Drawing on her expertise in social work and education policy and her lived experience as a Black Biracial woman, Dr. Anissa L. Eddie shares how intentional racial socialization in the earliest years can disrupt anti-Blackness, foster radical self-love in Black children, counter the formation of harmful biases, and promote racial equity.
Dr. Eddie also shares her personal “Sankofa Bird” journey: reclaiming what was missing in her own racial identity formation to empower future generations.
Her storytelling reminds us why it’s never too early to engage children in racial equity work in developmentally relevant ways.
00:00 – Introduction: Dr. Anissa L. Eddie’s background in social work and education
05:27 – Why early childhood matters for racial identity development
12:32 – Dr. Eddie’s personal story as a catalyst for her work
15:14 – The science of how children absorb messages about race and difference
19:13 – Interventions to disrupt bias and socialize children for equity
23:14 – Representation in toys and media: personal anecdotes and research
26:13 – Turning points: Pre-college program, college advocacy, and identity healing
32:27 – Dr. Eddie’s research: Beliefs & practices that matter for justice-centered socialization
35:44 – Practical steps: color-conscious exposure, discussion of features, empathy, and affirming Blackness
49:00 – Children’s media as a vehicle for social justice: Wimee’s World & PBS
57:12 – Influences and resources: Marita Golden, bell hooks, Audre Lorde, self-care and values
01:00:52 – Social Justice Origin Stories prompts: What justice means, liberation, and the power of storytelling
01:04:36 – Message to future generations: Collective power, kindness, and connection
01:06:28 – “Sankofa Bird”—title and philosophy of Dr. Eddie’s journey
Visit Dr. Eddie's Website: https://liminalityconsulting.com Follow Dr. Eddie on Instagram @LiminalityConsulting Follow Liminality Consulting on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalityconsulting Connect with Dr. Eddie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anissa-eddie/
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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.
