Black Psychology Matters

Confronting anti-blackness in pursuit of our common humanity

Race and Ethnicity
How Nolan Wells and Tyler Smith Stir Black Mistrust

Kevin Cokley Ph.D. on August 15, 2026

The tragedies of Nolan Wells and Tyler Smith underscore the painful reality that Black families experience. Racial socialization is an important survival strategy for Black youth.

The tragedies of Nolan Wells and Tyler Smith underscore the painful reality that Black families experience. Racial socialization is an important survival strategy for Black youth.

Race and Ethnicity
Remembering George Floyd as a Symbol of Racial Injustice

Kevin Cokley Ph.D. on May 28, 2025

This week the nation remembers George Floyd as a victim of police brutality. We don't have to agree about his character to agree that his murder was a symbol of racial injustice.

This week the nation remembers George Floyd as a victim of police brutality. We don't have to agree about his character to agree that his murder was a symbol of racial injustice.

Race and Ethnicity
The End of Race-Based Affirmative Action

Kevin Cokley Ph.D. on June 30, 2023

Personal Perspective: In the midst of public debate about the end of affirmative action, an unspoken belief driving the debate is that Black people are intellectually inferior.

Personal Perspective: In the midst of public debate about the end of affirmative action, an unspoken belief driving the debate is that Black people are intellectually inferior.

Bias
Promoting Black Mental Health and Wellness

Kevin Cokley Ph.D. on February 21, 2022

Is it divisive to talk about racism in schools? We should validate the lived experiences of Black and minoritized people.

Is it divisive to talk about racism in schools? We should validate the lived experiences of Black and minoritized people.

Psychology
Black Psychology’s Relationship With Critical Race Theory

Kevin Cokley Ph.D. on September 2, 2021

Is it possible to separate my lived experience as a Black man from my professional identity as a psychologist? Critical race theory suggests why I should not do this.

Is it possible to separate my lived experience as a Black man from my professional identity as a psychologist? Critical race theory suggests why I should not do this.

Bias
The Psychological Impact of Racist Slurs

Kevin Cokley Ph.D. on May 13, 2021

Being called the n-word is painful and can lead to violent encounters. More research is needed to better understand the impact of racist slurs.

Being called the n-word is painful and can lead to violent encounters. More research is needed to better understand the impact of racist slurs.

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Magazine
September 2026 magazine cover
September 2026
The Power of Enough

We’re all holding onto something we’re sure we can’t give up on, but research shows that letting go can boost our happiness a lot more than we might think.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

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