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First Educator
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On May 17, 1954, the United States Supreme Court ruled that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. This year marks the 70th anniversary of this landmark case. Nearly a century after Brown v. The Board of Education, we still have work to do when Black children are more likely to attend schools that are grossly under-resourced, lack qualified teachers, and fail to cultivate Black genius.
In addition to these structural and systemic challenges, we still need to address the issues at the core of Brown v. Board which are the devastating impact of perceptions of Black intelligence and inferiority.
The Doll Test
The importance of self-identity was highlighted during the legendary U.S. Supreme Court case, Brown v. The Board of Education, which effectively paved the way for ending racial segregation in public schools. The plaintiffs, led by future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, used the “Doll Test” (also known as the “Clark Test”) to show the damaging effect of racism on the development of Black children.
After decades of research, the test was created by two psychologists, Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark. Dr. Kenneth Clark’s extensive research focused on the inferiority complex experienced by Black students, while Dr. Mamie Clark’s studies focused on the perception of Black intelligence. Her master’s thesis was entitled, “An Investigation of the Development of Consciousness of Distinctive Self in Pre-School Children.”
Black children were asked basic questions about the intellectual capacity and worth of brown dolls in comparison to white dolls. Tragically, the overwhelming majority characterized their Blackness as “looking bad” and not a “nice color.”
They were also asked which doll looked like them. For example, KJ an eight-year-old boy, identified the brown doll. When asked if he liked the doll, he responded, “No—I don’t like that one.” The results of this experiment were used to support the decision to desegregate schools and create a pathway to equal access to education.
The legacy of the “Doll Test” has continued over the years. In 1987, Black clinical psychologist Darlene Powell Hopson replicated the test. Two-thirds of the Black children tested preferred white dolls. In 2005, 16-year-old Kiri Davis repeated the Doll Test. Fifteen of the 21 Black children in the study preferred a white doll. These recent studies demonstrate the need for bolstering the confidence of Black children by reminding them that they are young, gifted and Black.
Leadership challenge
Cultivating Black genius is a call to action. It is an opportunity for all caring adults to support our children as they learn, grow and lead by serving as a First Educator. A “first educator” refers to the fundamental primary role that parents and caregivers play in a person’s early development and education. They instill essential life skills, morals and behaviors.
As a First Educator, you can help a child to discover their beauty and unveil their limitless potential. You will aid them in building a solid foundation of self-confidence that will support our children in their long-term growth and development. Marcus Garvey wisely stated, “If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated.”
Here are a few tools to ensure that our children are undefeatable:
Share positive affirmations
Create daily affirmations to remind your child about their beauty and brilliance. You can begin by helping your child to create three powerful “I am” statements. Examples include: I am strong. I am smart. I am beautiful.
Highlight images of Black heroes and heroes
Post and hang images within your home that reflect the beauty and great intellect of people of African descent. For example, post a picture of the legendary scientist Dr. George Washington Carver or the founder of Black History Month Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Hang artwork from African artists that embody positive images of Black children.
Build a diverse home library
Invest in reading materials for the special young person in your life that feature Black children. These books will serve as a source of inspiration while aiding them in discovering the leader within. Suggested readings:
“Nap Time” by Lena Bee
“A Smile” by Isaiah Allen
“Tika Speaks” by Elise Washington
“Going Back to Rondo” by Mizz Mercedez
“My Mommy is a School Teacher” by Nasra Noor
“Can’t Nobody Make Sweet Potato Pie Like our Mama!” by Rose McGee
Share our PPGJLI Pledge
You can encourage the young people in your life to rise to new heights by learning these leadership characteristics: Respect, Integrity, Self-Awareness, and Engagement.
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.