Skip to main content

Book Review: Mamie Phipps Clark, Champion for Children

Editor's Note: This review was first published in Los Angeles Book Review.
Author Dr. Lynnette Mawhinney

Pioneering researcher and educator Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology from the prestigious Columbia University, may not be a household name. However, her groundbreaking research on Black children’s self-identity paved the way for the desegregation of public schools. Along with her husband, Kenneth, she defied the confines of racial norms of their time. Clark pursued graduate studies in the 1940s and testified as an expert in the landmark case Brown vs. Board of Education.

Black history is American history. Author Dr. Lynnette Mawhinney shares the significance of Clark’s legacy in Mamie Phipps Clark: Champion for Children in an information-rich and thought-provoking book that exemplifies Black excellence, courage, and service. Illustrated by Neil Evans, the book captures the hopes, aspirations and triumphs of the Clarks, a young, gifted Black couple who used their educational privilege and scholarship to advance equality for the Black community.

The graphic novel format makes it accessible for readers of all ages to immerse themselves in the story of sacrifice and deep concern for the community. Mawhinney provides well-placed commentary and action steps for readers to consider. It is an engaging read for anyone who is interested in keeping alive the legacy of people who worked diligently to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for all American children.

Buy from Capital Books

Popular posts from this blog

Enlighten Me

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Los Angeles Book Review . Author Minh Lê Standing up for oneself seems like doing the right thing. Binh did just that in the face of a racist school bully who was poking fun at his Asian heritage. But physically assaulting another student goes against school policy, and it was Binh who got in trouble. Binh shares a silent retreat with his family and younger siblings. Along with other children, he learns about stories from the previous lives of the Buddha. The stories are interesting, but for Binh, it is difficult to sit still and clear his mind when he misses his Gameboy. While he struggles with silence, he learns important lessons about friendship, community, and being present. In the graphic novel "Enlighten Me," award-winning author Minh Lê and bestselling illustrator Chan Chau tell the story of a boy who gains a better understanding of himself as he works on quieting the mind and reflecting on dharma. Lê and Ch...

Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto

In "Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto," renowned Marxian scholar and philosopher Kohei Saito offers a compelling argument against the relentless pursuit of economic growth that permeates contemporary capitalism. Saito’s thesis focuses on the concept of degrowth—a radical reduction in production and consumption that aligns with sustainable ecological limits rather than constant expansion. Pictured above is Kohei Saito Saito makes a significant and timely contribution to the ongoing conversation about sustainable living. Slow Down adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from environmental science, economics, and social theory to present a clear and urgent depiction of the current ecological crisis. Saito critiques the widely accepted belief that economic growth equates to progress and questions the sustainability of existing global consumption patterns. He advocates for a fundamental reshaping of our economic systems to prioritize human well-being and ecologica...

Minding the Wealth Gap

As a Black investor and startup founder, Cliff Goins IV brings firsthand experience and sharp insight to one of America’s most urgent issues: the racial wealth gap. Having navigated the worlds of finance and entrepreneurship, Goins has seen up close the systemic disparities in wealth creation, access to capital, and asset management. From unequal opportunities in homeownership and education to persistent challenges in business funding and employment, the historical gaps are perpetuated in present-day practices. In "Minding the Wealth Gap," Goins skillfully blends data, lived experience, and the insights of experts to illuminate the deep-rooted economic disparities facing Black Americans. More importantly, he highlights the power of collective uplift. Through the voices of nine dynamic “gap closers,” Goins shows how real change happens when Black investors and leaders open doors for others. Each success “play” or strategy underscores the ripple effect of support. Selena Cu...