Check out these Black Scientists making history
To celebrate Black History Month, we’re highlighting Black excellence in STEM. Who are the Black scientists who inspire you?
Send an email to people@happilabs.org so we may feature them on our LinkedIn page.
Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and a renewed commitment to building a more equitable future.
As scientists, we know that our work thrives on diversity, and we recognize the immense contributions of Black scientists and innovators throughout history. Their contributions continue to shape our world today. From the life-saving medical breakthroughs of Dr. Charles Richard Drew, inventor of the blood transfusion, to the groundbreaking technological advancements of Dr. Marian Croak, inventor of the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP); their brilliance has propelled us forward.
Check out this list of more Black scientists in history.
This month, we're not just looking back; we're looking forward. We're highlighting the incredible work being done right now by Black-owned and Black-founded STEM companies. They are paving the way for the next generation of scientific discovery. Here are just a few examples of the innovation happening in our community:
Neta Scientific, co-founded by Dr. Winfred and CEO Garnetta Sanders, is a cornerstone of lab supplies, ensuring scientists have the resources they need to push boundaries. They are now celebrating 25 years in business!
LabMart Distribution Companies, led by CEO Richard Atule, offers a comprehensive range of lab equipment, enabling scientific discoveries in Ghana and across Africa.
Polaris Genomics, co-founded by Charles Cathlin, MPH and Dr. Tshaka Cunningham, is advancing mental health care through innovative diagnostics. Their neuropsychiatric biomarker discovery platform streamlines the process of diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing care.
1910 Genetics, founded by CEO Dr. Jen Asher, is a Boston-based biotech company advancing drug development with cutting-edge AI technology, transforming the way new medicines are discovered and brought to patients.
Lumi Systems, co-founded by Silas Adekunle, also the CEO of Awarri , augments scientists with technology to gain insight into their experiments and facilities, while supporting ethical AI development in Nigeria.
These companies, and countless others, represent the vigor and ingenuity of the Black community. They remind us that scientific progress is inextricably linked to diverse perspectives and experiences. But the work doesn't stop here. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM must be unwavering, especially when faced with adversity.
At HappiLabs, DEI is more than these words on a screen; they are core values woven into our workplace culture, hiring processes, and how we approach new partnerships. Creating a truly inclusive environment is not just the right thing to do, it's essential for fostering the innovation that drives us all forward. This includes the growth of our company.
We also want to acknowledge and celebrate the work of the organizations dedicated to supporting Black scientists. Groups like National Society of Black Engineers, Black in Neuro, Black Girls in STEM, Black Professionals in STEM, Black Girls Code, and many others provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, empowering Black scientists to thrive. They’re critical to building a more representative and equitable scientific landscape.
Who are the Black scientists who inspire you? Send an email to people@happilabs.org.
