The D.C. Association of Black Psychologists, Inc.
The D.C. Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. (DC ABPsi) is a regional branch of the national Association of Black Psychologists, Inc., founded in 1972, and rooted in Washington, D.C.'s cultural and historical legacy.
We are dedicated to advancing the psychological liberation, healing, and wellness of people of Afrikan descent throughout the District, Maryland, and Virginia. Guided by the principles of Ma’at — truth, balance, justice, harmony, reciprocity, and propriety — we create culturally grounded spaces for restoration and growth through community partnerships, Sawubona Healing Circles, jegnaship, wellness events, education, and more.
Our Programs
DC ABPsi
Multiple DatesSun, Jul 05DC ABPsi Chapter MeetingDC ABPsi Chapter Meetings are sacred spaces for collective learning, healing, and action. Guided by the principles of Ma’at, each meeting opens in spirit and centers community connection. Members share chapter updates, introduce initiatives and engage in dialogue on issues impacting the psychologica
Date and time is TBDhttps://linktr.ee/dcabpsiSawubona [Zulu] ABPsi's WEEKLY Sawubona Healing Circles happen on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and provide culturally grounded spaces for individuals of Afrikan ancestry to address racial trauma, societal stressors, and community challenges.
Meet The Executive Board
Dr. Joniesha Hickson
Chair
Dr. Joniesha Hickson, Jersey City native and recent Psy.D. graduate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, is a dedicated community organizer.
She is the CEO and founder of Dear Black Prophets Co., a nonprofit inspired by the Black Panther Party, and has worked with the Association of Black Psychologists and the D.C. Psychological Association within roles as Public Relations, Communications Chair, Sawubona Healing Circle National Programming Chair, Student Circle Convention Chair, Creating Zola Mondays co-founder, and more.
Dr. Hickson is a school psychologist, adjunct professor, and creative who leads workshops on racial trauma and its effects on mental health in Black communities.
She is the granddaughter of Ida Bell Hickson and John T. Gaston, daughter of Nancy Hickson, and sister to Jasmine and Nicholas.
Dr. Munazza Abraham
Vice-Chair
Dr. Munazza Abraham is a licensed psychologist and spoken word poet with a Ph.D. in Clinical and Community Psychology from UMBC.
Her work blends mental health, activism, and art, with performances alongside icons like Nikki Giovanni, KRS-ONE, and David Banner. She authored Dear Vagina…Forgive Me and co-authored Our Doctoral Journey.
With over a decade of experience, her practice spans nonprofits, academia, and government, all in service of Black wellness. As founder of In SABAA Wealth & Wellness, LLC, she offers group therapy focused on anti-oppressive, African-Centered healing.
Learn more or book services at www.drmunazza.com.
Ms. Oluwatimilein Bamgbola
Scribe
Ms. Oluwatimilein Bamgbola, M.A., LGPC, serves as Scribe for the 2025–2027 term of DC ABPsi’s Executive Board.
A member of DC ABPsi since 2024 and national ABPsi since 2015, Oluwatimilein is a third-year doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Howard University, researching transgender and gender-diverse young adults of color.
For the past two years, they’ve worked as a licensed graduate professional counselor at Aya Behavioral Health, a Black-owned practice serving DC and Maryland.
Oluwatimilein also has a background in grassroots organizing, with a focus on housing and labor rights, and is deeply committed to advocacy for marginalized communities.
The executive board of DC ABPsi comprises professionals committed to advancing the mental health and well-being of the African descent communities.
This board plays a crucial role in shaping policies, programs, and initiatives that address the unique challenges of our communities.
With a focus on collaboration, advocacy and education, the executive board seeks to empower individuals and cultural competency within the field of psychology.
Dr. Samuel Gordon
Treasurer
Dr. Samuel Gordon is Assistant Director of Psychology at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network and has provided psychotherapy to Washington, DC’s inner-city communities since 1983.
Born in Panama and raised in Harlem and the South Bronx during the heroin epidemic, Dr. Gordon developed a deep commitment to urban mental health.
He served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman, earned his bachelor’s from City College of New York, and completed graduate training in clinical and community psychology at the University of Maryland. His work focuses on the prevention and treatment of mental disorders, centering on the resilience and humanity of urban populations.
Dr. Pearis Jean
Wellness Coordinator
Dr. Pearis Jean is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and an assistant professor of psychology at Towson University.
She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Florida in 2023. Dr. Jean co-leads the R.E.G.A.L. Collective, a research lab dedicated to advancing Black wellness. Her work centers on developing interventions to support trauma survivors, particularly within Black communities.
She teaches courses such as Psychology of the Black Experience and Applied Theories of Counseling. Dr. Jean is also the author of Strategically Navigating Anti-Black Racism in Professional Spaces, a practical workbook for confronting racism in the workplace.
VACANT
Community Service Coordinator
We are currently seeking a Community Service Coordinator to join our leadership team!
This role is dedicated to organizing and leading quarterly (or more frequent) community outreach initiatives focused on serving and uplifting Black communities in the DC area.
If you’re passionate about direct service, grassroots engagement, and bringing our mission to life through hands-on community care — we want to hear from you!
📩 Interested or know someone who might be?
Email: dc@abpsi.org
Let’s build together. ✊🏾
Available Resources
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Get Informed
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Enhance Your Skills
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Expand Your Knowledge
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Connect with Us
Explore resources to advance your understanding of Afrikan/Black psychology.
Participate in workshops designed to empower our community.
Access publications that focus on psychological research and advocacy.
Join our network to engage with fellow professionals and community members.
