Thread by @doktor_clark

I am seeing a lot of people in #STEM and #chemtwitter making posts in support of protests and statements of commitment to #DiversityandInclusion in STEM. As someone who is #BlackinSTEM that has spent time in both industry and academia, I would like to say talk is cheap. 1/n

For those in academia, commit to increasing the number of Black students in your program by ACTIVELY recruiting black students. Build relationships with HBCUs that can serve as feeders for your program.

Commit to giving recruitment seminars at predominantly minority institutions. Recruit Black students fro REU experiences. Feel vested in the success of your Black chem majors.

If you come from a department that historically has very few Black graduate students, reach out to current and former students (including those your program may not have retained). Found out about their experiences in your department.

This can provide you with insight on how you can change the culture within your department to make it a place more welcoming to black students. Be cognizant of how your Black students and postdocs are being treated by their peers.

If you are not actively recruiting Black students, developing special mentoring programs for them (with their career goals in mind), and providng them with support throughout their careers, STOP singling them out on your grant applications.

By singling them out just because they are Black and happen to be in your research group, can make your Black students feel that they are in your group for a broader impact statement. It can also send the same message to other students in your group.

If you notice a black post-doc in your department, introduce yourself to them. Become a part of their professional network.

If you are at a conference, and you notice a lone black face, make an effort to introduce yourself rather than avoid them. Learn about the science the do. Become a part of their professional network.

For those in Industry, help ensure the expertise of your Black colleagues is respected. Help ensure their contributions are acknowledged and properly credited. Help amplify their voices when they are not being heard.

These suggestions certainly are not exhaustive, but they are a few that I can think of just from my own experiences.

Be deliberate about having Black seminar speakers!!!