MPA Statement Against Racial Injustice

Mississippi Psychological Association

Statement Against Racial Injustice

June 19, 2020

The Mississippi Psychological Association strongly stands against racism, police brutality, and social injustice. The psychologists of Mississippi will not be silent in the face of this current racial pandemic as racial injustice has created a state of emergency that cannot and will not be ignored.

While the recent, unjust killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd have triggered strong reactions across the world including outrage, sadness, protests, and calls for justice, it is imperative to recognize that these recent events have resurrected longstanding trauma in the black community…trauma steeped in a history of police brutality, systemic racism, discrimination, and inequality. Longstanding racial trauma and grief have increased susceptibility to mental health disorders and contributed to a mental health crisis in the black community. Therefore, as psychologists, we know our profession must take action, and we are committed to being agents of change. We will utilize our expertise to help minority populations who have been affected by systemic racism. Systemic racism is a public health crisis that can have a lasting impact on the ability of minority populations to improve their overall mental health. Psychologists’ training and expertise enables us to provide a safe space for individuals to process emotion, grieve, and seek solutions to address racial trauma and begin the healing process in the black community.

The members of the Mississippi Psychological Association will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that we engage in culturally-competent practices that acknowledge the impact that racial discrimination and racial trauma have on minority populations, as our mission encompasses promotion of health and human welfare. We will continue to provide information and resources for anyone seeking information.

The Mississippi Psychological Association stands against racism, inequality, and police brutality. We hear you. We see you. We support you. We stand with you because Black Lives Matter.

Kristen J. Alston, Ph.D., President of the Mississippi Psychological Association and Bryman Williams, Ph.D., Mississippi Psychological Association Diversity Chair on Behalf of and with support of the Mississippi Psychological Association Executive Committee