Every year, students learn about a variety of African American leaders during Black History Month. This is the perfect time to pay homage to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, but they are far from the only historic figures who have made a difference for the African American community.
Many of the most inspiring people of color have been all but lost to history. This is particularly true in the field of science where we consistently honor Albert Einstein and Marie Curie, but neglect to mention the many African Americans who also made groundbreaking discoveries. This year, we hope that will change. We’ve highlighted a few of the most influential and inspiring black scientists below—and we hope you’ll share what you learn to spread awareness of the enduring role of minorities in science.
“In the pursuit of scientific discovery, embracing diversity and diverse perspectives is not just a noble ideal but a powerful engine of progress. Throughout our nation’s history, the minds and focused efforts of countless African-American scientists have propelled this country steadily forward, and have helped to define American scientific exceptionalism. In fields ranging from agriculture to physics; from medicine to computational mathematics, it is by welcoming diverse voices and experiences that we unlock the full potential of human ingenuity.”
George Washington Carver
Image by Unknown Author / George Washington Carver, c. 1910, Restoration / Public Domain
The modern agricultural industry owes George Washington Carver major gratitude for his work at the Tuskegee Institute, where he developed a variety of techniques designed to address the damage caused by years of soil depletion on southern cotton plantations. Carver hoped that minority sharecroppers would instead opt for alternatives such as sweet potatoes and peanuts, which due to their comparative sustainability, were better capable of lifting struggling agricultural workers out of poverty.
Carver’s blend of agricultural breakthroughs and humanitarian passion endeared him to a variety of educators, politicians, and other influential figures. He received many awards and distinctions, including membership with England’s Royal Society of Arts, as well as the landmark passing of a bill to establish a national monument in his honor. This bill was notable in that it passed unanimously during World War II, when similar non-war expenditures were technically banned. Today, Carver is highlighted as the “Father of Chemurgy” in the USDA Hall of Heroes.
Edward Bouchet
Image by Unknown Author / Edward Alexander Bouchet, Yale College, Class of 1874 / Public Domain
Upon completing the dissertation “Measuring Refractive Indices” at Yale in 1876, Edward Bouchet became the first black student to earn his Ph.D. from an American university. Additionally, he was one of the first twenty Americans of any race to earn a Ph.D. in Physics. Sadly, due to rampant discrimination, he struggled to land work as a professor following graduation.
Dr. Bouchet ultimately ended up at the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia, where he taught physics and chemistry for well over two decades. He also made his mark as a teacher and principal for several other schools. Today, the American Physical Society’s Edward A. Bouchet Award recognizes “distinguished minority physicists” for making significant contributions to the field.
Marie M. Daly
Image by Unknown Author / Marie Maynard Daly / Public Domain
The first black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Marie M. Daly played a vital role in researching several key health concerns, including creatine uptake, protein synthesis, and the interplay of cholesterol and hypertension. She was initially inspired by her father, who had briefly studied chemistry but was unable to continue for financial reasons. His struggles one day became the impetus for the Queens College scholarship she established, which grants funding to minorities studying chemistry or physics.
After she received her Ph.D., Dr. Daly served as a professor for Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and, later, for Yeshiva University’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She also worked as an American Heart Association investigator. Throughout her esteemed career, she received fellowships from the American Cancer Society, the Council on Arteriosclerosis, and several other notable organizations.
Annie Easley
Image by NASA / Annie Easley in NASA / Public Domain
Like many noteworthy African American scientists, Annie Easley grew up attending segregated schools. Her mother encouraged her to work hard so she could make a difference in a professional capacity, but Easley met significant barriers every step of the way. While she initially attended college in hopes of becoming a pharmacist, she ultimately landed a prestigious job with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics’s Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory. This later became the NASA Lewis Research Center and is now known as the John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field.
During an impressive career spanning over three decades, Easley developed and executed coding for a variety of critical projects. Her work was instrumental in the development of renewable energy projects. She was also a pivotal contributor to the Centaur project, which paved the path for a variety of space shuttle and satellite launches.
Otis Boykin
Image by Unknown Author / Otis F. Boykin / Public Domain
Talented inventor and engineer Otis Boykin patented over two dozen electronic devices. One of his most notable inventions, the pacemaker, was inspired by the death of his mother, who tragically passed away when he was just a year old. Prior to achieving remarkable success as an inventor, he graduated as valedictorian of his high school class. He worked for Majestic Radio and TV Corporation, and eventually, the P.J. Nilsen Research Laboratory.
Boykin’s very first patent involved a wire precision resistor, which made it possible for manufacturers to designate resistance for wire used in electronic equipment. He patented an improved version shortly thereafter. This development greatly impacted the reliability of the transistor radio. His later work influenced everything from guided missiles to IBM computers.
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Neil deGrasse Tyson’s name may be widely known, but many people are only aware of him due to his humorous appearances on late-night shows and in movies such as Zoolander 2. Yes, he’s notable for his sense of humor, but that’s only the beginning. Tyson has also made his mark as the director of the Hayden Planetarium, an advisor to President George W. Bush, and the host of several television specials. He has a way of breaking down complex scientific concepts in a way that ordinary people can understand. For this reason, he has received a variety of awards over the years, including the National Geographic Society’s Hubbard Medal and a Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences.
Percy Julian
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Percy Julian was a groundbreaking chemist whose work in synthesizing important medicinal compounds changed the landscape of pharmacology. Julian’s pioneering research on plant-based chemicals led to the mass production of cortisone, which has been vital in the treatment of arthritis. Additionally, his synthesis of physostigmine, used to treat glaucoma, demonstrated his profound impact on medical advancements. Julian was not only a scientific trailblazer but also a trailblazer in the fight for racial equality in the scientific community.
As one of the first African Americans to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry, Julian faced immense obstacles in his career. Despite racial discrimination, he achieved remarkable success, becoming a leading figure in the chemical industry. He was the founder of Julian Laboratories, where his work contributed to advancements in a wide range of industries, including medicine and agriculture. Julian’s innovative spirit and dedication to improving the lives of others left an indelible mark on both science and society.
Mae Jemison
Image by NASA / Mae Carol Jemison / Public Domain
Mae Jemison broke barriers in the field of space exploration as the first African American woman to travel to space. A physician and engineer, Jemison’s groundbreaking achievement as a NASA astronaut came in 1992 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Her journey to space was not only a personal milestone but also a historic achievement for African American women in science and engineering.
Before her time at NASA, Jemison earned her medical degree and worked as a general practitioner, but her passion for science and space led her to become an astronaut. During her mission in space, Jemison conducted various scientific experiments, including those focused on bone cell research and the effects of weightlessness on the human body. Her commitment to inspiring future generations of women and minorities to pursue careers in STEM fields continues through her work as an educator and advocate. Jemison remains a powerful symbol of perseverance, resilience, and the limitless possibilities for women of color in science.
Expanding the Narrative
The scientific community owes a huge debt of gratitude to the remarkable individuals highlighted above and countless others who have often gone unrecognized or forgotten by history. As Black History Month is celebrated, it is important to ensure that these groundbreaking scientists are not only honored but also serve as an inspiration to today’s students. By expanding the understanding of their contributions, the narrative can be enriched to emphasize the profound impact that Black scientists have had—and continue to have—on shaping the world. Their legacies should inspire future generations to pursue excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs and beyond.
