Charles W. Thomas (psychologist) facts for kids

Charles William Thomas II was an important African American psychologist. He was born on April 24, 1926, and passed away on September 29, 1990. He is known for helping to start the Association of Black Psychologists. He is also sometimes called the "Father of Black Psychology."

Early Life and Learning

Charles William Thomas II was born in Davidson, Maryland. This was on April 24, 1926. After serving in the U.S. Army, he went to Morgan State University. He earned his first degree in Psychology in 1954.

He then continued his studies at John Carroll University. There, he earned a Master of Arts degree in 1955. While studying, he also worked as an intern. He helped people with their mental health at the Cleveland Receiving Hospital. Later, he earned his highest degree, a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology. He got this from Case Western Reserve.

Teaching Career

After finishing his education, Thomas taught at John Carroll University. He then became a professor at the University of Oregon. He was one of the first African American professors there. While at Oregon, he worked to make the campus more welcoming. He invited African American musicians and performers to the university. This helped create more diversity.

Thomas wanted to make an even bigger difference. So, he moved to the University of Southern California. There, he directed a center that studied racial and social issues. After two years, he became a professor at the University of California, San Diego. He stayed there for the rest of his life.

At UC-San Diego, Thomas focused on connecting with the local community. He wanted to link the community with new urban planning studies. His efforts helped people in the community and university work together. This helped create positive social change.

While teaching, Thomas also helped create the Association of Black Psychologists. This group was very important. Because of his work, he became known as the "Father of Black Psychology."

Important Ideas

As a founder of the Association of Black Psychologists, Thomas helped shape the field. He believed that Black people should feel respected. He wanted them to feel like they belonged in U.S. society. He also wanted them to know they had purpose. Thomas fought for Black people to have an equal place in the United States.

"Boys No More"

In 1968, Thomas wrote a paper called "Boys No More." It talked about how some people use others to stay in power. They might call others "inferior." Thomas noted that society had kept racial groups in lower positions. This included in schools and other places.

In his paper, Thomas wrote that Black people should be proud. They should feel free to be themselves. This included wearing natural hairstyles or traditional African American clothes. Most importantly, Thomas wanted people to be confident. He wanted them to believe they could achieve their goals.

Thomas believed that Black people uniting was the best way to gain freedom and justice. This meant being proud of being Black. It also meant working together as a community. He said it was time to act and make change happen.

"Challenges of Change"

In another paper from 1968, "Challenges of Change," Thomas wrote about challenges everyone faces. These can be about age, gender, or race. He said that minority groups often lacked freedom. Thomas understood that change can be scary.

Thomas also wrote that society should not blame Black people for problems in the U.S. He believed Black people should be able to live freely. They should not be seen as "mentally ill" or "inferior." This included having good housing and jobs. He said society needed to work harder to solve racism.

Family Life

Thomas was married to Shirley Wade. She was a sociologist who studied education. They had two children together. Their names were Charles III and Shawn Leilane.

Passing Away

Charles William Thomas II passed away suddenly on September 29, 1990. The circumstances of his death were tragic. He was taken to the hospital but did not survive. The person responsible for his death was never identified.