Even the Rat Was White at 50: Black Psychology Then & Now
Category: Event Calendar
Date and Time
- Friday, Oct 16, 2026 9:30am - 4:30pm
Location
The National Museum of Psychology
73 S College St
Details
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of Robert V. Guthrie’s Even the Rat Was White (1976), a landmark work that critically examined the history of racism in psychology and related sciences. Guthrie exposed patterns of scientific racism within the field, illuminating the “whitewashing” of research, the persistence of biased measurement, and the contributions of early Black pioneers. The book had profound impact on students, scholars, and professional networks such as the Association of Black Psychologists.
Fifty years after its publication, this symposium revisits Guthrie’s work to examine its enduring relevance. Bringing together scholars and practitioners, the program will explore developments in Black psychology since the 1970s, assess the contemporary role of racial justice activism in the field, and consider the ongoing presence and transformation of racism within psychology.
This event is free and open to all, and attendees are welcome to join us for only a portion of the day. Complementary lunch will be provided at 11:45AM – please RSVP if you intend to join us for lunch.
