Ronald K. Barrett

As a dedicated teacher in his 36 years at LMU, Professor Ronald Barrett created the courses “Psychology of Men” and “Psychology of Death and Dying,” which intersected with his scholarship area. He was an internationally recognized expert, who published widely in a variety of outlets. Tenured in 1983 and earning the distinction of professor in 1996 — and the greater distinction as the first African American earning full professorship at LMU — Professor Barrett was interim chair of the Department of African American Studies from 2004 to 2008 and chair of the Department of Psychology from 2010 to 2014. He was also a founder and director of LMU’s First Year Institute from 1999 to 2001, among other service positions at the university. At the larger community level and at the closer personal level, he strived to make a more humane world. Professor Barrett’s scholarship was known in the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa. His publications and presentations attest to being considered by many the leading scholar on Black funeral rituals and the role of death in Africana thought. Connected to these rituals, Barrett argued, is a formation of family and community. Barrett’s work was truly interdisciplinary, connecting social sciences such as psychology and anthropology with humanities such as literature, theology, and philosophy.

Professor Barrett was an empathetic, gentle individual who was extraordinarily generous with his time and presence. In particular, he was attentive to supporting Black students on campus and helped found the Brothers of Consciousness, an undergraduate organization oriented towards lifting up and supporting Black male undergraduates. This organization provides an important source of strength, support, and leadership development for men to this day. Professor Barrett’s influence went beyond campus when he founded and directed The United Methodist Junior Basketball League and Youth Employment Project, a grassroots urban anti-gang, drug, and violence prevention program in South Los Angeles. This program was recognized and officially commended by the cities of Los Angeles and Inglewood, and by California Assemblywoman Theresa Hughes. Professor Barrett was interested not only in teaching about death and dying, he became a consultant and counselor on bereavement, grief, and grief support, especially for inner-city youth and the African American community.