As a mother and pediatrician with a passion for media,I was aware of the paucity of equitable media representation for Black families and children. I started with a podcast, What is Black?.The podcast addresses issues important to raising healthy and thriving Black children and teens. The guests include child health experts and authors sharing their stories for parents to learn and have resources to talk with their children.
We expanded to include a blog that shares perspectives and insights on topics ranging from parenting, race, identity, books and media.
Next, I wrote a middle grade book, Learning To Love All of Me, about Sydney, a 12 year old girl dealing with racial identity, family, and self-acceptance. It was the book I wished I had when I was her age dealing with those same issues. I hoped that it could be read by other children and help them.
With the foundations of the podcast, blog, and book, I created a media company where Black families and children can feel seen, heard, supported and given a voice. I bring my experiences as a Black woman, mom, practicing pediatrician with over 20 years of experience, writer, speaker, public health service, and public health advocacy to the company.
Hello, my name is Jacqueline Douge and I’m the Founder of What is Black.
About What it Black
As a mom of two Black sons, I often had conversations about racial identity with my sons. These conversations were a consequence of them being asked about their identity or questions that came from viewing mostly negative and stereotyped depictions of Blackness in the media.Their idea of Blackness was being defined for them by others' thoughts and ideas.
The ideas of how children learn to understand and navigate racial identity prompted the question, “What is Black?” From this question, I wanted to find ways to address this issue not only for myself but for other parents that may be experiencing a similar challenge.
We’re not stopping there. What is Black is building community and expanding our content. Allow us to reintroduce ourselves and share the new projects that we are working on that will debut in 2022.
First, we’re growing our podcast offerings by introducing a new kids podcast and additional seasons for our existing podcast.
Secondly, we’ll air Reading In Black: Celebrating Black Children’s Literature, a documentary that highlights inclusive literature for black children.This documentary series seeks to educate the public on the history of literature available to Black children, and amplify the voices of creators making literature centered around inclusivity.
Our vision is to tell engaging and dynamic stories that celebrate and center Black Families.