Dr. LaWanda M. Simpkins

LaWanda M. Simpkins, Ph.D. is an independent scholar and author of Double Dutching In My Own Skin: A Soulful Narrative on Colorism. Simpkins is also the Visionary and President of Creative Justice, Inc., a non-profit organization that specializes in curating intentional spaces for conversations centered on social justice and advocacy.

Born and raised in Greensboro, NC, Simpkins is a southern girl with big charm. Growing up in the south, Simpkins experienced skin tone stratification at an early age and in ways that she could not understand as a child, but became very clear to her as an adult. Specifically, while obtaining her Master’s degree she began to see how racial identity impacts educational experiences. Simpkins further went on to study the many isms in Cultural Studies where she was encouraged to lean deeper into her passion.  In this experience, her book was birthed.

In her work, Simpkins approaches the broader topic of racism and oppression and how colorism is directly connected to it. She challenges the norms of the most noted definition and prompts readers to think beyond the surface level. Simpkins often shares that writing about colorism from her perspective was challenging, and something that even though the work is done she grapples with.

In addition to being a published author, Simpkins is the creative and founder of  Creative Justice, Inc. Her tagline, “intentional spaces for dialogue” is exactly what she designs for her clients. After the execution of George Floyd in May of 2020, Simpkins experienced an uptick in those who sought her services. Since then, business has been steady.  With her most recent work, Simpkins has added colorism talks and workshops to her service portfolio. She reasonably expects that within years to come  there will be a need for her work, when the country she lives in begins to approach healing.

Simpkins resides in Raleigh, NC with her husband Marcellus and three children, Zilah, Yuri and Xendae. They are members of Wake Chapel Church under the leadership of Sharon Dean. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and sits on and leads boards within her local community. She is a graduate of a historically black college and university (HBCU), North Carolina A&T State University (holding two degrees) and has an earned doctorate and graduate certificate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She’s a proud Aggie and Spartan, affectionately considering herself a “Spaggie”. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping, crafting and working out. When it comes to the work she does for others and her life practice, Simpkins  guides herself by one of her favorite quotes- Simply this thing that I am shall make me live- Shakespeare.