Olivia Juliette Hooker, a truly remarkable American psychologist and professor, was born on February 12th, 1915, and her remarkable life came to a close on November 21st, 2018. Her extraordinary existence was marked by numerous outstanding achievements, with one of the most significant being her remarkable survival of the devastating Tulsa race massacre of 1921. Hooker made history by becoming the first African-American woman to ever join the esteemed U.S. Coast Guard, and during World War II, she proudly served as a member of the United States Coast Guard Women's Reserve, earning the esteemed rank of Yeoman Second Class. Her unwavering commitment to her country lasted until her unit was disbanded in mid-1946, a testament to her dedication and service.
After completing her military service, Nancy Hooker leveraged the educational benefits provided by the G.I. Bill to further her academic pursuits, ultimately achieving a master's degree in psychological services and subsequently a Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology.
Throughout her academic journey, Hooker's commitment to her profession was unwavering, as she played a crucial role in the establishment of the American Psychological Association's Division 33: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorder in 1973. This esteemed division is dedicated to fostering advancements in psychological research, professional education, and clinical services aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder across their lifespan.
