Rheeda Walker, PhD

Professor, Wayne State University

Dr. Rheeda Walker is a clinical psychologist, award-winning professor, and a leading scholar who has published more than 60 scientific papers on Black mental health and resilience. Dr. Walker's impact expanded beyond academia with the release of her first book, The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health as well as the 2023 release of The Unapologetic Workbook and her newest book, No Racial Elephants in the Therapy Room. Dr. Walker delivers practical advice to create psychological fortitude in everyday life while also guiding mental health professionals to provide culturally affirming care for Black and African American clients. Her charismatic and practical approach has led to numerous appearances on Good Morning America, The Breakfast Club, and NPR to name a few. Her expertise has been cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and Houston Chronicle among others. Visit her site at drrheedawalker.com for more information.

“Trouble on Every Side”: The Paradox and Importance of Black Psychological Fortitude

Friday, August 9

2:00-2:50 p.m. PDT

Seattle Convention Center, Arch Building,
Ballroom 6BC

Chattel slavery, Jim Crow segregation and contemporary individual, structural, and cultural racism have profoundly impacted the psychological well-being of Black people for generations. Despite this, Black and African Americans have shown resilience by accessing culturally meaningful resources. Novel approaches are needed, however, to more systematically mitigate the adverse impact of racism and race-related stress and promote more fulfilling ways of living. Dr. Walker introduced the concept of "psychological fortitude" in The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health to address this need. In this discussion, participants will consider the definition of psychological fortitude, why it is essential, and how it can be effectively utilized by professionals and integrated in the lay community to improve mental health and well-being.