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2019 Kwanzaa Celebration

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

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The New York Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists
Celebrating over 50 years of raising minds and spirits.

Today we celebrate the seventh and final day of Kw

Today we celebrate the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa, Imani, which means faith. We began the Kwanzaa celebration with Umoja (unity), and we end with Imani (faith) because unity is necessary to begin our most important work, and faith allows us to sustain it. Since Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, but a cultural one, Imani is not just about faith in the Creator, but also faith in ourselves, each other, our victory over our struggles, and all that is good, right, and beautiful in the world.

Black psychologists have had an unwavering belief in the humanity and potentiality of Black people, especially in our ability to transcend and not be defined solely by racial oppression. In fact, Black psychologists such as Joseph White articulated the principles of a positive and strengths-based psychology prior to the formation of positive psychology.

On this day, we encourage you to reflect on the progress that we have made as a people, engage in a ritual of gratitude for the help that has been given along the way, and be action oriented in lifting up others around you who are still in the midst of their struggles. We encourage you to choose faith over fear, especially when it comes to your future. Know with full conviction that we come from a resilient people and that victory over struggle is our birthright!

And now, as we end our virtual Kwanzaa celebration, we invite you to say 7 times:
Harambee, Harambee, Harambee, Harambee, Harambee, Harambeee!("all pull together" in Swahili)
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Today we celebrate the sixth principle of Kwanzaa:

Today we celebrate the sixth principle of Kwanzaa: Kuumba (creativity). Kuumba encourages us to tap into our creative energies to do as much as we can, and leave our community better than we found it.

There are several mental health benefits to utilizing our creative abilities. Being creative can increase positive emotions, leading to positive moods of happiness. In the spirit of the Kwanzaa principle of Kuumba, we want to strive to let our inner creativity come out in various aspects of our life. If you need some inspiration boosting your inner creativity, get back to those youthful days of doodling. Grab an adult coloring book and draw or color, pick up a pen and write a poem or start journaling, or put on some music and sing or dance. You can also look around your community and see how you can beautify it by planting some flowers or volunteering to paint a community center. By developing your inner creativity, this will enrich your life. In addition, you also have the opportunity to enrich and beautify your community, thereby adhering to the Kuumba principle of leaving your community more beautiful and beneficial than you inherited it.
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Today's Kwanzaa principle is Nia, which means purp

Today's Kwanzaa principle is Nia, which means purpose. Nia encourages us to look within, develop, and build on personal goals that are beneficial to the community and greater good. It also encourages African-descended people to engage in self-examination to identify what part we can play in the struggle to reclaim our traditional greatness as a people.

Everyone can put themselves on a path of purpose by setting goals for themselves that elevate their mind, body, and spirit, which are all integral to optimal functioning in an African-centered framework and essential to regaining our greatness as a people. We can reclaim the ancient teachings of our ancestors and cultural coping strategies that were part of our survival and advancement for centuries. Spiritual practices like prayer and deepening the connection to our ancestors, herbalism, communing through music, song, and dance, enhancing our relationship with nature, and engaging in rituals to anchor ourselves to the community, are all examples of longstanding African traditions that have elevated our functioning and well-positioned us to live out our divine purpose.

For those individuals who are mental health professionals, we can ask ourselves: what are our natural, skills and strengths that can be used in the service of our family and community for emotional wellness? How can we play a role in elevating their mood and supporting them in stressful times? We can also reflect on the role we play in the larger struggle for psychological liberation of our people.

In the compelling words of Frantz Fanon, "each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, (and then) fulfill it or betray it." For this generation of Black mental health professionals, we can examine the extent to which our vocational pursuits are connected to the needs of our people. Let's ask: what do we have a cultural and moral imperative to accomplish in helping our people to heal from the adverse effects of systemic racism? What conversations do we need to have outside of our professional community? What social justice work do we need to do? What books do we need to write? What interventions do we need to develop?
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Today's principle is Ujamaa, which reflects the va

Today's principle is Ujamaa, which reflects the value of cooperative economics. It makes perfect sense for Ujamaa to follow yesterday's principle of Ujima, as collective work and responsibility plant the seeds for shared wealth! Ujamaa encourages us to tap into the power of our collective economic strength and meet each other's financial needs through mutual support. Ujamaa literally translates into "familyhood" in Swahili. This principle suggests that as a people, we should share work and wealth in the way in which a family would.

Limited attention tends to be directed toward the link between mental health and money. According to the Policy Institute report on Money and Mental Health (2016-2022) 86% of survey respondents who acknowledged mental health problems indicated that dealing with financial matters have a negative impact on their mental health. In light of the racial disparities often encountered by people of color, having enough money to meet basic essential needs can often be challenging. Moreover, economic hardship has worsened since the pandemic, and research has shown that financial stressors are a top risk factor for suicide attempts.

Black businesses and residents need ongoing support from each other, thereby decreasing the racial disparities that have continued to serve as barriers to the productive mental health of African-descended people. �In the spirit of Kwanzaa, continue to support Black businesses and donate / volunteer at a community agency dedicated to impacting the mental health and well-being of African Americans. Black businesses can provide pro-bono services/products to those in need. Additionally, we can research and utilize the countless Black-owned websites, social media pages, and apps where there are opportunities to meet, socialize and do business together as a way of promoting cooperative economics. Ujamaa is not, however, solely about "buying Black", but being sensitive to the economic disparities and hardships of others, caring for the financially vulnerable, eliminating greed, and creating wealth to do good things for the collective, versus for one's own sake. All these practices can ultimately elevate our mental health!

Today's principle is Ujima, which means collective

Today's principle is Ujima, which means collective work and responsibility. It is symbolized in this image by "Akoma ntoaso" - the Adinkra symbol of shared effort and obligation. Ujima speaks to a commitment to actively come together as a people on matters of common interest. It is based on the assumption that our freedom and progress are rooted in being indivisible, and that what one does to benefit others is at the same time beneficial to ourselves.

One of the protective factors for mental health in African descended individuals is a collective worldview and a feeling of belonging to a community. On this day, we encourage you to reflect on the community of support around you. Check in to see where any gaps in your support network may need to be filled, or where you can stand in the gap for others. Remember the African proverb, "many hands make light work." Be intentional about exploring how you can come together as a family or community member, friend, or colleague to help solve a problem that can limit the stress a person might be experiencing. Lastly, take time to celebrate members of your community who have accomplished goals this year and provide encouragement to those still on the journey. May we collectively experience each other’s challenges and victories to build our mental health and well-being as a people!
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Happy Kwanzaa! Today's principle is Kujichagulia,

Happy Kwanzaa! Today's principle is Kujichagulia, or self-determination. Kujichagulia is a dignity-affirming principle that reclaims the rights and responsibility of African people to freely define ourselves, speak our own cultural truths, and make our own contributions to history. Kujichagulia inspires us to show up and speak up in spaces where we can do the most good and shape our reality based on our own collective interests.

A significant portion of mental health stigma exists due to a lack of visibility of mental health professionals of African descent. Interactions with the mental health system can be negative without the input and/or presence of black professionals who work in a culturally affirming way. A recent study (Abdulla, M., 2022) found that on average, just 7% of articles written in the most popular medical journals [Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)] were authored by black professionals. Yet, between 2000 and 2019, the number of racial/ethnic minorities within the psychologist workforce more than doubled (from 7,140 to 18,986, an increase of 166%). We have the knowledge and ability to offer guidance on how assessment, treatment, and interventions can and should be adapted to meet the needs of our people. However, visibility is key, along with strategically positioning ourselves where decision-making takes place.

As we reflect on the principle of Kujichagulia, we encourage those who are culturally grounded mental health professionals of African descent to have a seat at the table or to build our own tables in terms of research, development and training, and intervention. This is a key strategy for enacting self-determination in spaces and systems in which mental health needs are met. We are the architects of our own, collective future!

NYABPsi would like to wish you all a warm and hear

NYABPsi would like to wish you all a warm and heartfelt Happy Kwanzaa!

The Pan-African cultural holiday of Kwanzaa is a prime opportunity to carry out the mission of The Association of Black Psychologists. During this week-long celebration, NYABPsi will offer a reflection on the principle of the day, specifically as it relates to the liberation of the African Mind, empowerment of the African Character, and enlivenment and illumination of the African Spirit. This virtual Kwanzaa celebration is intended to offer a wider reach and greater flexibility for our community to engage in transformative action during each of the seven days of Kwanzaa. May it serve as inspiration for the renewal and rebuilding ourselves, our families, our community and our nation, particularly as it relates to our mental health!

Habari Gani? UMOJA!

We have witnessed a steady increase in death by suicide since the COVID pandemic, which has added further stressors to the existent systemic racism, fear/lack of trust in the government, and limited resources that affect marginalized and historically oppressed communities, especially the Black community. Family-related tension, reminders of losses, and financial stress around the holidays are all contributing factors that further compound the complexity of maintaining mental health during this time. As we enter this Kwanzaa season, it is important that we demonstrate care, empathy, and love as an expression of Umoja (Unity). May we be intentional about contacting friends and family for wellness checks and showing grace in our interactions with others who may be experiencing low moments. We are living in turbulent times, and we must look for opportunities to affirm the humanity in others, remember our strengths, come together, and Zola (love) up on each other!
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NYABPsi out in the community, celebrating Juneteen

NYABPsi out in the community, celebrating Juneteenth!
#nyabpsi #freedomday

Deadline Extended to July 8th! Apply Now for the N

Deadline Extended to July 8th! Apply Now for the NYABPsi Student Scholarship to Attend the Annual ABPsi Convention for FREE!
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Apply for the NYABPsi Student Scholarship! Two stu

Apply for the NYABPsi Student Scholarship! Two students will be selected to attend the 53rd Annual International Association of Black Psychologists Convention (virtual) for FREE! Deadline is July 1st. #nyabpsi #abpsi #blackpsychology #blackpsychologystudents #psychologyconference
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Submit your nomination for NYABPsi's Board of Dire

Submit your nomination for NYABPsi's Board of Directors by the Friday Deadline!
To learn how, visit https://conta.cc/3GmAQpg
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THIS SUNDAY! Join NYABPsi for "Empowering Ourselve

THIS SUNDAY! Join NYABPsi for "Empowering Ourselves & Each Other Through Advocacy". Be sure to register in advance! Visit nyabpsi.org for more info.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Join NYABPsi

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Join NYABPsi for a panel discussion and community forum focused on the importance of advocacy in the Black community. Sun. May 22nd at 4pm EDT via Zoom. Registration required.
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Visit nyabpsi.org/pioneers to learn more! The Ne

Visit nyabpsi.org/pioneers to learn more!

The New York Association of Black Psychologists (NYABPsi), in collaboration with the New Jersey (NJABPsi), DC (DCABPsi) and Delaware Valley (DVABPsi) chapters, is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting and honoring the pioneers of Black and African Psychology.

#blackpsychologypioneers #celebratebhm #BHMPsychologyPioneers #nyabpsi #njabpsi #dcabpsi #abpsi

Visit nyabpsi.org/pioneers to learn more! The Ne

Visit nyabpsi.org/pioneers to learn more!

The New York Association of Black Psychologists (NYABPsi), in collaboration with the New Jersey (NJABPsi), DC (DCABPsi) and Delaware Valley (DVABPsi) chapters, is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting and honoring the pioneers of Black and African Psychology.

#blackpsychologypioneers #celebratebhm #BHMPsychologyPioneers #nyabpsi #njabpsi #dcabpsi #abpsi

Visit nyabpsi.org/pioneers to learn more! The Ne

Visit nyabpsi.org/pioneers to learn more!

The New York Association of Black Psychologists (NYABPsi), in collaboration with the New Jersey (NJABPsi), DC (DCABPsi) and Delaware Valley (DVABPsi) chapters, is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting and honoring the pioneers of Black and African Psychology.

#blackpsychologypioneers #celebratebhm #BHMPsychologyPioneers #nyabpsi #njabpsi #dcabpsi #abpsi

Visit nyabpsi.org/pioneers to learn more! The Ne

Visit nyabpsi.org/pioneers to learn more!

The New York Association of Black Psychologists (NYABPsi), in collaboration with the New Jersey (NJABPsi), DC (DCABPsi) and Delaware Valley (DVABPsi) chapters, is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting and honoring the pioneers of Black and African Psychology.

#blackpsychologypioneers #celebratebhm #BHMPsychologyPioneers #nyabpsi #njabpsi #dcabpsi #abpsi

Visit nyabpsi.org/pioneers to learn more! The Ne

Visit nyabpsi.org/pioneers to learn more!

The New York Association of Black Psychologists (NYABPsi), in collaboration with the New Jersey (NJABPsi), DC (DCABPsi) and Delaware Valley (DVABPsi) chapters, is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting and honoring the pioneers of Black and African Psychology.

#blackpsychologypioneers #celebratebhm #BHMPsychologyPioneers #nyabpsi #njabpsi #dcabpsi #abpsi

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31 Dec

Today we celebrate the 6th principle of Kwanzaa: Kuumba (creativity). Kuumba encourages us to tap into our creative energies to do as much as we can & leave our community better than we found it. Check link for a reflection on how we can practice Kuumba!

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nyabpsi @nyabpsi ·

30 Dec

Today's Kwanzaa principle is Nia, which means purpose. Nia encourages us to look within, develop, and build on personal goals that are beneficial to the community and greater good, and can restore our traditional greatness as a people. Learn more here:
https://conta.cc/3YZB6Dr

Reply on Twitter 1608926415805620226 Retweet on Twitter 1608926415805620226 Like on Twitter 1608926415805620226 Twitter 1608926415805620226

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