For today’s joint chat with the National Science Technology New Service (NSTNS), we will the weblink focus on connecting the #BLACKandSTEM and broader community with credible information on the Ebola Virus Disease, its impacts, and avenues to contribute to combating the disease
- What are your experiences being a #BLACKandSTEM man?
- What are needs of #BLACKandSTEM men that are most overlooked?
A few years ago, I was asked to write a feature for Nature blogs on the need for more Black women in the sciences functioning in mentoring and advising roles. I was pleasantly surprised about the reception overall; I experienced my article being used to support efforts for diversity in many spaces. There were some less than pleasant responses which I casually stepped over on my way to progressing forward in my own personal goals, I wasn’t surprised. However, the shock came when I encountered the perspective that my voice, one voice, was all that was needed to understand the needs of Black women in STEM educational programs and workplaces.
After the very first #BLACKandSTEM chat, I knew I wanted to continue to do a weekly chat. Whether 2 or 200 showed up, this space was an instant community. Immediately, I saw that on any given topic, we, the #BLACKandSTEM, represent a wealth of experiences and perspectives. I recalled my article and my feeling that, while I challenged preconceived notions on the experiences of Black women in STEM, I had potentially represented an excuse to no longer listen. (Sort of a We’ve got the answers we need attitude.) But our broad and varied narrative is one that is necessary. When so few Black women are faculty at research one institutions…When Black women reflect a fraction of a percent of software developers in major corporations…While Black women are earning less that their counterparts in the same positions…When Black women have to contend with the social structures that are obstacles for women and for Black folk…OUR NARRATIVE IS NECESSARY