In this conversation, Dr. Jomo W. Mutegi discusses the complexities of parenting Black boys, emphasizing the importance of virtues, historical context, and resilience. He shares insights on navigating education, societal expectations, and the necessity of hardship for personal development. The dialogue highlights the unique challenges faced by Black families and the critical role of cultural understanding in shaping parenting strategies.

About Dr. Jomo Mutegi:

Jomo W. Mutegi is an Associate Professor of science education at Old Dominion University (ODU), Principal Investigator of the Mutegi STEM Learning Lab, and Past President of NARST (the National Association of Research in Science Teaching). NARST is the oldest, international professional association of science education researchers. Dr. Mutegi’s research aims to (a) examine the science knowledge of students of African descent, (b) understand how racialized experiences help to shape that science knowledge and (c) explore the development and implementation of socially transformative STEM curriculum and its impact on learners of African descent. His work appears in several respected journals including the Journal of Research in Science Teaching, Science Education, Teachers College Record, and The Science Teacher. He is a recipient of 2024 Outstanding Contributions to STEM Education Disruptor Award from the STEM Education Conference Advisory Board. Dr. Mutegi earned a dual bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from Gannon University, his doctoral degree in science education from Florida State University, and he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a husband and the father of two sons ages 28 and 9.

Link shared in video: https://www.es2rp.org/

Takeaways

• Dr. Mutegi emphasizes the importance of virtues in education.

• Understanding history is crucial for Black children.

• Parenting Black boys comes with unique challenges.

• Cultural context shapes parenting styles and expectations.

• Navigating education requires awareness of systemic issues.

• Hardship is essential for personal development.

• Risk exposure is necessary for learning and growth.

• Perseverance is a key trait for success.

• Societal expectations can hinder Black youth's potential.

• Embracing hardship can lead to resilience and strength.

About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D.

I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University.

Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels.

For more information visit my websites:

Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: https://drcatherinequinlan.com

Visibility In STEM Education Consultant/Services: https://visibilityinstem.com/

TEDx Talk: The Clarity We Need For Belonging:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be

Recent Academic Book:Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development.

https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193

Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: https://keystonepassage.com

Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan

Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564

Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/

In this conversation, host Dr. Catherine Quinlan discusses with guest Dr. Claudia Rankins, the complexities of raising biracial Black boys, focusing on identity, education, and cultural representation. They explore the challenges faced by mixed-race families, the importance of parental involvement, and the subtle forms of racism that can impact children's development. The discussion emphasizes the need for strong Black cultural identity and Black representation in media and education, as well as the role of parents in advocating for their children's needs. In this conversation, Catherine Quinlan and Claudia Rankins explore the complexities of raising children in a racially diverse environment, the importance of character building, and the role of education in shaping identity. They discuss the expectations placed on Black children, the significance of HBCUs, and the challenges posed by modern technology and social media. The dialogue emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding in navigating these issues, particularly in the context of Black representation and the future of Black children.

About Dr. Claudia Rankins:

Dr. Claudia Rankins is a senior research associate for PRISSEM Academic Services, LLC, where she conducts faculty development and research development consulting activities, specifically aimed towards faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) pursuing National Science Foundation (NSF) funding in STEM and STEM education fields.

Dr. Rankins retired from the National Science Foundation where she served as a Program Director in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources. She directed the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program and the HBCU Excellence in Research program. Prior to this post, Dr. Rankins served at Hampton University for 22 years in a number of capacities, including endowed university professor, chair of the department of physics, assistant dean for research, and dean of the School of Science. She is also a proud HBCU graduate, having obtained masters and PhD degrees in Physics from Hampton University.

About Dr. Claudia Rankins

Dr. Rankins is an advocate for STEM education and research at HBCUs. Her current research interests center around leadership and the history of STEM at these institutions. Her research in theoretical particle physics focused on the development of a model to describe distribution amplitudes and form factors of pseudoscalar mesons. Dr. Rankins is the co-founder of the Society of STEM Women of Color, Inc.

Rankins won a gold medal in the 2025 World Masters Track & Field championships in the 4x200 m relay in her age group. Her team holds the American record.

About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D.

I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University.

Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels.

For more information visit my websites:

Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: https://drcatherinequinlan.com

Visibility In STEM Education Consultant/Services: https://visibilityinstem.com/

TEDx Talk: The Clarity We Need For Belonging: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be

Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development.

https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193

Keystone Passage, Chapter Series Book: https://keystonepassage.com

Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠

Podcasts ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠

Music: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love