The Original Scientist
Galileo Galilei,
Aristotle,
Carl Linneaus,
John Dalton – Atomic Theory,
Alfred Wegner,
Isaac Newton,
I see each name sprawled across a chalkboard in big letters, a flash-back to a high school science course. A teacher detailing the important taxonomic, astronomical or chemical advancements accompanied by a 5-inch thick text book with similar verbiage and a picture. Growing up, I saw these men as scientific intervenors; originators whose sole contributions provided us with modern science. They were the original scientists and their work, conducted 100’s-1000’s of years ago, were integral to my life today.
Now, my perspective has changed. I do not see these men as the originators of science. I believe science is about curiosity and each one of use has a curious nature. It starts with a question,
Will cabbage grow larger if its planted near lavender?
What would happen if I added cream instead of milk to this recipe
Will my car fit in that spot?
The core of each question lies in curiosity and the exploration of curiosity is science. It is as old as human kind. Looking back at the list of scientists who riddled early science courses, I find it hard to believe they were the first to ask questions regarding our natural world, the oceans, skies, US as beings. Where were the scientists who looked like me? Why were their stories and intelligence rarely documented and given credit in science courses? I realize now their works and contributions have been excluded and ignored for the most part.
Our educational system is riddled with barriers, put in place to prevent people of color from achieving success. It starts early, with lessons skewed to promote the work of white men. Representation matters. If we do not see ourselves, then how can we know that we are meant to be incorporated in that space. What makes it worse however is the examples used are problematic and riddled with racism. Most of the men named did not have positive actions or thoughts towards Black people, simply because their skin was Brown or Black. Even ethnic origins from Ludwig van Beethoven were hidden, he was mocked by his peers for his dark complexion and would wear white powder makeup in public. You may think, well, it was a different time. While true, it does not make it better. We know better and have for quite some time.
Science and knowledge developed by African descendants was quickly dismissed and given negative labels, like devil worship. Outside of Egypt, science in early African civilization is rarely celebrated or even acknowledged. The late Dr. Ivan Van Sertima said it best,
“The nerve of the world has been deadened for centuries to the vibrations of African Genius”
Our calendar system, the basis of most high school math courses, and the herbal medicines powered by plants were employed in African civilizations thousands of years ago. Evidence suggests that Africans sailed to South America and Asia hundreds of years before Europeans. The original scientists were African, however, for thousands of years, their contributions have been snuffed out. As a society, we cannot afford to continue this trend. I have begun the process of reeducating myself. I am just scratching the surface of a rich culture of science purposefully denied to me. It is unfortunate and I wonder how different science disciplines would be if the rightful original scientist had their places in history.
The exclusion of Black voices in science can only be combated by amplification. This is why events such as #BlackinBotany and #BlackinMarincience are vital. The narrative must shift, because we know there are flaws. It is vital for the advancement of science to make the space for the original Black scientists.