Back in 1969, Black History Month was first proposed by black educators and Black United Students (BUS) at Kent State University. The first actual celebration took place one year later, from January 2nd to February 28th, 1970. It was to be the celebration of achievements by African Americans and during this celebration was the recognition of the role people of color played in US History. Part of this celebration is of course remembering the contributions and discoveries people of color made that revolutionized many fields of STEM. Scientists, doctors, mechanics, and even musicians have gone on to tread new land in fields we thought were impossible. Without the contributions of those highlighted here, and many, many more bright souls this world would be a much different place.
“Computers are going to be a big part of our future…and that future is yours to shape” – 44th President Barack Obama
Dr. Percy Julian (1899 – 1975)
This scientist is renowned for being the first to synthesize a chemical called physostigmine, used to treat glaucoma (eye condition causing blindness). He also went on to make other groundbreaking discovering that altered how we use the drugs from plants and the chemical synthesis involved in doing so. Further examples of this would be using hormone synthesis of progesterone and testosterone on soybean oil, and treating arthritis with synthesized cortisone. A very accomplished and respected chemist in his field, he became the first Black chemist elected to the National Academy of sciences.
George Washington Carver (1864-1943)
For those studying botany or agriculture, this should be a familiar face. Despite the common misconception that Carver invented peanut butter, what he did do was create more than 300 products based on the peanut plant to help revitalize crop growth in the South. He was also known for the development of the Jesup Wagon, which brought mobile education to poor farmers in remote areas during 1906.
Dr. Stephon Alexander (1971-Current)
Dr. Alexander is a theoretical physicist, researcher, and professor at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He co-invented a model that helped explained early universe expansion and serves as the president of the National Society of Black Physicists. Also known for his best-selling book “The Jazz of Physics”, he is a very accomplished saxophone player.
Dr. Marie M. Daly (1921 – 2003)
Dr. Daly was a biochemist and also the first Black woman to obtain a Ph.D in chemistry in the US. Her research contributed greatly to the improvement of US dietary health – including the discovery of the relationship between high cholesterol and heart disease. She was a major advocate for getting Black students enrolled at medical/graduate schools, and even started a scholarship for minorities to study science at Queens College in New York.
