Charles W. Thomas

Charles William Thomas II (April 24, 1926 – September 29, 1990) was an African American psychologist and one of the founders of the Association of Black Psychologists. He was regarded as the "father of Black psychology" and worked towards social advancements and psychological theories for people who are Black.

Early life and education Charles William Thomas II was born on April 24, 1926, in Davidsonville, Maryland. After earning his bachelor's degree, Thomas earned his Master of Arts at John Carroll University in 1955. While he was a graduate student at John Carroll University, Thomas also worked as an intern in Clinical Psychology for the Cleveland Receiving Hospital.

Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) Thomas was one of the founders of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi). This professional activity helped Thomas become known as the "Father of Black Psychology." ABPsi also identifies three core problems that they hope their organization can resolve. These problems are: "The extremely limited number of Black psychologists, Black graduate students, and Black students in the undergraduate program; the failure of the American Psychological Association to direct its scientific and professional energies toward the solution of prominent social concerns, particularly the issues of poverty and racism and; the fact that the general organizational structure of the American Psychological Association reflects a serious lack of adequate representation of Black Psychologists."

Many of Thomas' beliefs and works were likely instrumental in informing the mission of ABPsi. He believed that white psychologists would not work to create a new system that included Black psychologists as long as the system benefits them. He believed that white psychologists would find logical ways to justify the status quo through traditional instruments that are not inclusive, pathologizing other cultures, and integrationism.

ABPsi continues to be an important organization in psychology today. They have over 1400 members, have become a central hub for Black psychologists, fund projects for Black psychologists, and work with other organizations to help further their mission. Thomas wanted Black people to feel that they belonged in U.S. society and that they had purpose regardless of their racial identity. Thomas fought for the idea that Black people should have an equal place in the United States. Thomas started this article by noting that people oftentimes will use others to help themselves. These people would classify others as inferior and, in doing so, they would be able to remain in a position of power and influence. Thomas recorded that society managed to keep racial groups within a subordinate role for a long time, including in such institutions as formal education.

Thomas noted that society should not blame Black people for the United States' problems. He wrote that Black people ought to be able to function within society without being looked at as "mentally ill" or "inferior." This included housing and job employment that were adequate as neither were adequate or sanitary for a healthy life. Thomas ended his remarks by conveying the challenges within society that were becoming more intense. In addition, he contended that more effort needed to be put towards finding a solution rather than ignoring the problem of racism in the U.S. and they had two children, Charles III and Shawn Leilane. However, his wife died one year prior to his murder. Thomas was rushed to a nearby California hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Thomas died from his wounds. Authorities were never able to identify the assailant or determine their motive for murdering Thomas.