I made the summer of 2026 even more memorable by making the sacrifice and by-passing the only two-day holiday commemorating the end of slavery to attend the 57th conference of the Association of Black Psychologists. Furthermore, there is no more honorable way to seek continuing education units while gaining professional knowledge that uplifts, restores, and strengthens the soul. As a solo traveler and a third-time participant (once online during COVID), the comfort of being amongst my own was fulfilling beyond measure.
Without any reservations or queries, I felt seen, heard, and understood. The entire week felt like a homecoming and a blast-off at the same time. Some of my personal and professional takeaways from the week include:
- Humility is aligned with the acquisition of higher knowledge.
Chatting with, sitting near, and being among scholars such as Dr. Na’im Akbar, Dr. Wade Nobles, Dr. Edwin Nichols, Dr. Lisa Whitten, Dr. Linda James Myers, and several others showed me that ‘knowing only creates awareness that there is more to learn. The humble manner in which these scholars carried themselves was a clear model and example. It was an honor to be in their midst.
2. We are Us.
This showed up in so many ways. Being around so many people who generously made me feel interconnected through shared ideas, concepts, and dreams, while acknowledging cultural differences, warmed my heart and lit a fire in my soul that will linger long after the conference.
3. Our future is in good hands based on the research and student presentations.
Reading the research posters created by the students was as amazing as the dialogue that they freely engaged in and the evidence-based opinions that they confidently shared. Amazing and so encouraging! I wish we had more time to view their work. We could create a slide presentation that highlights their work.
4. We, as a people, are powerful!
Illuminating the black spirit individually and collectively can burn a hole in the atmosphere. The energy that bustled through the halls, inside the classrooms, and in the auditorium was electrifying and demonstrated how powerful we are when we join together… and believe.
5. Noteworthy reflection consideration: What kind of ancestor do I want to be?
The challenge is how to keep the fire burning when separated from the spirits that bind and uplift. The power of our togetherness and interconnectedness was so encouraging, but when I returned home, my heart continued to yearn to be amongst those who see me, hear me, and are there for me whether I ask or not.
I will forever be grateful for the opportunity, exposure, and blessings that I received by attending this year’s conference. The inspiration to keep pressing on, fight on, offer what is possible, and strive to share the best of what is available is an ongoing desire. A luta continua! Asé, Asé, Asé!!
*Photos Courtesy of Dr. Hal Fairchild
