Welcome to the Evolving Man Project’s “Evolved Man of the Week” profile. Each week, we will highlight an individual who embodies what it means to be an evolved, famous, and non-famous man. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to clinical psychologist, professor, and overall leader in racial equity and emotional literacy, Dr. Howard Stevenson.
Dr. Stevenson, a prominent figure in the racial equity and emotional literacy field, has spearheaded various projects and programs focused on helping children build healthy racial identities through racial stress management, with a strong emphasis on education and literacy.
Dr. Stevenson is perhaps most widely recognized for his work in creating the Preventing Long-term Anger and Aggression in Youth (PLAAY), a course that empowers youth and their families to mitigate the chronic stress and trauma widely impacting Black boys. PLAAY, using basketball and “socialization,” has helped African-American youth build improved relationships with peers and teachers and has contributed to more school attendance and fewer suspensions. Dr. Stevenson, presently teaching graduate students in Pennsylvania, continues to promote racial awareness and the importance of outreach, while also focusing on the significance of emotional education in underserved communities.
He held the position of co-director at Forward Promise from 2015 through 2021. With a focus on healing, growth, and thriving, this national philanthropy office funds community-based organizations that help families of color overcome the trauma of historical and present-day dehumanization.
Brandeis University presented him with the 2020 Gittler Prize, recognizing his distinguished and sustained scholarly achievements in racial, ethnic, and religious relations. In 2021, he gained recognition for his influence on education as one of the leading university-based scholars in the United States. In 2021, the National Academy of Education (NAEd) honored Dr. Stevenson with membership. The NAEd, an organization that includes distinguished scholars from the U.S. and other countries, elected its members for their exceptional work in education and their commitment to promoting excellent education research and its practical application.
He has written many articles and three books, including Playing with Anger: Teaching Coping Skills to African American Boys Through Athletics and Culture; Stickin’ To, Watchin’ Over, and Gettin’ With: An African American Parent’s Guide to Discipline; and Black Educational Choice in a Climate of School Reform: Assessing the Private and Public Alternatives to Traditional K–12 Public Schools.
Here is Dr. Stevenson in his own words:
“What does it take to raise a healthy village? You want the leaders in that village to see both and—both you as an individual and as part of the collective—and those two don’t have to be embattled or denied. You hold the individual accountable but also the community accountable to a certain expectation to not swallow the kool-aid of false narratives.”
We at the Evolving Folks Project wish Dr. Stevenson continued success as he advocates for the mental wellness of those of us from the most underserved communities. Today, we honor Dr. Howard Stevenson as our Evolved Man of the Week.
Evolving Folks Project 