The month of February has been deemed Black History Month in the United States. The origin dates as far back as 1926 in the US when Negro History Week was established by Carter G. Woodson to celebrate the achievements of Black people as a race and dispel the myth that Black people did not positively contribute to the growth of the United States as a country.
Since it’s inception, Black History Month has also been recognized in Canada (February), The United Kingdom (October) and Ireland (October). During Black History Month, we pause to remember and celebrate people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is a time to reflect on and appreciate the growth of nations when the human race embraces diversity of cultures and inclusion of all mankind.
At Re.engineer, we celebrate Black History Month by highlighting everyday heroes in our communities from the past, present and future!
During the month of February 2022 we "Honored Our Legacy and Empowered the Future" by celebrating historical black professionals in STEM and presenting flowers to those who are still practitioners within the discipline. Members of racial and ethnic minority groups are projected to become the majority of America’s population in the next thirty years. Today, however, they account for just twenty-eight percent of America’s STEM workers. We know that for America to remain competitive in a global economy, we need to do all we can to draw upon the nation’s diverse talent pool, which includes historically underrepresented groups in STEM.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are some of the fastest-growing fields, but it is underscored by racial disparities. Black scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians have changed the world significantly throughout history. From space exploration and scientific discoveries, to tech innovations and more, there are many Black heroes in STEM whose work has shaped our lives.
In Re.engineer fashion, we asked our community of nearly 3k subscribers and followers to nominate worthy Black figures in STEM and it is with great pleasure, that we share this collaboration with the world. Please join us in congratulating them for their brilliance, courage, service, and innovative approaches to problem solving.
We were truly honored to share their stories!
You can read their background and contributions to the STEM disciplines below by clicking on their respective photos below.