Markus Hicks

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Markus Hicks

Lecturer

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Biography

Lecturer, Department of African American Studies

Markus Hicks is a psychotherapist whose work at UCLA focuses on the intersection of the psychology of racism, mental health, and empowerment. Employing trauma-informed, sociological, and interdisciplinary methodologies, his research addresses themes such as authentic communication, misrecognition, invisibility, psychiatry, and self-esteem among individuals in American society. His community involvement includes serving as a former minister, offering psychological and counseling services to diverse populations, and teaching at both university and community college levels. His thesis investigates the psychological strategies employed by Jehovah’s Witnesses to recruit African Americans. Currently, Markus is developing a script titled “Superman: Uprising,” which chronicles a diverse group of heroes from South Central Los Angeles, each possessing distinct racial backgrounds and superpowers, as they navigate the complexities of the 1990s. This narrative explores their collective efforts to overcome personal and systemic challenges, utilizing their extraordinary abilities to advocate for justice and community resilience amidst real-world adversities.

Education

  • MSW, Counseling & Psychological Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2022
  • MA, African-American Studies, University of California, Los Angeles, 2021
  • BA, Sociology & African-American Studies, University of California, Los Angeles, 2019

Awards, Honors, & Fellowships

  • School of Social Work Opportunity Grant,   University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2021-2022
  • School of Social Work Dean’s Scholarship, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2021-2022
  • SP2 Scholarship, University of Pennslyvania, 2021
  • School of Social Work Dean’s Scholarship, Columbia University, 2021
  • VAC Scholarship, University of Southern California, 2021
  • Graduate University Fellowship, University of California, Los Angeles, 2020
  • Graduate Opportunity Fellowship Program, University of California, Los Angeles, 2019
  • Departmental Honors, Department of Sociology University of California, Los Angeles, 2019
  • Departmental Research Excellence Award, Department of Sociology University of California, Los Angeles, 2019
  • Ronald McNair Research Fellowship, University of California, Los Angeles, 2018-2019
  • U.S. Congressional Award for Research, United States Congress, 2018
  • Scholarship, University of California, Berkeley, 2017