Psychology of Black Womanhood Symposium

THURSDAY MARCH 5, 2026. 9:00AM- 5:30PM

Psychology of Black Womanhood
Research, Teaching & Community
Symposium Schedule

Thursday March 5, 2025

9:00am- 9:20am

9:30am- 10:30am

10:40pm- 11:00am

11:10am- 12:00pm

12:15pm- 1:15pm

1:15pm- 1:45pm

2:00pm- 2:50pm

3:00pm- 4:00pm

1:45pm- 2:00pm

4:15pm- 5:15pm

FROM VISION TO VOICE WELCOME

The Psychology of Black Womanhood Journey

PBW Chapter 1: Introduction to the Psychological Study of Black Womanhood in the United States

Welcome Poem TBD

Welcome Poet TBD

Dr. Danielle Dickens, Spelman College
Dr. Dionne Stephens, Florida International University

Authors of The Psychology of Black Womanhood

WHERE STRENGTH MEETS THE STORM

Black Feminism as a tool for Navigating Continuity and Change

PBW Chapter 2: Still, We Rise: A Black Feminist and Womanist Psychology of Black Womanhood

Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Spelman College

Founding Director of Women's Research & Resource Center

Chair of Comparative Women's Studie

Anna Julia Cooper Professor of Women's Studies

CULTIVATING CLARITY & CALM

Mindfulness Activity for Black Women’s Healing and Power

PBW Chapter 13: Still Standing: Black Women’s Mental Health and Well-Being

Dr. Natalie Watson Singleton, Spelman College

Author of African American Women’s perceptions of mindfulness meditation training and gendered race-related stress

Founder of Blackfulness

CROWNED IN CULTURE

Navigating Hair, Race, and Representation

PBW Chapter 6: Black is Beautiful: Examinations of Black Women’s Beauty and Bodies

Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, Wellsley College

Author of Don’t Get It Twisted: Untangling the Psychology of Hair Discrimination

Founder of PsychoHairapy

Dr. Taura Taylor, Morehouse College

Author of Going Natural: Black Women’s Didactic Hair Culture

LUNCH

Spelman College

Black Woman Owned Food Truck Options TBA

NETWORKING & AUTHORS' BOOK SIGNING

Attendees can meet the authors and have books signed. The Spelman Bookstore will have the following books available for purchase:

Early Psychological Research Contributions from Women of Color (Dr. Rihana Mason)
Pensée afro-caribéenne et (psycho)traumatismes de l’esclavage et de la colonisation (Dr. Judite Blanc)
Psychology of Black Womanhood (Drs. Danielle Dickens & Dionne Stephens)
Writing Blackgirls' and Women's Health Science: Implications for Research and Praxis (Dr. Jameta Barlow)

Additional Books TBA

FIERCE, FIT & FLOURISHING
A Mini Movement Workshop

Ms. Kamilah "Coach K" Williams

Owner of Fly Girl Fitness

SURVIVING & THRIVING
Black Womenhood Monologue

Confirmation TBD

FRIENDSHIP, SISTERHOOD, & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

The Power and Complexity of Black Women’s Bonds

Dr. Marisa G Franco, The University of Maryland

Author of Platonic: How the Science of Attachment can help you Make- and keep- Friends

Dr. Wendi Williams, American Psychological Association

Author of Frenemies in the Academy: Relational Aggression among African American Women Academicians

ROOTS, RESILIENCE & JOY

Thriving in Your Mental Health Truth

PBW Ch. 2 Still, We Rise: A Black Feminist and Womanist Psychology of Black Womanhood

Dr. Kanika Bell, Clark Atlanta University

Co- Editor of Black Women's Mental Health: Balancing Strength and Vulnerability

Dr. Isha Metzger, Georgia State University

Author of Considering Racial Trauma and Racial Socialization in TF-CBT for Black Youth

Dr. Kimber Shelton, KLS Counseling & Consulting Services

Co- Editor of A Handbook on Counseling African American Women

5:15pm- 5:30pm

CLOSING with SPELMAN COLLEGE HYMN

INSTITUTE FOR THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BLACK WOMANHOOD ACADEMICS (IPBWA)
Friday March 6, 2026

Black Women academics in the the field of psychology are encouraged to apply to the Institute for the Psychology of Black Womanhood Scholars (IPBWS). This transformative space is designed to nurture both your professional growth and personal well-being by centering the lived experiences of Black women psychology faculty and across academia. Through community, mentorship, and intentional reflection, the Institute offers a rare opportunity to thrive in environments that may not always recognize or affirm your full identity. Join us in cultivating a supportive, empowering network committed to your success. This gathering takes place the day following the Psychology of Black Womanhood Symposium.