I’m no longer answering the question “Why should there be diversity (specifically Black ppl) in STEM?” or any of its variants cause no one ever asks “why should white people be in STEM?” It’s just assumed they belong. Black people & other POC belong in STEM simply for existing.
Not because more diversity = higher productivity or because we’ve contributed so much and have so much more to contribute or any other reason that commodifies Black people and other POC. Just existing and wanting to do it is enough.
This isn’t a sub or directed towards any one person cause I get asked this in every interview. Im just tired of having to justify my existence in this space when my non Black, especially white peers, don’t have to do the same.
Having to justify my existence is exhausting work. It tells me that I’m not valued because I’m an awesome person existing in this time and space. But because of what I can potentially give to a society and culture that often doesn’t give anything back in return.
It’s been 7 months since #BlackBirdersWeek. What real tangible changes have been made in your departments, in your house holds? Probably not many because to you it was just a fad.
The most disturbing thing that happened in the immediate months following #BlackBirdersWeek was people asking me to give talks sooner rather than later cause what I had to say was timely at that moment.
Advocating for Black people to peacefully exist and do the things that make them happy will always be timely so long as the people and systems dedicated to ensuring the opposite remain in power.
I kept hearing a lot of people say this feels different. That it feels like things are really going to change this time. I really hope y’all start doing the work to make those feelings a reality. And I hope you start doing it soon.
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