Our understanding of the contribution of genetic factors to psychiatric and behavioral outcomes has advanced dramatically in recent years.1,2 Genetic epidemiological studies have enabled us to understand how genetic and environmental influences operate across development to influence pathways of risk, and statistical and molecular genetic studies are making progress in identifying the specific genes involved.3–5 However, a major limitation of these advances is that African Americans (AAs) have been underrepresented in much of the genetic research examining complex psychiatric outcomes. This is true of twin studies4,6,7 and gene identification studies, including candidate gene studies,5,8,9 linkage studies,10–12 and genome-wide association studies.4,13–15 Lack of representation in genetic studies limits our understanding of the etiological factors that contribute to substance use and psychiatric outcomes in AAs and, with growing emphasis on precision medicine,16 has the potential to further perpetuate health disparities. In this paper we discuss the limitations of existing genetic research on alcohol phenotypes in AAs and why it is important to conduct genetic research across diverse populations. We review possible reasons for underrepresentation of AAs in genetic research, the implications of
