Sankofa Bird: Affirming Blackness From The Start of Early Childhood Education with Anissa L. Eddie

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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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/ 🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1 ❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories 💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode. Email: [email protected] Leave a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstories Or leave a comment below 🎧 LISTEN &amp; FOLLOW Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991 Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/ Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=615678418...