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mSphere Highlights Black In Microbiology Week.
Michael D L Johnson1,2,3
1Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA Mdljohnson@arizona.edu.
Msphere
|October 1, 2020
Summary
Black In Microbiology Week is a global event celebrating Black scientists and addressing racial disparities in the field. It aims to foster community and amplify the voices of Black microbiologists worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Scientific Community Building
- Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
Background:
- The inaugural Black In Microbiology Week (#BlackInMicro) took place from September 28 to October 4, 2020.
- The event aimed to highlight the achievements of Black microbiologists globally and foster a sense of community.
- It also served as a platform for discussing racial disparities within microbiology.
Discussion:
- Participation primarily occurred via Twitter using #BlackInMicro and Zoom.
- The event's website, blackinmicrobiology.org, facilitated registration and information sharing.
- mSphere journal amplified Black scientists by publishing commentaries from event organizers.
Key Insights:
- #BlackInMicro successfully created a virtual space for Black microbiologists to connect and share their work.
- The event provided a crucial forum for open discussions on systemic racism in scientific fields.
- Publication of commentaries in mSphere offered valuable perspectives on human microbiome research and the impact of racism on scientific hypotheses.
Outlook:
- Continued amplification of Black scientists' contributions is essential for a more equitable scientific landscape.
- Sustained dialogue on racial disparities can drive meaningful change in microbiology and other scientific disciplines.
- Future events and initiatives like #BlackInMicro are vital for fostering inclusivity and diversity in STEM.
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