Credit: University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work
PITTSBURGH (PTTP) — Sommer Blair, principal investigator for the Parenting for Racial Equity Project (PREP), is spearheading an initiative aimed at promoting anti-racism within families. In collaboration with research mentor James Hughley from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and Ron Idoko from the University of Pittsburgh Center on Race and Social Problems, Blair’s vision for PREP emerged from a collective desire to address racial equity in parenting practices.
As a white scholar and researcher, Blair recognized the need to explore how these principles apply within white and multiracial families. This created the branch research project from Dr. Hughley’s project, Parenting While Black.
Her personal experiences also played a significant role in shaping her commitment to this work. Blair, whose partner is a black man, is the mother of a one-and-a-half-year-old son and is expecting her second child. Motivated by the desire to create a more inclusive environment for her children, Blair embarked on a journey to pursue a PhD and lead the PREP initiative.
“PREP encompasses a workshop model that spans six weeks, providing white parents with practical skills and competencies to foster an anti-racist upbringing for their children,” Blair elaborated. “Our goal is to cultivate an environment where children not only acknowledge racial diversity but also celebrate it.”
The workshops, designed specifically for the Pittsburgh community, aim to equip parents with the tools needed to navigate conversations about race and identity with their children effectively.
“I’m proud that PREP is tailored to the needs of families in Pittsburgh,” Blair emphasized.
Through collaborative efforts and commitment, Blair and her team aspire to lay the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive society, one family at a time.