Micro Maven Says: Encourage Black Children to Pursue the Sciences

by Micro Maven

“Nerd!” “Oreo!” “White girl!”

These are all some of the insults I received from my own family members growing up. All because I liked science.

From a young age I always had my nose in a book. This trait was encouraged mostly by my grandparents and father. They often took me to the local library.

During my shopping sprees, I almost always picked nonfiction science books as well as science fiction novels. Science, even fantastical science barely based in reality, was an obsession.

But the ridicule I received from my peers, of all colors and sexes, almost killed that love. At school, I was made fun of for being a girl who loved these things.

No Girls Allowed

Science was for boys. At home, the kids teased me for being Black and interested in science. Who did I think I was? A White girl?

The teasing at school barely bothered me. To be honest, I barely remember it. Even though according to my older sister, the bullying was so bad I had to sit near an adult at all times. In classes and on the bus. But my books kept them away, so to me, it almost always left no impression.

It was the bullying I received within my own community that hurt the most. The people I thought understood me and loved me the most consistently tore down one of my biggest passions.

I’m not sure where this concept of certain professions being “White” comes from. Perhaps because some require advanced degrees. A luxury that until recently most Blacks couldn’t even dream of.

A lot of my blog deals with my personal experiences as
1) a black person 2) a black WOMAN 3) a black scientist 4) a female scientist.

Everything that I am and the career path I am on has put me in the front lines when it comes to racism, sexism, misogyny and even ridicule within the Black community.

I want little Black girls who are interested in things like science and math to see me and know that it can be done. I want Black women to hear me and know they are not alone.

Science Has No Color

The interest in the sciences does not care about race. In fact, a Pew study published in January of 2018 claims that 75% of Americans had an interest in science during K-12. The majority of Americans loved science so much in school that they considered pursuing a career in it!

So, explain to me why our own communities are not supporting little Black kids in this endeavor?

If it weren’t for the constant support from my grandparents and parents I may have given up. But now I hold a degree in Biology and am employed as a Microbiologist.

Maybe you don’t see this teasing happening in your Black community. But do you see any encouragement either?

Black People Are Scientists

Our children NEED to feel as though they are free to pursue these passions or else we as a people will always be one step behind. We need more Blacks in STEM fields.

Diversity leads to innovation. STEM fields provide higher salaries, leading to a higher quality of life. Not to mention the power involved with money in this country. And boy oh boy, do we lack power.

So please, if you have a child in your life that is showing even the smallest interest in science and math, water that seed. Perhaps with your encouragement it will blossom into a full-blown tree.

Read: Celebrating Black Women Scientists