A Critical Analysis of African-Centered Psychology: From Ism to Praxis

The purpose of this article is to critically evaluate what is perceived as shortcomings in the scholarly field of African-centered psychology and mode of transcendence, specifically in terms of the existence of an African identity. A great number of scholars advocate a total embrace of a universal African identity that unites Africans in the diaspora and those on the continent and that can be used as a remedy to a Eurocentric domination of psychology at the detriment of Black communities’ specific needs. Another group of scholars argue for a relative African identity, emphasizing diversity and differences among African people both on the continent and in the diaspora. Considering that the earlier works in the field focused on laying its ideological foundation, this paper suggests that African-centered psychology and mode of transcendence should: (a) move beyond discussions on ideologies and identities, (b) concentrate on developing practical applications of its guiding principles, and (c) reclaim the relevance of an African history, memory, and past. In other words, having reclaimed African history, memory, and past, African-centered psychology can move away from ism and advance toward more praxis.