ALANA Psychology Group

In 2017, Dr. Idia Thurston and doctoral students Kenneth Barideaux and Brianna Stith formed the ALANA (African American, Latine, Asian American, Native American) Psychology Group. The ALANA Psychology Group is committed to creating an inclusive and empowering academic community for graduate students of color. The group’s mission is to foster an environment that celebrates diversity, champions equity and ensures that every student, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. 

The ALANA Psychology Group is dedicated to: 

 Support: Providing a strong support network that offers mentorship, guidance, and resources to help students of color navigate the challenges of graduate education. 

Advocacy: Advocating for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our academic institution and beyond. 

Cultural Enrichment: Celebrating the rich and diverse cultural backgrounds of our members through events, workshops, and activities that promote cultural understanding and appreciation. 

 Academic Excellence: Encouraging and facilitating academic excellence among our members, recognizing that their unique perspectives contribute to enriching the scholarly community. 

 Community Engagement: Engaging with the broader community through outreach, volunteerism, and partnerships to address issues related to racial and social justice. 

 Empowerment: Empowering our members with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become leaders in their respective fields, driving positive change in academia and society. 

This organization stands as a beacon of unity, resilience, and progress. Together, the members of ALANA aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a graduate experience that not only embraces diversity but leverages it as a source of strength and innovation. 

Join the ALANA Psychology Group in their mission to cultivate a brighter future where every graduate student of color can excel, leaving an indelible mark on their academic journey and the world at large. 

The ALANA Psychology Group is a registered student organization at the University of Memphis https://memphis.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/ALANA