To download the First Quarter 2025 Newsletter PDF, click here.
President’s Address
Dear esteemed members of the Black Psychiatrists of America, Initially the US presidential election results may feel disheartening, considering the rhetoric which targeted people of color and the potential threats to safety net programs disproportionately utilized by Black people. However, I urge you to remember that our work and impact extend far beyond any single political event… read more
American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law 2024 Charles Dike Scholarship Winner
Topaz Sampson, MD was awarded the 2024 Charles Dike Scholarship at the 55th American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) conference held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in October 2024. The Charles Dike Scholarship is awarded by the Diversity Committee of AAPL to an outstanding early career forensic psychiatrist to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of forensic… read more
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Partners with The Equity Braintrust to Advance Mental Health Equity with New Framework
In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and The Equity Braintrust proudly announce the release of the National Mental Health Equity Framework, a transformative blueprint aimed at dismantling systemic inequities in mental health care and promoting equitable access for all. Inspired by Dr. King’s call to address healthcare injustice as “the most… read more
My Advocacy Journey and How It helped Maryland Finally Get an Assisted Outpatient Treatment Bill Passed
My name is Dr. Cynthia Major Lewis and I am the Medical Director of Adult Psychiatric Emergency Services at Johns Hopkins. I have had the fortune of working in various treatment settings throughout the years. I have been able to treat a diverse patient population, patients who come from all walks of life. I have come to learn that my passion lies in treating patients with severe mental illness… read more
Coming Soon! Dr. Chester M. Pierce Documentary
A documentary about Dr. Chester Pierce has been in the making for several years by Butter Pecan Productions with a Summer 2025 release date. Entitled LIMITLESS: The Dr. Chester Pierce Story, it chronicles his remarkable life and the breadth and depth of his impact. A composite portrait of Dr. Pierce is created by reviewing his published papers, researching his diverse professional experiences… read more
A Historic Gathering for Mental Health in Nairobi, Kenya
The African Global Mental Health Initiative (AGMHI) and the Black Psychiatrists of America (BPA) recently hosted back-to-back conferences in Nairobi, Kenya, marking a significant milestone in global mental health collaboration. The AGMHI conference took place from November 4-6 at the Sarova Panafric Hotel, followed closely by the BPA Transcultural Conference from November 7-10 at the Nairobi… read more
Kenya Women & Children’s Wellness Centre Visit During the Transcultural Conference
KWCWC was delighted to host the Black Psychiatrists of America (BPA) at our facilities, engaging in meaningful discussions on the intersection of mental health and GBV. This visit not only highlighted shared global concerns but also amplified the need for collaborative solutions to tackle the challenges of GBV. The highlight of the day was a moving testimony from one of our GBV survivors, who… read more
