Over the past week, I had the privilege of attending the 45th Annual Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) conference within the city of Chicago. ABAI is a nationally recognized organization who serves as the primary membership organization for those interested in the philosophy, science, application, and teaching of behavior analysis (https://www.abainternational.org/about-us.aspx). Having attended several ABAI conferences, I walked into this weekend with specific expectations of how my conference experience would unfold:

- Great workshops

- Amazing professional development

- My first national conference presentation

- Professionals within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis from around the world

- A lack of diversity across presenters, and attendances (specifically African Americans)

Traditionally, the field of ABA has been led by white males and the bulk of practitioners within the field are of white (men and women). Walking into these conferences, I understand I am within the minority and it has never been something I have been ok with. How is it that African Americans are not seeking out careers within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis? How is it that African Americans are not attending nationals’ conferences? How is it that conversations are being held with groups that are not diverse?

For the first time this year, I can say I was not alone. The 45th Annual Applied Behavior Analysis International conference will go down in history as having the highest African American turn out ever. Although we are still within the minority, it was great speaking with and learning from others who are from the same ethnic backgrounds as myself. In addition, ABA held several sessions addressing the issues of diversity (or lack of) within the field of ABA. But with these advancements, we still have a long way to go. What can we do as a field to increase the full inclusion of African Americans into the main stream of applied behavior analysis? How can we (African Americans) address the specific and unique concerns facing consumers of African American heritage? Here are 4 items for your consideration that can address the issues of a lack of African American Representation within the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis.

1: Academic Settings

How many African American professors can you think of within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis? If you are having some difficulties identifying one, then you are not alone. To my understanding, there are no African American professors within any higher education program specific to Applied Behavior Analysis. This could be due to the lack of African Americans currently holding/pursuing a PhD within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis or lack of ABA-accredited programs within historically African American Institutions of Higher Education (HBCUs). It could also be due to a genuine lack of understanding of our science and lack of exposure for some students during the undergraduate years. As African Americans increase our presence within the academic arena, it can only serve as a net positive in increasing African American’s participation within the field.

2: Ownership of Agencies / Businesses

Ten years ago, when I started working within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, I never considered starting my own LLC. After years of frustration with the current constructs of the agencies I was working with, I started Covenant 15:16 LLC (www.covenant1516.org). The mission of Covenant is to provide a wide range of support services grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to help every individual achieve their highest potential. Within Covenant, we ensure all families, regardless of socioeconomic status, receive the highest quality applied behavior analyst care possible. Simply put; no child should go without services for any reason. I started this agency due to a lack of appropriate services. Although I love my agency and being an African American small business owner, I understand I am one of a handful. Is it hard work………. HELL YES! It requires long nights and endless emails and communications, but it is so worth it in the long run. Starting an LLC is a very easy process and as a professional within the field, you open the door to achieve more and further impact our community.

3: BACB Leadership

Currently, within the leadership of ABAI, there is no African American representation. This lack of representation is a critical element in the introduction of African Americans into the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). There have been many conversations regarding culturally competency and diversity; however, the current leadership of the largest ABA-based organization does not represent the demographics of the field. Within the introduction of African Americans, it will provide a voice for change and a platform that can be wide-reaching and long-lasting. There are several ways to get involved and I would encourage everyone to look into these options and apply for any and all that you are qualified for.

4: RBT / BCBA

Recently, I had a conversation with an African American woman whom I have worked with for several years. During this conversation, I continued my efforts of encouraging her to go back for her masters degree within the field of ABA. Let me take a few minutes and tell you about her and her experience. She has been within the field for almost 20 years and has worked in several settings. She has a clear understanding of the principles underpinning ABA and can train others with little effort and ensure those individuals are competent in implementation and behavioral program implementation. During the previous three months, I have held several conversations with her, and she always says the same thing “I am too old, and it will cost way too much money”. She currently has her Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification and is receiving RBT supervision hours through me. The issue I have with this is the perception that advancing your education is not worth it. I have spoken with several RBT's and they have indicated that the BCBA credential is not worth it.

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional who practices under the close supervision of a BCaBA, BCBA, or BCBA-D. RBT’s are the front-line staff directly working with families and this credential only requires a minimum high school diploma. Yes the credential is great but the more extensive your credentials become the higher your earning potential increase, you become increasingly marketable to others and you are able to effect change on a larger scale. There are resources available regarding financial aid for academic advancement across all settings. Have you taken a few minutes to review your options? Is a BCBA certification within your future? If you need any assistance in navigation from RBT to BCBA, please make sure to contact us at Covenant 15:16 LLC for resources and guidance.

The intention behind this blog is to serve as a call to action for every African American within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Regardless of your current credential, anticipated credential, or dreams of achievement, we all have a role to play in the advancement of African Americans within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Just like those who came before, we have to become trailblazers and clear the way for future generations of behavior analysts to impact our families, communities, countries and the world.