May 17, 2024

Reflecting on our Journey and Commitment on the 70th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board

Dear MBM Community,

Today, as we mark the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision, I find myself reflecting on a profoundly personal and professional experience that I had the honor to participate in recently — the 70th Commemoration of this historic event with the Arkansas Association of Black Psychology Professionals.

Historical Context
The Brown vs. Board of Education decision in 1954 was a turning point in American history, declaring that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This landmark case paved the way for the Civil Rights Movement and significantly impacted the fight for equality in education. It was a monumental step toward dismantling systemic racism and ensuring that every child, regardless of race, had access to quality education.

Event Highlights
The commemoration was not just an event but a powerful reminder of our ongoing journey. I was especially moved by the personal narratives and discussions on the pivotal role of psychological research in civil rights. Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark's work on the Doll Study, which was instrumental in the Brown vs. Board case, was a particular highlight. The speakers and panels didn't just recount history — they brought it to life, making the past resonate with our current challenges and triumphs in seeking educational equity.

Highlights from the 70th Commemoration of Brown v. Board of Education held on April 19th at Philander Smith College. Advocates and Community leaders, including some of the inspiring survivors of the Little Rock Nine, gathered to celebrate progress and discuss ongoing challenges in educational equity.

Inspired and transformed — these words barely scratch the surface of what I felt during the event. Being involved in the media planning and marketing was an honor, and experiencing the camaraderie and dedication of everyone there further fueled my passion. This has reaffirmed my commitment to continue the vital work of advocating for equality and freedom.

Personal Reflections
The discussions on the desegregation of Central High School and hearing a personal narrative from a member of the Little Rock Nine were deeply moving. These brave individuals faced unimaginable adversity, and their courage continues to inspire my work today. The event underscored the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our educational and professional environments.

I reflect on my journey: from my early education in Detroit and North Little Rock to completing my first three years of undergraduate studies at the prestigious Hendrix College, then transferring to the University of North Texas to finish my bachelor's degree in psychology. I went on to pursue my master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology from the innovative Chicago School of Professional Psychology while leading operations and software development teams for Fortune 500 companies. As I carefully consider the next step in my educational journey, I am reminded of the tireless work of generations before us, whose battles for equity have paved the way for my own opportunities.

One particularly poignant moment for me during the commemoration was Dr. Loretta McGregor's insights on Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark's work. During my undergraduate studies at Hendrix College, I conducted research on the life and work of Dr. Clark. Learning about her contributions in the context of this event brought everything full circle for me. It reinforced the profound impact of her pioneering research and how it continues to influence the field of psychology and civil rights today. Their resilience has paved the way for my success, and I am committed to honoring their legacy through my work with MBM.

Future Plans and Initiatives
At MBM, we are dedicated to continuing this important work. We have several initiatives in the pipeline aimed at promoting educational equity and supporting mental health professionals in underserved communities. Excitingly, we have recently received our CAGE code, which now allows us to do business with the federal government. These projects align with the values and lessons highlighted during the commemoration, and I am excited to share more details with you soon.

As we reflect on this significant day, let us also look forward. I invite each of you to join me in this commitment. Your thoughts, experiences, and efforts are crucial as we push forward together. How are you contributing to this cause, and what more can we achieve together?

Thank you for being a part of this community. Together, we are making a difference, ensuring that educational equity is not just an ideal, but a reality for all.

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