This week on Unpacking Ethical, we unpack parenting with educator and author of “Positive Racial Identity at Home” Dr. Toni Sturdivant. In this episode: • Toni discusses parenting in a much more intentional way than what’s normalized. • We talk about common values that we can all pull from while parenting. • We explore the importance of healing our relationships with young children.

In the 1940s, psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark explored how young Black children perceived their racial identities using dolls. Their research revealed that when given the option, most Black children favored playing with white dolls over Black ones. Recreating the groundbreaking 'doll test' from the 1940s, educator Toni Sturdivant, shed light on how Black kids today perceive race. Similar to the 1940's study, Toni's study unveiled concerning biases. In an integrated preschool, Black girls showed a preference for dolls of other ethnicities, treating Black dolls with neglect and disdain. This echoes the deep-rooted issue of internalized racism persisting today. It's a reminder that societal influence seeps into our children's self-perception. Learn more about this study and how we can foster environments that celebrate Blackness and affirm the worth of Black children on the latest Early Risers podcast episode here: https://www.mpr.org/episodes/2024/03/...