The Legacy of Black Women in STEM

From barbaric medical practices to outright plagiarism and theft, modern science carries a dark history. Modern science hasn’t always offered the most fair playing ground for women, people of color, or the disabled. Oftentimes they would either be tortured, stolen from, or ultimately abused in the name of innovation. The notion of race itself and the prejudices that come with it are based on the “science” of eugenics. However, science has also allowed us to have clean drinking water, life-saving medical interventions, and working electricity among so many other things. Despite this ever-present dichotomy in the science world, it is clear that to move forward as a society, we have to be willing to make those advancements together. 

Mary Kenner along with an image of the sanitary napkins based on her designs. Image courtesy of Vocal Media.

Black women have made significant contributions to STEM throughout history. Unfortunately, many of these key players in the advancements of STEM have been overlooked due to systemic barriers based on prejudice and discrimination. With brighter hearts and more open minds, science has the power to present the evidence and solutions needed to face social issues head-on.

This Black History Month, we highlight both historical and modern pioneers who've made a way where there was none. We thank these women named and unnamed who have opened the door for advancements in STEM that benefit all people, regardless of race, class, or gender.

Historical Trailblazers

Though we can only list so many, we just want to take the time to honor all of the Black women, known and unknown, whose minds have contributed to science and technology. 

Katherine Johnson,  Dorothy Vaughan, Christine Darden & Mary Jackson were pivotal members of NASA during the Apollo mission in 1969. Starting in the early 50s’ these women were a pivotal group of mathematicians, engineers, and leaders whose careful calculations made the success of the Apollo mission possible.  

 

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner received very little recognition for her monumental contribution to global menstrual care. With a patented design, Kenner engineered an improved menstrual pad, making menstrual more accessible, convenient, and sanitary.

Dr. Marie Maynard Daly was the first Black woman in the U.S. to earn a PhD in chemistry. Her research on hypertension and cardiovascular disease shaped modern medicine for the disorders. 

Not only did these women brave the frontlines of social change in America, but they graced our nation with the expertise and efforts that have made this great nation possible.

Modern STEM Leaders Conquering Challenges

Dr. Ayana Howard is pictured with a super cute robot, courtesy of Silicon Valley Robotics.

Today, there is a long list of Black women who continue to carry the torch of their foremothers in the STEM world. Though the future may seem daunting at times, these women are continuing to boldly step forward with their ideas and solutions.

Dr. Ayana Howard is an expert in AI and robotics, advancing ethical tech and accessibility. Her work addresses the pros and cons of the rapidly advancing world of AI and robotics. Dr. Howard’s expertise helps to ensure a safer experience with AI and robots for all.

Dr. Jedidah Isler is the first Black woman to earn a PhD in astrophysics from Yale in 2014. With outer space holding a special place in her heart, Dr. Isler is currently researching high-energy observational astrophysics.

Dr. Jedidah Isler speaks on the TED Talk stage.

Alexis Williams is one of many of us who were affected by the police brutality events of the last decade. However, Alexis took matters into her own hands and created a web-based database that offers resources for allies, survivors, victims, and their families called Police Brutality Resources (PBR).

According to the National Science Foundation’s 2023 report, Black women and our marginalized counterparts still have a bit of distance to go before we achieve greater equity in the sciences.

Some of the greatest challenges of increasing representation in STEM include:

Alexis Williams, founder of Police Brutality Resources (PBR), courtesy of Pulse Spikes.

By improving representation and access to STEM opportunities, more people are getting a chance to see themselves as scientists. Though the task may seem daunting, we can achieve these goals.

Inspirational women like Dr. Howard and Alexis Williams took matters into their own hands by identifying significant problems and creating lasting solutions. We also are in a time when children are seeing a colorful array of people in a variety of professions; giving them a chance to consider astronomical possibilities for their futures. This early exposure can potentially encourage the younger generations to have a natural inclination towards STEM, given that it is truly a world of possibility on its own.

Despite the divisive adults that run things, children today are being raised in a world that is actively working toward honoring diversity for the gift and privilege that it is. A few years down the road, creating inclusive environments for all to thrive will be second nature. 

Looking Ahead: A Communal Effort 

By working together, we can ensure that all who are marginalized receive the opportunities, justice, and respect that they deserve.  We must stay committed to amplifying each others’ voices and ensuring better opportunities; we will only be stronger for it.

Shaping the Future: Black Women Innovating for Equity in STEM

Innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating equity and access. Despite fervent efforts to dismantle the policies that made it possible to scrape that glass ceiling, women, people of color, and Black women, in particular, are making strides in STEM and tech. Not only do these women advance STEM by simply showing up with confidence and expertise, but they readily reach back and extend their access and influence to help others. In every sector, we have seen exponential growth in the representation and success of Black women in science and tech. These same women are also spearheading the efforts that extend true equity, access, and enjoyment of STEM activities and programs. 

Black Women Leading STEM for Social Change

Dr. Ruha Benjamin courtesy of Muhlenberg College.

There are several Black women who are actively reshaping the social landscape of the STEM sectors. Today we will feature three women who are making pivotal changes with positive and lasting implications for the greater good.

 Dr. Ruha Benjamin and her team research and advocate for inclusive policies in tech and accountability in AI. Her work will lead to more efficient and fair use and distribution of data. Jewel Burks Solomon is the co-founder of Partpic an AI-driven manufacturing tech) which has since been acquired by corporate giant, Amazon. She has since become the leader of Google for Startups to help Black entrepreneurs secure funding.

Dr. Adrienne Hollis is an environmental scientist with a passion for climate justice. Dr. Hollis

Dr. Adrienne Hollis, courtesy of Twin Cities PBS.

advocates for actionable change in marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change. These include people in cities and areas near local waste management and processing plants. From air, water, and soil pollution, there are endless factors to address that affect American citizen’s quality of life. Dr. Hollis’ work not only highlights direct problem areas of the climate crisis, but she is also readily equipped with actionable insights. 

Jewel Burks Solomon, courtesy of 21 Ninety.

Addressing Barriers to Success

Despite major strides by Black women across STEM sectors, Black women-led startups receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. Systemic challenges limit leadership opportunities and access to STEM education. With the current president of the United States undoing legislation that honors diversity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at breakneck speed, the socioeconomic pressures that women, people of color, and disabled citizens face may be felt tenfold.

Fortunately, we are simultaneously getting a glimpse at the social resistance that has so often resulted in lasting and sustainable change for all. In the words of Gil Scott Heron, “The revolution will not be televised…the first change that takes place is in your mind.” While we cannot wait for our peers to wake up to a different way of thinking and living, we see the power in people becoming the change they wish to see. The scientists above saw problems in their personal lives and created solutions that could benefit all who encounter similar challenges. 

As history shows, Black women continue to rise up and use their unique experiences and knowledge to overcome daunting tasks across all fields. Defying odds comes naturally to women who were born into castes assigned by archaic attempts to understand humankind. By developing and utilizing strong networks, establishing and strengthening their expertise, and outshining expectations regularly, Black women continue to warrant that there is more than enough space for themselves and all other marginalized people to have a seat at the table.