Na'im Akbar

Who is Na'im Akbar?

Na'im Akbar is a clinical psychologist who is considered a pioneer in the development of an African-centered approach in modern psychology. Akbar is currently on the faculty in the Department of Psychology at Florida State University.

He changed his name first to Luther X and then to Na'im Akbar after joining the Nation of Islam in 1971. Akbar is a prominent lecturer, author and recognized expert on the psychology of Africans. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Akbar has served as Associate Professor at Norfolk State University, was Chairman of the Morehouse College Psychology Department, and served at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. He has served on the Boards of Directors of a variety of important civic and professional organizations, including several terms on the Board of the National Association of Black Psychologists, which he was elected president in 1987. He has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Black Studies and for eight years was the associate editor of the Journal of Black Psychology.