February is Black History Month. While our commitment to recognizing the contributions of Black Americans extends beyond a single month, this time offers an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact of Black leaders and the profound contributions Black Americans have made to society. Many of these contributions were made while navigating entrenched systems of oppression and racism that continue to this day and are reinforced through policy and public discourse.
This month, we are highlighting Black pioneers in psychology, social work, and mental health. Their work helped lay the groundwork for much of what we now understand about mental health. The next time you’re in our office, we invite you to take a few moments to learn about their contributions.
Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, Ph.D. (1917–1983) and Dr. Kenneth Bancroft Clark, Ph.D. (1914–2005)
Drs. Mamie and Kenneth Clark were psychologists whose work changed how the United States understood the impact of racism on children. Their “doll studies” demonstrated how segregation and systemic discrimination harmed Black children’s sense of self. The Supreme Court cited their work in its 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, making it one of the most influential studies of racism in U.S. history.
Dr. Francis C. Sumner, Ph.D. (1895–1954)
Dr. Francis Cecil Sumner was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in psychology in the United States. Many scholars regard him as the father of Black psychology. Dr. Sumner founded the psychology department at Howard University, where he trained and mentored many future leaders in the field. Sumner challenged racist assumptions common in early psychological research, pushing for research that reflected the lived experiences of Black Americans.
Jennifer Eberhardt, Ph.D. (1965– )
Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt is a social psychologist whose research examines implicit bias and racial perception. Her work shows how unconscious bias shapes decision-making in education, policing, and the legal system. Importantly, she focuses on research that informs real-world policy and change.
At Montgomery County Counseling Center, we believe it’s essential to recognize the historical and ongoing contributions of Black professionals. Through this recognition, we acknowledge how their work has shaped our understanding of mental health and identity. These contributions continue to inform ethical practice, cultural humility, and advocacy within the helping professions. In our clinical work, we aim to carry this legacy forward through ongoing learning, reflection, and accountability.
About the Author
Alex Bleiweis, LCSW-C, is a licensed therapist and Assistant Executive Director at Montgomery County Counseling Center in Rockville, MD. He earned his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Alex uses a practical, skills-based approach rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients create meaningful, lasting change. He specializes in working with young adults and professionals facing career challenges, as well as individuals struggling with process addictions like gambling and technology overuse.
