TPA TALKS WITH DR. MARVA AND MARVIN DAWKINS

Dr. Marvin Dawkins, a sociologist, and Dr. Marvin Dawkins, a psychologist are twins who grew up in the projects of Durkeeville. A family of 9 lived together in a small home, and all of them recieved advance degrees! They discuss the influence the projects had on the family.

Childhood Memories in Durkeeville

- Dr. Marvin Dawkins reminisces about growing up in Durkeeville, emphasizing the sense of safety, routine, and community.

- Memories include feeling safe, predictable routines, vibrant community life, and the environment's pleasantness.

- The discussion explores the significance of a stable and predictable environment for childhood development.

Contextualizing Childhood Experiences

- Dr. Marva Dawkins provides historical context, discussing public housing in America and the creation of Durkeeville.

- Details the government's involvement in housing for the poor, the experimental nature of public housing projects, and the unique features of Durkeeville.

- Explores the impact of community design on residents' sense of safety and pride, highlighting the significance of well-kept surroundings.

Growing Up in the Projects

- Dr. Marvin Dawkins shares memories of growing up in the Durkeeville public housing project, focusing on the transition to a new section of the project.

- Describes the sense of community pride, interactions between neighbors, and efforts to beautify the surroundings.

- Reflects on experiences of segregation, routine obedience to parents, and childhood adventures, illustrating the nuances of life in the project.

Childhood experience of discrimination and segregation:

- Recounting a childhood incident where the speaker and his friends faced discrimination in a burger restaurant due to racial segregation.

- First encounter with the concept of discrimination and segregation in society.

- Reflecting on the impact of racial segregation on daily life and experiences.

Influence of family and community on academic success:

- Emphasis on the importance of education and religion within the speaker's family.

- Family's aspirations for academic achievement and success despite societal limitations.

- How upbringing in a supportive community fostered educational accomplishments for the speaker and siblings.

Impact of housing project rules on educational opportunities:

- The role of strict rules enforced by the housing project management in shaping educational paths.

- How limitations on income and academic achievements influenced residency in the housing project.

- Personal experiences highlighting the intersection of housing, education, and socioeconomic status.

Childhood in the Projects

- Growing up with strict rules and limited freedom in the projects.

- Inspiring stories of academic achievement from siblings.

- The importance of discipline and setting academic goals.

Community Influence on Education

- Reflections on the community's impact on education.

- Differentiating between villages within the community.

- The role of teachers, especially those from the same community, in molding individuals.

Legacy of Greatness

- Acknowledgment of influential figures within the community.

- Highlighting local leaders and their significant contributions.

- Emphasizing the importance of passing down knowledge and heritage to future generations.