol addresses to circumvent ticket limits, presale restrictions, electronic queues and other controls. It also bans websites and advertisements designed to mislead buyers into believing they are purchasing tickets from an authorized seller, venue or event organizer.

Sellers who violate certain provisions and fail to provide a promised ticket may be held liable for twice the ticket’s contracted price. Buyers may also recover nonrefundable expenses incurred while attempting to attend an event, along with reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.

Pastor Tecoy Porter Sr., president of the National Action Network’s Sacramento chapter, said the law establishes needed accountability.

“Buying a ticket to a concert or show shouldn’t mean entering a marketplace where the rules are stacked against you. This year, we worked with a coalition of consumers, civil rights advocates, community groups, and businesses to make AB 1349 stronger. Consumers deserve enforceable rules that protect them. We thank Assemblymember Bryan for his leadership, and we will keep working to make ticketing fair for every Californian.”

Jose L. Barrera, national vice president for the Far West Region of the League of United Latin American Citizens, also praised the measure.

“Californian families deserve certain protections when they buy tickets. Assemblymember Bryan listened to communities across California and delivered a bill that puts fans first. We thank him and Governor Newsom for making it law.”

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Zakiya Jendayi Arrested, Locked Out of Home by Sheriff’s Deputies

OALAND POST — On Tuesday, deputies followed Jendayi as she left her residence of 13 years to file documents in her case at the Appellate Court. Deputies arrested her upon arrival and transported her to Santa Rita Jail.

Published

1 week ago

October 4, 2026

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By Tanya Dennis

Yesterday, more than 10 Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to take possession of Zakiya Jendayi’s home on behalf of a court-appointed administrator. Jendayi was arrested at the courthouse and transported to Santa Rita Jail around the same time.

Jendayi, who has been embroiled in a probate court battle to retain the inheritance bestowed on her by a longtime friend and colleague who passed away in 2013, had received a notice of eviction last month.

With help from neighbors, friends and clergy, she was able to fend off the eviction from 3614 Randolph Ave. in Oakland and even obtained a reprieve when her bid to file bankruptcy was approved by a county court.

But Philip Campbell, the court-appointed administrator, had already placed Jendayi’s home in his name in October 2025.

On Tuesday, deputies followed Jendayi when she left her residence of 13 years to go to the Appellate Court to file documents in her case. Deputies arrested her upon arrival and transported her to Santa Rita jail.

Undersheriff April Luckett-Fahini said Jendayi was arrested for “safety reasons.” At this time, it is unknown what charges were used for the arrest.

In Jendayi’s absence, Campbell came to her residence accompanied by deputies, had the property taped off with yellow crime tape, and had the locks changed.

Afterward, Campbell requested a police escort to his car amid several angry neighbors who had been advocating that officials pause the eviction pending Jendayi’s appeal.

“Zakiya Jendayi is a respected Black elder in our community,” said Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, who has been working with Jendayi to prevent her eviction. “It’s outrageous that she was arrested. There needs to be more justice and equity in our probate system.”

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Ask California: Golden State Releases New AI Chatbot

Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced the prototype as part of the state’s broader effort to use artificial intelligence to make government services easier to access. The launch follows his March 2026 executive order directing state agencies to responsibly implement generative AI while protecting privacy, security and civil liberties.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 22, 2026

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California has launched AskCA, a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to help residents find and navigate state and local government services through a single online platform.

Developed by the state’s Office of Data and Innovation, AskCA is designed around major life events rather than individual government agencies. Californians can use the tool to find information about finding a job, starting a business, accessing family services and recovering from disasters.

“When a Californian needs help, they shouldn’t have to become an expert in government to find it,” said Newsom. “We’re using the best technology California has to offer to make the government more efficient, effective, and more engaged.”

The state is now seeking Californians age 18 and older to participate in the pilot and help test and refine AskCA’s responses. Officials said subject matter experts across state governments are helping inform the chatbot’s answers, which are designed to draw from verified government sources and provide actionable information.

The prototype grew out of California’s response to the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Early testing included more than 140 fire recovery leaders and Altadena wildfire survivors, a dozen job seekers and more than 100 general users.

Jeffery Marino, director of the Office of Data and Innovation, said the tool is intended to remove the need for residents to understand how government agencies are organized before they can get help.

“Californians should not have to understand how the government is organized just to get basic help,” Marino said.

AskCA’s technology will also be used in a new job-skills matching feature that the California Department of Human Resources plans to launch Sept. 30 on CalCareers. Job seekers will be able to upload a resume and receive potential matches to state job classifications.

The state said the CalCareers pilot will not store personal information or require users to have a CalCareers account. California plans to continue testing AskCA as officials evaluate its accuracy, performance and usefulness before expanding the system.