Black Names Matter - Celebrating African American Naming Practices

Explore the cultural significance and beauty of Black American naming practices in this 17-minute TEDx talk. Discover how names, often overlooked, carry deep meaning and value, especially within the Black community. Learn about distinct naming traditions for Black children, from La'Keisha to Tyrone to Assata, and uncover their origins and meanings. Gain insights from Destin Mizelle, a Counseling Psychology Ph.D. candidate, as he delves into the psychological effects of bearing Black-sounding names and challenges negative perceptions. Understand how this research intersects with racial socialization, social justice, and mental health disparities in Black communities. Embrace the importance of celebrating African American naming patterns as part of a broader effort to appreciate Black traditions, culture, and history through the lens of Liberation Psychology.

Black Names Matter | Destin Mizelle | TEDxUKY