03/25/2026
March is Womenâs History Month and every Wednesday we are honoring courageous women whose voices have helped reshape our world. Today we celebrate Dr. Stacey Patton, an awardâwinning journalist, author, historian, educator, and nationally recognized childrenâs advocate whose work continues to spark important conversations about race, childhood, and society.
Dr. Pattonâs story is one of resilience and purpose. Raised in foster care after experiencing abuse early in life, she went on to pursue journalism and history with an unflinching commitment to truth and justice. Her reporting has appeared in major outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC News, and Al Jazeera, and she has used her platform to challenge harmful narratives and shine a light on systemic inequities.
As the author of books such as Spare the Kids: Why Whupping Children Wonât Save Black America and That Mean Old Yesterday: A Memoir, Dr. Patton has deepened our understanding of how race, punishment, and childhood intersect in American life. Her scholarship and storytelling help us confront difficult truths and imagine more compassionate ways of caring for each other.
Beyond her writing, Dr. Patton serves as a professor and mentor, educating future journalists and advocating for children and families across the country. She has been honored with multiple awards for her journalism and advocacy, and she uses her expertise to train others in addressing disparities in child welfare, education, and justice.
Today we honor her courage, her vision, and her tireless work to make society more equitable and humane
