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
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