Shaping the Future of Black Physical Therapy

NABPT is not simply participating in the profession — we are helping define its future.

Through scholarship, strategic advocacy, and bold national initiatives, NABPT advances Black leadership, research, and representation across physical therapy education and practice.

Why This Matters Now

Physical therapy is evolving — in education, workforce development, healthcare access, and national policy.

As conversations around equity, leadership, and representation continue to shape the profession, it is critical that Black physical therapists and PTAs are not only included — but positioned to lead.

NABPT exists to ensure our community is visible where decisions are made, equipped to innovate, and unified in advancing progress.

The future of physical therapy will be shaped by those who show up strategically.
We are doing exactly that.

National Scholarship & Conference Leadership

NABPT contributes to leading platforms across rehabilitation and physical therapy:

American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) – Presenting research on mentorship and representation.
APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) – Advancing dialogue on social structures, equity, and professional inclusion.
Educational Leadership Conference (ELC) – Supporting DEI-focused programming influencing academic leadership.

We also cultivate scholarship within our membership — supporting surveys, focus groups, and member-driven research that centers the experiences of Black PTs, PTAs, and students.

Strategic National Advocacy

NABPT collaborates with:

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Academy of Physical Therapy (AAPT)
American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT)

We contribute to DEI-focused calls to action and national strategy efforts, including leadership involvement in the National Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission (NEDIC) Summit and steering committees.

Through partnership and presence, NABPT ensures Black PTs and PTAs are represented where policy and professional direction are shaped.

Signature Initiatives

Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture Series

In partnership with PTLI, AAPT, and APTA, this annual Juneteenth-centered lecture uplifts the scholarship, leadership, and contributions of Black physical therapists and PTAs.

New National Initiatives

NABPT Advocacy Week

A coordinated, nationwide mobilization elevating policy awareness, professional engagement, and collective action across physical therapy.

Advocacy Week will unite students, clinicians, educators, and partners around strategic priorities impacting equity, access, and leadership within the profession.

More details coming soon.

NABPT Hack‑A‑Thon

An innovation summit for the future of physical therapy.

The Hack‑A‑Thon will bring together emerging and established leaders to generate bold, solution-driven ideas addressing real challenges in PT education, workforce development, and equitable care delivery.

This is where innovation meets impact.