Clark, Mamie Phipps
1917-1983 · Contribution: 1939-1954
Education
First African American woman to earn a PhD in psychology from Columbia University; originated the 'doll test' research on Black children's racial self-identification later cited in Brown v. Board of Education

Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Category
- Education
Impact on the world
Clark originated the research that helped topple school segregation and built pioneering mental-health services for children of color, even as recognition long went to her husband instead of her.
Sources
- American Psychological Association
1 more sources and references are available to members.
More in Education
Adams, Osceola Macarthy
1890-1985
Co-founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 1913; pioneering Black actress and acting teacher who performed under the stage name Osceola Archer
Anderson, Claud
1936-
Authored 'PowerNomics: The National Plan to Empower Black America' and 'Black Labor, White Wealth,' influential books on Black economic self-sufficiency and group economics; held senior federal and state economic development posts
Armstrong, Byron Kenneth
1892-1980
Co-founded Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in 1911; earned a PhD and built a career as a professor and academic dean across multiple universities
Asante, Molefi Kete (Arthur Lee Smith Jr.)
1942-
Coined the theory of Afrocentricity; founded the first PhD program in African American Studies in the United States at Temple University in 1988