It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural Society for Black Neuropsychology (SBN) Symposium. This meeting is the first of its kind and is slated to offer exciting opportunities and programming focused specifically on advancing neuropsychology as it relates to Black individuals and communities. The Mentorship, Education, and Training Committee has devoted a fervent effort towards developing special education events and research dissemination  opportunities consistent with the central theme of the symposium entitled, “Educate, Elevate, and Empower.” While the symposium is going to be of great interest to neuropsychology students, trainees, and clinicians, the committee is especially proud of the partnerships that have been cultivated to include programming for undergraduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). SBN aims to address several challenges that are characteristic of the practice of neuropsychology as it relates to Black communities with this symposium and all forthcoming events. SBN heeds the call to action delivered by Drs. Rivera-Mindt, Byrd, Saez, and Manly (2010) regarding the need to increase the pool of culturally competent neuropsychologists, as well as the need to better recruit and retain Black students in neuropsychology emphasized by Dr. Byrd and colleagues at the 2008 Diversity Summit. 

In collaboration with the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN), SBN has assembled an incredible roster of speakers with diversified expertise who will be sharing insights from their innovative research centered on Black communities. Students will have the opportunity to attend presentations that will enhance their learning and training toward becoming a neuropsychologist. The symposium will also provide an opportunity for students, trainees, and neuropsychologists to network with each other. 

This symposium represents the culmination of planning that began long before SBN officially launched in 2020. In line with SBN’s overarching goals, it is our hope that the symposium will create a safe space for individuals to share their beliefs, ideals, and goals for the betterment of neuropsychology within Black communities. We look forward to an exciting event where valuable memories and community will be created as we embark on the first of many SBN symposia to come. 

In solidarity, 

Mentorship, Education, and Training Committee