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/