By: Shareefah Al’ Uqdah, Ph.D, Psychdiscourse Editor In Chief
Before and throughout Covid-19, ABPsi has held a special place for Black psychologists. Since our founding, ABPsi has created ways to galvanize and inform the community of unique issues relevant to Black people’s mental health. One way in which ABPsi communicated with its members was through PsychDiscourse. The PsychDiscourse existed as a way of sharing local and national news with members quarterly and then semiannually. PsychDiscourse was paused for a few years with changes in the national structure. In those few years, the way we share communication has changed tremendously.
The number of social media platforms and online magazines has exploded. In a survey conducted by Pew Research, only 8% of individuals endorsed “often” as the frequency with which they receive their news by print. However, 49% of individuals surveyed endorsed “often” as the frequency with which they receive their news via digital devices. Moreover, 53% of the individuals surveyed indicated they preferred receiving their news through digital devices. Thus, to reach our members and harness the power of the digital age, the new PsychDiscourse will be an online space to share information relevant to ABPsi and all individuals interested in Black mental health issues.
We request ABPsi members, students, and nonmembers to submit articles on a rolling basis. The articles will include ABPsi chapter and national updates. Still, most of our space will be to inform the public of mental health and wellness issues for Black people.
We request ABPsi members, students, and nonmembers to submit articles on a rolling basis. Articles should be written for everyday readers, use Arial 12-inch type font, and address topics relevant to the public. Please keep the articles between 500-1500 words. The editorial team will review all articles for content, grammar, and appropriateness. We hope to have content addressing an array of topics, including, Black children, men, women, mental health, and the intersection of physical health, resiliency, and responses to viral/current issues.
Lastly, we are looking to add to our editorial staff. We are seeking individuals from all chapters to serve as associate editors. Associate Editors will serve under the direction of the Editor-in-Chief of PsychDiscourse. They will perform the following roles:
- Prepare high-quality manuscripts, at least quarterly, from members of their respective chapter or ABPsi group.
- Submit these manuscripts about activities occurring within their chapter/subgroups.
- Review/evaluate manuscripts submitted by other Associate Editors or subgroups for possible inclusion in PsychDiscourse.
- Remain in communication with PsychDiscourse Editor and other Associate Editors.
