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Who is Kenneth Clark?Early Life:
Kenneth B. Clark was born in the Panama Canal Zone on July 24 1914. Despite their economic stability, Kenneth’s mother felt that her children could receive better educational opportunities in the United States. So when Kenneth was about five years old his mother moved him and his sister to Harlem, New York. Their father decided not to make to trip because he did not want his race to be a deciding factor in his ability to get a job (Contemporary, 1993). Being a young black child in Harlem back in those days was not an easy experience. Racism was a big part of the American culture, and it was pretty serious. |
Career:
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Kenneth Bancroft Clark was one of the most influential and prominent social psychologist of his time. Throughout his life, he and his wife’s psychological and educational accomplishments prove to be a big contribution to the change of this great nation. He had a number of first associated with his career. He was the first black Ph. D recipient in Columbia University history.
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Passion:
As was alluded to earlier, Clark was especially passionate about racism and segregation, and this became the focus of his psychological work. He was dedicated to using social science to try to explain the effects of racism and segregation. Clark was extremely dedicated to community work, especially if it concerned the youth.
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Brown v. Board of Education |
The story of Brown v. Board of Education, which ended legal segregation in public schools, is one of hope and courage. It challenged the constitutionality of racial segregation in public schools.
This collection of cases was the culmination of years of legal groundwork laid by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in its work to end segregation. None of the cases would have been possible without individuals who were courageous enough to take a stand against the segregated system. Dr. Clark was a key figure in the participation African Americans in the American Psychological Association, being named the first African American to become president of this respected organization. |
