Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard
Olivia Hooker, Ph.D., professor emerita of psychology, was honored in August by the American Psychological Association at the group’s 119th annual meeting, held in Washington D.C.
APA President Melba J.T. Vasquez saluted Hooker’s decades of pioneering contributions to psychology and social justice, and emphasized her capacity to overcome adversity.
“As a survivor of the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921, Dr. Hooker learned at an early age to turn adversity into opportunity and to use her many gifts and talents in service to others. She was the first African American woman to go on active duty in the United States Coast Guard and among the first group of women to obtain a Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in clinical psychology,” Vasquez said.
Hooker’s work in founding the Tulsa Race Riot Commission illustrated how she is a model of resiliency and courage, and embodies the APA’s mission of promoting human welfare.
“She has worked tirelessly to ensure that victims of racism and violence are not forgotten,” Vasquez said.
