Episode Details

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/

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com Subscribe to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialJusticeOriginStories

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991 Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iBn70HzO4lFxk7sN3gwAf

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.