Francis Cecil Sumner

Francis Cecil Sumner (1895 - 1954), often referred to as the “Father of Black Psychology,”^1,2,3 was the first African-American to earn a PhD in psychology.^3,4,5 His research interests were vast, including education,⁶ psychoanalysis,⁷ attitudes towards justice,⁸ and more. He also made vast contributions to the teaching of psychology, especially for African-Americans. He helped revamp and improve the department of psychology at Howard University,^1,3,6 which taught many notable African-American psychologists, including Kenneth and Marie Clark.^3,6

Sumner’s legacy as a scientist, instructor, and pioneer makes him an essential figure in the history of psychology. His ability to persevere and succeed in spite of the institutional barriers he faced allowed him to contribute not only to the psychology of his time, but to the betterment of psychology—and society—in future generations.