Celebrating Black History Month: Dr. Francis Cecil Sumner
- 6 hours ago
- 1 min read
For the third act of our Black History Month series honoring influential figures in mental health, we’re highlighting Dr. Francis Cecil Sumner, a foundational figure whose work helped establish psychology as a field of study for generations of Black scholars and practitioners.
Dr. Sumner was the first Black person to earn a PhD in psychology in the United States, achieving this milestone in 1920. At a time when Black students were largely excluded from higher education and professional training, his accomplishment opened doors that had long been closed.
He went on to chair the psychology department at Howard University, where he trained and mentored many students who would later become influential psychologists, researchers, and educators themselves. Because of this lasting impact, he is often referred to as the “Father of Black Psychology.”
Dr. Sumner’s work emphasized rigorous scholarship, intellectual independence, and the importance of expanding opportunities for Black students in science and academia. By building academic pathways and cultivating future leaders, he helped reshape who could contribute to psychological knowledge and practice.
His legacy reminds us that representation in education and research is essential to creating a mental health field that truly reflects and serves diverse communities.
You can read more about Dr. Sumner's impactful career below.
