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Alvin Poussaint

Psychiatrist, Media Consultant & Author

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Alvin Poussaint Biography

Few fans realized that the inspiring force behind The Cosby Show and its spin-off, A Different World, was in fact world renowned psychiatrist Dr. Alvin Poussaint, a man known more for his insightful studies into the needs of the African American family than for his screenwriting talents. One of the country’s top authorities on subjects ranging from multiculturalism to family dynamics, Poussaint has advised the State Department, the Department of Health and the FBI on racial issues. Due to his passionate advocacy for more positive black images in American culture, Poussaint was chosen as the script consultant for both of Cosby’s hit NBC series. It was his influence that helped The Cosby Show and A Different World become some of the most revered programs in television history, while concurrently breaking new ground in the depiction of African Americans in the media..

Veteran of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, Poussaint is an expert on the dynamics of racial and ethnic relations in America’s increasingly multicultural society. His work has diagnosed the symptoms and prescribed the remedies for almost every social malady affecting African American’s today. Firmly believing that the family unit shapes an individual’s choices, Dr. Poussaint’s research shows how changing family patterns, increased competition in the workplace and disruption in our communities often results in divorce, violence and neglect. In his thoughtful presentations, Poussaint teaches audiences how to balance these important issues to create powerful, positive solutions.

Drawing on his years of research, Poussaint speaks with refreshing candor on the dynamics of prejudice and the necessities of diversity. Author, psychiatrist, educator, and respected social critic, he educates on the use of media as a learning tool and the impact of televised violence on children and families. Always informative and insightful, Dr. Poussaint leaves audiences with poignant messages on how they can strengthen themselves, America and the world.

Speaking Topics
  • Lay My Burden Down: The Mental Health Crisis Among African Americans

    Suicide among African Americans, particularly young black men, has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. This increase in suicide is a symptom of the broader problem of mental health in the black community. The persistent presence of racism • despite the significant legal, social and political progress made during the last half of the 20th century • has created physiological and psychological risks for black people that drastically differ from white Americans. The negative impact of the past on African Americans produces multiple stresses that can best be described as a collective "Posttraumatic Slavery Syndrome," which is often manifested by a general mistrust of healthcare providers. Dr. Poussaint explains that we need to improve the mental health of African Americans by eliminating healthcare disparities, providing increased access to quality care, and emphasizing targeted outreach. Together, we must break through the barriers of fear and stigma to heal our communities.

  • The Media's Impact on Children & Society

    Research demonstrates that media violence, particularly on television and in movies, influences the values, attitudes, and behavior of children. Children directly imitate behaviors seen on television; for instance, if they see a great deal of aggression, they imitate it in their own play and interactions. In television and the movies, conflict is too often resolved through the use of violence rather than through peaceful means such as discussion, negotiation, and mediation. Dr. Poussaint discusses this disturbing trend and offers solutions to counter it.

  • Breaking Down Segregation & Disparities in Healthcare: A Life and Death Issue

    The continuing healthcare disparities among African Americans and other ethnic minorities in relation to white Americans are part of the legacy of a segregated healthcare system (which some called medical apartheid) existing in the United States until the mid-1960s. Segregated health facilities in the South were responsible for a "separate but equal" system that meant blacks received inferior care or no care at all. They were also abused and exploited for research without regard to protecting their lives and wellbeing. There are numerous examples from the past, including the infamous Tuskegee study, which illustrate the egregious and toxic nature of racism in American medicine. Blacks often put their lives at risk when they entered a segregated facility or were denied care altogether even in emergency situations. Because of these horrid experiences, a deep distrust developed in African Americans and other minorities that made them reluctant to seek healthcare, particularly when equal access was denied.

    It is welcome that the government has come to recognize these disparities and the need to close the healthcare gap between African Americans and whites. Both in the burdens of death and illness, African Americans experience disparities which lessen their quality of life and life expectancy. There are disparities in infant mortality, life expectancy, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, stroke, homicide, and mental health. Addressing these disparities must include improving healthcare access, introducing innovative health education programs, and addressing the social ills associated with poverty. The federal government has now taken on the disparity issue and is trying to empower people to adopt healthier lifestyles and improve public health initiatives. Many medical schools and hospitals around the country have put healthcare disparities high on their agendas in an effort to find effective solutions that will ultimately benefit large and neglected segments of our population.

  • Children's Resiliency: Coping With Violence

    Many studies show that a significant number of children who are exposed to violence either by witnessing constant community violence, being victims of violence perpetrated by parents or others, or being exposed to domestic violence may develop stress disorders including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and conduct disorders. Such children are likely to perform less well in school and to be at a higher risk of committing violence against others. However, for a high percentage of children exposed to violence, these disturbances do not occur and many show the resilience to successfully cope with a degree of psychological and physical abuse. These are children who, by dint of temperament, strong love, and nurturing in their early years, develop a strong sense of self and an ability to feel a sense of control over their environment that enables them to bounce back from adversity. Children's resilience is always enhanced when there is a strong, loving, and caring adult in the environment.

  • Come On, People! On the Path From Victims to Victors

    In his book, co-written with Dr. Bill Cosby, and in his presentation, Dr. Poussaint shares his vision for strengthening America by addressing the crisis of people frozen in feelings of low self-esteem, abandonment, fearfulness, sadness, and frustration. By addressing these issues and providing tools to deal with them, Dr. Poussaint helps empower people to make the daunting transition from victims to victors, helping them to become purposeful and effective citizens, actively engaged in shaping the lives of their children, caring for their physical and emotional health, and encouraging their families toward higher educational achievement.

Videos
Books
Lay My Burden Down: Suicide and the Mental Health Crisis among African-Americans

Lay My Burden Down: Suicide and the Mental Health Crisis among African-Americans

Lay My Burden Down: Unraveling Suicide and the Mental Health Crisis among African-Americans

Lay My Burden Down: Unraveling Suicide and the Mental Health Crisis among African-Americans

Why Blacks kill Blacks

Why Blacks kill Blacks

News
FAQs
  • HOW TO BOOK Alvin Poussaint?

    Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Alvin Poussaint for both live and virtual events for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment. Fill out a booking request form for Alvin Poussaint, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Alvin Poussaint or any other celebrity of your choice.
  • HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BOOK Alvin Poussaint?

    Speaking fees for Alvin Poussaint, or any other keynote speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The amount that Alvin Poussaint charges to speak often varies according to the circumstances, including their schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. The speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Alvin Poussaint, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.
  • WHO IS THE AGENT FOR Alvin Poussaint?

    All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Alvin Poussaint for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Alvin Poussaint for your next private or corporate function.
  • WHAT IS A FULL-SERVICE TALENT BOOKING AGENCY?

    All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Alvin Poussaint or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Alvin Poussaint or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.
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This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

Psychiatrist, Media Consultant & Author

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Alvin Poussaint Biography

Few fans realized that the inspiring force behind The Cosby Show and its spin-off, A Different World, was in fact world renowned psychiatrist Dr. Alvin Poussaint, a man known more for his insightful studies into the needs of the African American family than for his screenwriting talents. One of the country’s top authorities on subjects ranging from multiculturalism to family dynamics, Poussaint has advised the State Department, the Department of Health and the FBI on racial issues. Due to his passionate advocacy for more positive black images in American culture, Poussaint was chosen as the script consultant for both of Cosby’s hit NBC series. It was his influence that helped The Cosby Show and A Different World become some of the most revered programs in television history, while concurrently breaking new ground in the depiction of African Americans in the media..

Veteran of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, Poussaint is an expert on the dynamics of racial and ethnic relations in America’s increasingly multicultural society. His work has diagnosed the symptoms and prescribed the remedies for almost every social malady affecting African American’s today. Firmly believing that the family unit shapes an individual’s choices, Dr. Poussaint’s research shows how changing family patterns, increased competition in the workplace and disruption in our communities often results in divorce, violence and neglect. In his thoughtful presentations, Poussaint teaches audiences how to balance these important issues to create powerful, positive solutions.

Drawing on his years of research, Poussaint speaks with refreshing candor on the dynamics of prejudice and the necessities of diversity. Author, psychiatrist, educator, and respected social critic, he educates on the use of media as a learning tool and the impact of televised violence on children and families. Always informative and insightful, Dr. Poussaint leaves audiences with poignant messages on how they can strengthen themselves, America and the world.

Alvin Poussaint Speaking Topics

  • Lay My Burden Down: The Mental Health Crisis Among African Americans

    Suicide among African Americans, particularly young black men, has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. This increase in suicide is a symptom of the broader problem of mental health in the black community. The persistent presence of racism • despite the significant legal, social and political progress made during the last half of the 20th century • has created physiological and psychological risks for black people that drastically differ from white Americans. The negative impact of the past on African Americans produces multiple stresses that can best be described as a collective "Posttraumatic Slavery Syndrome," which is often manifested by a general mistrust of healthcare providers. Dr. Poussaint explains that we need to improve the mental health of African Americans by eliminating healthcare disparities, providing increased access to quality care, and emphasizing targeted outreach. Together, we must break through the barriers of fear and stigma to heal our communities.

  • The Media's Impact on Children & Society

    Research demonstrates that media violence, particularly on television and in movies, influences the values, attitudes, and behavior of children. Children directly imitate behaviors seen on television; for instance, if they see a great deal of aggression, they imitate it in their own play and interactions. In television and the movies, conflict is too often resolved through the use of violence rather than through peaceful means such as discussion, negotiation, and mediation. Dr. Poussaint discusses this disturbing trend and offers solutions to counter it.

  • Breaking Down Segregation & Disparities in Healthcare: A Life and Death Issue

    The continuing healthcare disparities among African Americans and other ethnic minorities in relation to white Americans are part of the legacy of a segregated healthcare system (which some called medical apartheid) existing in the United States until the mid-1960s. Segregated health facilities in the South were responsible for a "separate but equal" system that meant blacks received inferior care or no care at all. They were also abused and exploited for research without regard to protecting their lives and wellbeing. There are numerous examples from the past, including the infamous Tuskegee study, which illustrate the egregious and toxic nature of racism in American medicine. Blacks often put their lives at risk when they entered a segregated facility or were denied care altogether even in emergency situations. Because of these horrid experiences, a deep distrust developed in African Americans and other minorities that made them reluctant to seek healthcare, particularly when equal access was denied.

    It is welcome that the government has come to recognize these disparities and the need to close the healthcare gap between African Americans and whites. Both in the burdens of death and illness, African Americans experience disparities which lessen their quality of life and life expectancy. There are disparities in infant mortality, life expectancy, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, stroke, homicide, and mental health. Addressing these disparities must include improving healthcare access, introducing innovative health education programs, and addressing the social ills associated with poverty. The federal government has now taken on the disparity issue and is trying to empower people to adopt healthier lifestyles and improve public health initiatives. Many medical schools and hospitals around the country have put healthcare disparities high on their agendas in an effort to find effective solutions that will ultimately benefit large and neglected segments of our population.

  • Children's Resiliency: Coping With Violence

    Many studies show that a significant number of children who are exposed to violence either by witnessing constant community violence, being victims of violence perpetrated by parents or others, or being exposed to domestic violence may develop stress disorders including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and conduct disorders. Such children are likely to perform less well in school and to be at a higher risk of committing violence against others. However, for a high percentage of children exposed to violence, these disturbances do not occur and many show the resilience to successfully cope with a degree of psychological and physical abuse. These are children who, by dint of temperament, strong love, and nurturing in their early years, develop a strong sense of self and an ability to feel a sense of control over their environment that enables them to bounce back from adversity. Children's resilience is always enhanced when there is a strong, loving, and caring adult in the environment.

  • Come On, People! On the Path From Victims to Victors

    In his book, co-written with Dr. Bill Cosby, and in his presentation, Dr. Poussaint shares his vision for strengthening America by addressing the crisis of people frozen in feelings of low self-esteem, abandonment, fearfulness, sadness, and frustration. By addressing these issues and providing tools to deal with them, Dr. Poussaint helps empower people to make the daunting transition from victims to victors, helping them to become purposeful and effective citizens, actively engaged in shaping the lives of their children, caring for their physical and emotional health, and encouraging their families toward higher educational achievement.

Alvin Poussaint Videos

  • Alvin Poussaint: My Career in Psychiatry - YouTube
  • Alvin Poussaint: My Involvement with "The Cosby Show" - YouTube

Alvin Poussaint Books

FAQs on booking Alvin Poussaint

  • How to book Alvin Poussaint?

    Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Alvin Poussaint for both live and virtual events for over 20 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment. Fill out a booking request form for Alvin Poussaint, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Alvin Poussaint or any other celebrity of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Alvin Poussaint?

    Speaking fees for Alvin Poussaint, or any other keynote speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The amount that Alvin Poussaint charges to speak often varies according to the circumstances, including their schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. The speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Alvin Poussaint, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.
  • Who is the agent for Alvin Poussaint?

    All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Alvin Poussaint for clients worldwide for more than 20 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Alvin Poussaint for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service talent booking agency?

    All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Alvin Poussaint or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Alvin Poussaint or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.

Alvin Poussaint is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Lay My Burden Down: The Mental Health Crisis Among African Americans, The Media's Impact on Children & Society, Breaking Down Segregation & Disparities in Healthcare: A Life and Death Issue, Children's Resiliency: Coping With Violence and Come On, People! On the Path From Victims to Victors. The estimated speaking fee range to book Alvin Poussaint for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Alvin Poussaint generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Victoria Rowell, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Hill Harper, Tonya Lewis Lee and Judge Greg Mathis. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Alvin Poussaint for an upcoming live or virtual event.

Alvin Poussaint Speaking Topics

  • Lay My Burden Down: The Mental Health Crisis Among African Americans

    Suicide among African Americans, particularly young black men, has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. This increase in suicide is a symptom of the broader problem of mental health in the black community. The persistent presence of racism • despite the significant legal, social and political progress made during the last half of the 20th century • has created physiological and psychological risks for black people that drastically differ from white Americans. The negative impact of the past on African Americans produces multiple stresses that can best be described as a collective "Posttraumatic Slavery Syndrome," which is often manifested by a general mistrust of healthcare providers. Dr. Poussaint explains that we need to improve the mental health of African Americans by eliminating healthcare disparities, providing increased access to quality care, and emphasizing targeted outreach. Together, we must break through the barriers of fear and stigma to heal our communities.

  • The Media's Impact on Children & Society

    Research demonstrates that media violence, particularly on television and in movies, influences the values, attitudes, and behavior of children. Children directly imitate behaviors seen on television; for instance, if they see a great deal of aggression, they imitate it in their own play and interactions. In television and the movies, conflict is too often resolved through the use of violence rather than through peaceful means such as discussion, negotiation, and mediation. Dr. Poussaint discusses this disturbing trend and offers solutions to counter it.

  • Breaking Down Segregation & Disparities in Healthcare: A Life and Death Issue

    The continuing healthcare disparities among African Americans and other ethnic minorities in relation to white Americans are part of the legacy of a segregated healthcare system (which some called medical apartheid) existing in the United States until the mid-1960s. Segregated health facilities in the South were responsible for a "separate but equal" system that meant blacks received inferior care or no care at all. They were also abused and exploited for research without regard to protecting their lives and wellbeing. There are numerous examples from the past, including the infamous Tuskegee study, which illustrate the egregious and toxic nature of racism in American medicine. Blacks often put their lives at risk when they entered a segregated facility or were denied care altogether even in emergency situations. Because of these horrid experiences, a deep distrust developed in African Americans and other minorities that made them reluctant to seek healthcare, particularly when equal access was denied.

    It is welcome that the government has come to recognize these disparities and the need to close the healthcare gap between African Americans and whites. Both in the burdens of death and illness, African Americans experience disparities which lessen their quality of life and life expectancy. There are disparities in infant mortality, life expectancy, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, stroke, homicide, and mental health. Addressing these disparities must include improving healthcare access, introducing innovative health education programs, and addressing the social ills associated with poverty. The federal government has now taken on the disparity issue and is trying to empower people to adopt healthier lifestyles and improve public health initiatives. Many medical schools and hospitals around the country have put healthcare disparities high on their agendas in an effort to find effective solutions that will ultimately benefit large and neglected segments of our population.

  • Children's Resiliency: Coping With Violence

    Many studies show that a significant number of children who are exposed to violence either by witnessing constant community violence, being victims of violence perpetrated by parents or others, or being exposed to domestic violence may develop stress disorders including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and conduct disorders. Such children are likely to perform less well in school and to be at a higher risk of committing violence against others. However, for a high percentage of children exposed to violence, these disturbances do not occur and many show the resilience to successfully cope with a degree of psychological and physical abuse. These are children who, by dint of temperament, strong love, and nurturing in their early years, develop a strong sense of self and an ability to feel a sense of control over their environment that enables them to bounce back from adversity. Children's resilience is always enhanced when there is a strong, loving, and caring adult in the environment.

  • Come On, People! On the Path From Victims to Victors

    In his book, co-written with Dr. Bill Cosby, and in his presentation, Dr. Poussaint shares his vision for strengthening America by addressing the crisis of people frozen in feelings of low self-esteem, abandonment, fearfulness, sadness, and frustration. By addressing these issues and providing tools to deal with them, Dr. Poussaint helps empower people to make the daunting transition from victims to victors, helping them to become purposeful and effective citizens, actively engaged in shaping the lives of their children, caring for their physical and emotional health, and encouraging their families toward higher educational achievement.

Alvin Poussaint Speaker Videos

  • Alvin Poussaint: My Career in Psychiatry - YouTube
    Alvin Poussaint: My Involvement with "The Cosby Show" - YouTube

Alvin Poussaint News

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Speakers Similar to Alvin Poussaint

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

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