Here's what Francis C. Sumner is known for:
* First African American to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology: He received his degree from Clark University in 1920.
* Pioneering Work on Racial Differences: Sumner challenged racist theories about Black intelligence and argued that environmental factors played a significant role in shaping intellectual development.
* Founder of the Psychology Department at Howard University: He helped establish the department and played a key role in developing the study of psychology within the African American community.
* Author of Numerous Research Articles and Papers: His work focused on topics like racial differences in intelligence, the psychology of prejudice, and the impact of discrimination on mental health.
While he didn't write novels, his work had a profound impact on the field of psychology and helped pave the way for other Black psychologists. He is considered a groundbreaking figure in the history of the discipline.