My Blog

Laneay L. London, MSW, emerges as a pivotal figure in spearheading one of the most consequential research projects in recent times, commissioned by the Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. As the Project Lead and Report Co-Author for the Black Mental Health Workforce Survey Report, London brings an invaluable blend of expertise, dedication, and a deep understanding of the unique dynamics within the mental health profession, particularly regarding black communities.

This groundbreaking research project is rooted in a critical and timely response to the growing awareness and initiatives from both the public and private sectors to expand and enhance the mental health workforce. Despite the influx of new funding, strategic planning, and the establishment of research centers focusing on mental health demands and professional supply, there remains a significant gap in the existing literature and efforts: the particular experiences and challenges faced by black students and professionals in the mental health field.

Honorable mentions

Black Enterprise Magazine

New Pittsburg Currier 

 Authors: Evan Auguste, Tania Lodge, Niara Carrenard, Jana Robina Onwong’a, Ashley Zollicoffer, Dana Collins, and Laneay London

Abstract

In 2020, the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) drew attention to the history of racism in the United States on the creation and exacerbation of extant medical racial inequities to the detriment of Black individuals. Recognizing that solutions based solely in Western frameworks cannot fully address the mental health needs of Black individuals, ABPsi devoted collaborative efforts to develop culturally grounding healing responses for the unique experiences of race-based invisibility and trauma. Additionally, amid the pandemic, individuals of African-descent experienced various mass racial traumas, including a wave of widely publicized police violence. Beginning with COVID-19, these intersecting pandemics of racism elucidated the need for healing, particularly culturally grounding healing. In consultation with the Black Family Summit, ABPsi developed a pilot investigation, the Sawubona Healing Circle (SHC) initiative, which are culturally grounding healing circles to support Black first responders. Using an African-centered worldview, the circles recognize and validate the specific constellation of anti-Black traumas and stressors, equipping them with African-centered healing methods. This paper outlines the theory, development, implementation, and initial evaluation of the SHC intervention.