Dr. Thema Bryant, renowned psychologist, author of "Matters of the Heart", and former president of the American Psychological Association, delivered the Spring 2026 John P. McGovern Award Lecture in Family, Health, and Human Values with her JUSTICE of Joy framework.

Register for our 2026 John P. McGovern Endowed Lecture series in collaboration with Afircan American Studies will feature world renown psychologist, author and professor, Dr. Thema Bryant. During this lecture Dr. Bryant will be discussing how our mental health and wellbeing are not just individual aspects; our relationships, families and friends are core to emotional wellbeing. A short reception will follow the lecture. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Bryant’s influence extends far and wide. Her role as the former president of the American Psychological Association in 2023 underscores her commitment to advancing the field of psychology and advocating for mental health equity. Dr. Bryant has reported with CNN, made guest appearances on Oprah Winfrey's podcast, the Dr. Phil Show, and present multiple TedTalks.

Andrea Tribble, a Spring 2025 graduate of the Department of African American Studies (AAS) at the University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS), was the first student to receive the William Alexander Lawson Social Justice Endowed Scholarship in Academic Year 2024-25.