Dr Inez Beverly Prosser, the first Black Woman to gain a PhD
Fri Feb 06 2026
With Black History month I have been looking into some of the underreported Black pioneers in the field of education and psychology, and was very impressed with the impact of Dr Inez Beverly Prosser. An educator, researcher, psychologist, she is the first Black woman to earn a PhD in the United States, in 1933. Her research into the emotional, cognitive, and psychological effects of segregation on Black children was vital to the Brown v Board of Education case, 20 years after her death.
This is the first half of this week's dive into psychological history, available to all. The entire episode each week is available to supporters of the show. Consider lending your support: www.patreon.com/brokenbrain
The highlighted charity this month is the Lavender Rights Project, a Black Trans Feminist nonprofit advocating, supporting, and providing legal and housing assistance for Black Transgendered individuals. Get involved at: www.lavenderrightsproject.org
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With Black History month I have been looking into some of the underreported Black pioneers in the field of education and psychology, and was very impressed with the impact of Dr Inez Beverly Prosser. An educator, researcher, psychologist, she is the first Black woman to earn a PhD in the United States, in 1933. Her research into the emotional, cognitive, and psychological effects of segregation on Black children was vital to the Brown v Board of Education case, 20 years after her death. This is the first half of this week's dive into psychological history, available to all. The entire episode each week is available to supporters of the show. Consider lending your support: www.patreon.com/brokenbrain The highlighted charity this month is the Lavender Rights Project, a Black Trans Feminist nonprofit advocating, supporting, and providing legal and housing assistance for Black Transgendered individuals. Get involved at: www.lavenderrightsproject.org