02/17/2026
Behind every healthy adult is a child who felt seen.
This week, we honor Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, the first Black woman to earn a psychology doctorate from Columbia University.
Dr. Clark’s groundbreaking "Doll Test" research proved that social environments and systemic exclusion deeply impact a child’s self-esteem and mental health. Her work wasn’t just academic—it was used in the Brown v. Board of Education case to end school segregation.
At VOA Alaska, we know that identity and belonging are clinical necessities. Like Dr. Clark, we are dedicated to creating spaces where Alaska’s youth feel valued, understood, and empowered to build a positive self-image.