Reclaiming Narratives: Black History Month for psychology teachers

Nicola Heath, Psychology Subject Advisor

October is Black History Month and an important time to recognise and celebrate achievements made by Black people across the world. In 2024, the theme is Reclaiming Narratives and it is so important that we begin to recognise the influence many Black people have had across the world and rectify where possible any overlooked or misrepresented work they have done.

In the context of psychology, this misrepresentation has had some profound implications. Black psychologists have made significant contributions to the field, yet their work has often been suppressed, forgotten or been attributed to others. This blog highlights some of this important work and brings these stories to light, ensuring that the next generation of psychologists and students recognise and appreciate the rich history of psychology.

Dr Robert Williams

Dr Robert Williams helped found the National Association of Black Psychologists. He was born into a family with little educational achievement, his mother only having a few years of schooling to her name. However, she saw great things ahead for her son and encouraged him to continue studying even after a school aptitude test suggested he would be better suited to manual work. 

It may have even been this experience that led to his work on the cultural bias of intelligence tests. Williams created the Black Intelligence Test of Cultural Homogeneity (BITCH) which was based on African-American experience. His research in this area showed that many intelligence tests like the one he had taken as a student, were biased and repeatedly exaggerated differences between different racial groups.  

Dr Kenneth Clark and Dr Mamie Phipps Clark

Dr Kenneth Clark and Dr Mamie Phipps Clark are two notable Black psychologists whose work has had a profound impact on the field, particularly in understanding the effects of segregation on Black children. Their famous Doll Test involved presenting young African-American children with dolls of different races and asking them which doll they preferred. The results showed that Black children often preferred white dolls, demonstrating internalised racism and the damaging effects of segregation on self-esteem.

Despite the significance of their work, the Clarks often did not receive full recognition during their time. Their research was pivotal in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to the desegregation of American schools. However, much of the credit was initially attributed to the broader legal team and the case itself, rather than to the groundbreaking psychological research conducted by the Clarks.

Joseph White

Joseph White, often referred to as the Father of Black Psychology was a pioneer in the field of Black psychology. He was one of the first Black psychologists to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology in the 1960s. Despite his credentials, he would struggle to find a home and office in California at that time which further fuelled his passion for equality.

White was also concerned that psychology as a discipline was either ignoring the experiences of Black people or misinterpreting them with pre-existing biases and stereotypes. This led him to help found the Association of Black Psychologists.

Dr Inez Beverly Prosser

Dr Inez Beverly Prosser was the first African-American woman to earn a PhD in psychology. Her research on the effects of segregated versus integrated schools on Black children was groundbreaking. Prosser found that Black children often fared better academically and socially in segregated schools with Black teachers who understood their cultural background and challenges. Her work provided early evidence of the psychological impacts of segregation.

Despite her contributions, Prosser’s work was largely ignored by the mainstream psychological community, and her untimely death in a car accident in 1934 meant her potential for further contributions was cut short. Her pioneering research is still not as widely recognised as it should be, often overshadowed by the broader civil rights movement and subsequent studies.

Dr Herman George Canady

Dr Herman George Canady made significant contributions to understanding the role of race in psychological testing. He was particularly concerned with the impact of the race of the examiner on the test performance of Black children. Canady’s work highlighted the biases inherent in standardised testing and the need for more culturally sensitive approaches in psychological assessment.

Despite the importance of his research, Canady’s contributions were often overlooked in favour of theories and practices developed by his white colleagues. His work laid the groundwork for later studies on cultural bias in testing, yet he remains a relatively obscure figure in the history of psychology.

In conclusion

Reclaiming these narratives is not merely about giving credit where it is due, it is about reshaping the understanding of psychology to be more inclusive and accurate. Furthermore, this provides inspiration and role models for current and future generations of Black psychologists. It helps to build a more diverse and inclusive field where the contributions of all individuals are recognised and valued.

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About the author

Nicola joined OCR in 2022 as the Subject Advisor for Psychology. Prior to joining OCR, she taught psychology for over 10 years and has had various other responsibilities in that time, including being Head of Year and Subject Leader for PSHE. Nicola has a personal interest in mental health and wellbeing and enjoys reading, baking and spending time outdoors to relax.