A FIRST IN FIELDING’S HISTORY: MEMBERS OF THE BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Four psychology graduate students and Black Student Association members, Tahlia Bragg (PhD ’23), Donica Harper, Brianna Downey, and Sheila Turner, and Clinical Psychology faculty Konjit Page, PhD, were collectively the recipients of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2022 Stuart C. Tentoni Outstanding Professional Development Program Award. APAGS — the graduate student arm of APA, representing one-third of all membership —presents this prestigious award and honors the best professional development student presentation at the annual APA convention.

While this article cannot capture the entire experience of Dr. Bragg, Donica, Brianna, Sheila, and one of BSA's advisors, Dr. Page, it offers an insight into the courageous journey that is only one of the many these new career psychologists will undertake to transform their field.

The award-winning project, "@#%$ Your Sorry: Black Womxns’ Reflection on the APA’s Formal Apology," provided differing reactions and commentary, from a Black Womxn’s perspective, about the APA’s “Apology to People of

Color for APA’s Role in Promoting, Perpetuating, and Failing to Challenge Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Human Hierarchy in the U.S.” A response to the APA’s apology statement, the presentation was also a reflection on the experiences of these Black Womxn psychologists in training, and the oppressive educational system, and its impact on their early career journies.

The presentation was conceived by now alum Tahlia Bragg, PhD, and designed in collaboration with student members of BSA. For graduate students who work and have families, engaging in this thought-provoking and courageous project required a commitment.

“When we came together for our brainstorming meeting, there was synergy, and yet we all knew we could share our individual authentic voices, professional and training experiences as part of the panel,” Dr. Bragg said.

The panel not only addressed the APA’s apology statement but allowed each member to share their unique narratives.

“As a Black femxle student, I realized that this panel gave me a unique opportunity to utilize not only my voice but also my experiences and training to share my current journey toward becoming a psychologist in training,” Donica said. “It took a lot of energy to find a way to articulate what has been and is currently being expected from us as professionals. But, once I was on the panel, it was clear I could still be professional and also authentic to my narrative. I decided at that time that I was going to say the things we needed to say, and in the way we need to say it.”

The subsequent award brings a multitude of meanings and reflections.

“It was the first APA convention since COVID-19 where I was presenting in person,” Brianna said. “That was meaningful for me to be back in person and on a panel engaging with my favorites in a room packed with attendees — how cool is that? My husband was there, and he saw me in my professional role, and so that was meaningful, too.”

The presentation was a surreal moment for each of them.

“People were lying on the floor taking notes, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow, people are writing down things that we are saying, nodding their heads in agreement, and there is standing room only with people leaking into the hallway,” Donica said. “We did not anticipate the award or the charged connection with the attendees, but receiving their praise and kind words and the award was validating. We felt proud that we remained authentic in what we wanted to say and the manner in which we said it.”

In sharing her reflections about the meaning of the award, Sheila said: “This is a talented group that I worked with. Our voices were recognized, and I hope that more individuals will take notice and realize that there's work to be done at APA, in the psychology field, and educational institutions.”

Dr. Konjit Page, faculty member who co-shares the award, said that “this award acknowledges the best professional development presentation of all APAGS presentations submitted for the APA convention. Additionally, as it is the first year that Fielding students have won this award, it holds further significance. I cannot be more pleased about this accomplishment for our students.”

Dr. Bragg, Donica, Brianna, and Sheila attribute their success to their collaboration as members of the Black Student Association at Fielding.

“As a first-year, stay-at-home new mom, it was hard for me to stay connected to my program. BSA provided me with academic and social support and helped me feel grounded,” Brianna said.

Donica added that being part of BSA has allowed new opportunities to emerge.

“As a current BSA President and past Vice President, this group opened doors that I didn't know it could open. It is a safe space where I can be myself,” Donica said.

Adding to the conversation, Sheila said: “BSA speaks to the collectivist nature of Black people, offering support and family. Because of them, I stayed in the program. We are not in competition; a win for one is a win for everyone.”

As for future research plans, the four awardees are already working on a research project as part of their fellowship appointment with the Marie Fielder Center for Democracy, Leadership, and Education. They want to explore how the APA’s apology statement influenced other graduate students of color, specifically Black students, and what it was like to read it.