Center for Black & Indigenous Praxis
Where the power of scholarship meets the wisdom of lived experience. Where the work of knowing meets the work of doing.
The Center for Black & Indigenous Praxis represents a profound recognition that the wisdom of our traditions holds intrinsic value for navigating the complex challenges of today's world. It provides space for self-discovery, communal evolution and collective resilience, where our heritage enriches the path to wellness, reminding us that our wisdom and ancestral practices are vital threads in the fabric of a more equitable world.
Our Director
Meet Dr. Preston Vargas, whose bold vision includes nothing less than "a future where the fusion of academic rigor and ancestral wisdom leads to meaningful societal transformations."
Why We Need CBIP
Hear Dr. Duran speak on healing the soul wound:
“There is a major deficit in Black and Indigenous praxis, and we need more visibility of our scholar-practitioners to change the paradigm. I believe that CIIS can lead the path toward cultural responsiveness in higher education, with the ultimate goal of healing the collective—and the world’s soul.”
Dr. Eduardo Duran, Psychologist and Author
I am thrilled that the Center for Black and Indigenous Praxis will make visible the brilliance of our community of scholars. The concept of community-based praxis—bringing together knowledge and practice—is essential. The Center will expand on CIIS’ longstanding history of integral scholarship.
Dr. Kathy Littles, CIIS Provost
Founder Adeeba Deterville, Ph.D.
DDEI and all of CIIS honors the work of Dr. Deterville, founder of both the Black Psychology Project and CBIP. Her groundbreaking research on Sankofa Praxis provided the imaginal space necessary to envision the Center, and her guiding strength brought it into being.
The Center in Action
The Center for Black & Indigenous Praxis organizes and collaborates on events throughout the year, and participates in broader cultural conversations around Black and Indigenous scholarship, art, wisdom, and activism.
Ijeoma Oluo on Being a Revolution
Listen as Preston Vargas joins New York Times-bestselling author Ijeoma Olua for a conversation following the publication of her book Be a Revolution. Their inspiring discussion moves through navigating being politicized, the work of sustaining movements, and creating positive systemic change.
Lyla June on Personal, Collective, and Ecological Healing
Dr. Lyla June is a renowned Indigenous songwriter, poet, hip-hop artist, human ecologist, and community organizer. In this episode of CIIS’ Public Programs podcast, June’s conversation with Preston Vargas on Indigenous liberation, and intergenerational and inter-ethnic healing is interwoven with vibrant performances of her songs and poems.
Introducing the Center for Black & Indigenous Praxis
In this episode of the East-West Psychology podcast Deanna Jimenez, Assistant Professor in Somatic Psychology and head of the Emerging Black Clinician Fellowship, and Preston Vargas discuss the field of Black Psychology, the use of language to describe people of culture, and fostering diversity at CIIS.