It is with deep sadness that we let our community know of the death of Lascelles W. Black. Lascelles died of advanced prostate cancer on March 17, 2022. He was 80 years old.
He had a strong and wide-ranging teaching career, spending 2007 to 2021 devoted to teaching at Mercy College in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program, where he taught Introduction to Consultation and Family/Community Mental Health and Group Experience, as well as mentoring Capstones. He was deeply respected and cared for by his students.
Prior to coming to Mercy College, Lascelles Black had a rich and varied career. He started as a draftsman in Calgary, Alberta, and went on to work as an artist, sculptor, and photographer. He shifted to working with mentally handicapped adults and was then devoted to human services. When we moved to New York, he began a long portion of his career with the homeless, in shelters, on the streets and as the Family Therapy consultant to a program that put housing first. He helped many to re-connect with previously cut-off family members, who longed to have their family member back. In addition, he worked with those with HIV/AIDS.
Lascelles was a beloved Ackerman community member and worked in the Ackerman Institute for the Family Schools Project. Lascelles was also on the board of the American Family Therapy Academy and served as Vice President from 2017-2019.
Lascelles is survived by his three children, Jason Black, Jennifer Coppersmith, and Naomi Robinson; four grandchildren, Jo Black, Lois Black, Zane Black and Isaac Robinson; and his wife Evan Imber-Black, together for 40 years. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A shiva will be held on March 20, 21, and 22 from 1:00 – 7:00 pm at 56 Magnolia Avenue in Mount Vernon, NY. In lieu of flowers, please donate to World Central Kitchen or the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY.