During Black History month , it is important to acknowledge the many black scientists who have helped make the world what it is today. And while George Washington Carver was an innovative and important man, he is by no means the only scientist of color in our history.
Here I will focus on scientists in our recent history. Many of these men and women are alive today or are a part of our recent history. Of course try telling that to kids who call 1990 “the late 1900’s” whoo boy.
However, it is important for students to see that they, too, can achieve these things and that history is not just what happened long ago, but a blueprint for what we need to do today.
Neil deGrasse Tyson
#sorrynotsorry, there’s no way I couldn’t start with NDG.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is Bill Nye for star nerds. He has been the Director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York since 1996. You may have heard him on StarTalk or seen him on Cosmos. Maybe even in Batman v Superman? As a bona fide Star Nerd myself, I have always looked up to him (ha! You know, because stars? Whatever, I’m hilarious). He has infinite knowledge that he can explain in simple terms.
Tyson grew up in public schools in New York, but was smitten with the galaxy after visiting the Hayden Museum at nine.
He recalled that “so strong was that imprint [of the night sky] that I’m certain that I had no choice in the matter, that in fact, the universe called me.”
His book is an accessible journey through the cosmos, with wonderful pictures and fun facts.
Mae Jemison
In 1992, she became the first black woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
She founded the Dorothy Jemison Foundation, which sponsors other events including the Shaping the World essay competition, Listening to the Future (a survey program that targets obtaining opinions from students), Earth Online (an online chatroom that allows students to safely communicate and discuss ideas on space and science), and the Reality Leads Fantasy Gala.
If you haven’t read Mae Among The Stars to your kiddos yet, you really should!
Raye Montague
One of the members of the “Hidden Figures” group, Ms. Montegue was an American naval engineer credited with creating the first computer-generated rough draft of a U.S. naval ship. She was the first female program manager of ships in the United States Navy.
The book A Girl With a Mind for Math is a wonderful tale of how she persevered through all who would dismiss her and achieved her dream of becoming an engineer.
Katherine Johnson
Mrs. Johnson was also among the “Hidden Figures” and was called a “computer.” She is responsible for helping to help a man not only orbit the Earth, but get Apollo 11 to the moon.
As an accompaniment for these scientists, I would suggest the app Sky View Lite. It’s totally free and something I have used for years. And in quarantine times, it’s a great way to see the stars without leaving your couch! My favorite is to look for the International Space Station.
I hope you enjoy these recommendations! Don’t forget to share the love!
-Heather