Black STEM

B lack people have made significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) throughout history. Despite facing systemic racism and discrimination, they have overcome obstacles to make important discoveries and innovations that have greatly impacted the world.

In Science, Black scientists and researchers have made important contributions in fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. For example, Dr. Percy Julian, a pioneering Black chemist, developed new methods for synthesizing hormones and other drugs from natural sources, and Dr. Charles Drew, a Black physician and researcher, developed the blood bank refrigerator, which allowed blood to be stored for longer periods of time and made blood transfusions safer.

In technology, Black inventors have made important contributions. For example, Garrett Augustus Morgan, a Black inventor, developed the traffic signal and a gas mask that was used by the US military in World War I. George Washington Carver, a prominent Black scientist and inventor, developed a peanut butter machine that made it easier to process peanuts and produce peanut butter.

In Engineering, Black engineers have made important contributions. For example, Dr. Mark Dean, a Black engineer, helped develop the IBM personal computer and holds three of the company's original nine patents on the PC. Dr. Robert Henry Lawrence Jr. was the first African American astronaut, trained as a member of the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program in the 1960s.

In Mathematics, Black mathematicians have made important contributions. For example, Benjamin Banneker, a Black mathematician and astronomer, helped survey the borders of the new capital city of the United States, Washington D.C. and was appointed to the President's commission to survey the boundaries of the District of Columbia.

It's important to note that despite these contributions, Black people historically have faced a lot of barriers in accessing STEM education and jobs, which has limited their representation and participation in the field. This has been changing in recent years with more initiatives and programs aimed at increasing diversity and representation of Black people in STEM.