Dr. Joseph L. White: Translational Scholar, Career Developer, and Mentor

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to commemorate and highlight the impact and the legacy of Dr. Joseph L. White on the field of Black psychology through the lens of Dr. A. J. Franklin, a mentee, colleague, and friend. Dr. White, as one of the founders of Black psychology, laid the foundation of the field through scholarship, his interpersonal style, and community engagement. He advanced the field of Black psychology to be a psychology of the Black community and provided an exemplar for other scholars to translate psychology to be viable for everyday Black people and to culturally contextualize the strengths of Black people. Recounting Dr. White’s impact highlights for future Black psychologists of what is needed to continue to advance the field.