African American Psychology: From Africa to America

Faye Z. Belgrave is Professor of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Founding Director of the Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention. Her programmatic and research interests are in the areas of health disparities, including drug and HIV prevention among African Americans and other ethnic minorities. Dr. Belgrave’s research also focuses on the role of culture and context in prevention interventions, on women’s health, and gender related issues. Much of her work has been conducted in collaboration with community-based organizations. Dr. Belgrave is an invited speaker on the topics of African American culture, and community based evaluation and research. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her research, teaching, and service including a Lifetime Achievement award from the American Psychological Association and a Distinguished Psychologists Award from the Association of Black Psychologists. Kevin W. Allison is Senior Assistant to the President of Virginia Commonwealth University and a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. He completed his undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Notre Dame and his graduate work in clinical-community psychology at DePaul University in Chicago. Prior to joining the VCU faculty, Dr. Allison worked at Pennsylvania State University and served as the Clincal Director of City Lights in Washington, DC. Dr. Allison′s work has focused on understanding and addressing processes that support positive developmental outcomes for African American children and youth. This has included the examination of life skills and culturally informed interventions for youth and work with community-based human services providers.