The Black Scholar Series: Dr. Earl Turner

Dr. Earl Turner

We welcome our second speaker for the 2024-2025 Academic Year, Dr. Earl Turner.

Erlanger “Earl” Turner, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, tenured professor, and owner of Turner Psychological & Consulting Services. Dr. Turner is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and mental health expert. His innovative work on racial justice has led him to consult for organizations like the NFL, Sesame Street, and Instagram. In 2021, he launched Therapy for Black Kids – which provides mental health tech support and psychoeducation resources to help parents raise mentally healthy kids in the 21st century. A sought-after expert, Dr. Turner has been quoted by top media sources including CNN, The New York Times, Washington Post, Ebony, NPR, Oprah Magazine, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and more. He is the author of Mental Health among African Americans: Innovations in Research and Practice and Raising Resilient Black Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Children Cope with Racial Stress, Manage Emotions, and Thrive. In 2020, Dr. Turner made history as the first Black man to serve as President of the Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice (Division 37 of the American Psychological Association). He is a passionate advocate for advancing mental health care, particularly in underserved communities, and continues to shape the national conversation on mental wellness and racial equity.

Sessions: REGISTER HERE

Thursday, March 13, 2025

11:00 – 12:30 PM CT
Main Lecture: Thriving Through Adversity: A Blueprint for Empowering Black Youth To Overcome Racial Stress

Black youth experience racial discrimination and forms of hate in the community and in schools that have a negative impact on their mental health. While youth may receive therapy to address these concerns, the majority of Black youth do not receive care. Approximately, 80% of youth in need of therapy don’t receive treatment (Malone, Wycoff, & Turner, 2022). The focus of this talk will be to overview how experiences of racial discrimination and hate may impact Black youth and to identify approaches to promote wellness and resilience.

1:00 – 2:00 PM CT
Special Session: Harnessing the Power of Speech to Promote Resilience and Healing

As social media and technology continue to shape our lives, the field of psychology can help promote resilience and healing through social and mass media. The presentation will overview foundations in the ethical practice of psychology to promote wellness among the Black and African American communities. Faculty and students will learn strategies to promote healthy literacy by using emerging technologies such as podcasts and social media applications.

**Zoom Auto Transcription is provided for virtual attendees. If you require a Live Transcriptionist, please email Dr. Loretta Hsueh (lhsueh@uic.edu) or Mayra Guerrero (mguerr@uic.edu).