Kate Clark Harris

Kate Clark Harris is the daughter of Dr. Kenneth B. Clark and Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark. The Clarks were the pioneering psychologists and authors of the ground breaking “Doll Test”. The Clarks research and experiments developed over many years revealed the psychological effects of segregation on all children — but particularly, on African American children. Their research, was later relied upon as key evidence in the 1954 US Supreme Court decision, Brown v. Board of Education, banning segregation in all public schools.

Kate grew up during the trials and research of the“The Doll Test” and met and heard colleagues of her parents discussing the findings and results. She and her brother, Hilton grew up in an environment filled with scholarly debate, activism and creativity.

Kate went on to have a wide-ranging career in social work, child development, mental health and education programming for children and families. She is the former executive director of the Northside Center for Child Development, founded by her parents and still serving children and families in Harlem today.

Kate earned degrees from Oberlin College and the Smith School of Social Work. She and her husband Donald Harris have three children, and seven grandchildren. Their work and lives have taken them from New York to Hong Kong, Switzerland and Sarasota, Florida.