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Celebrating Black Excellence
Throughout February, AIP is highlighting resources and materials that celebrate the rich history of Black scientists.
Black History Month Spotlights Achievements and Challenges in the Physical Sciences Community

February is a time to reflect on and honor the profound legacy of Black leaders who have shaped our world. It’s also a time to refocus efforts on creating a brighter and inclusive future brimming with opportunity for all.

Research shows that diverse perspectives increase creativity and innovation in addressing science’s most challenging problems. Black scientists are valued contributors to that success. AIP has an archive of materials that highlight their inspiring stories from the past, aligning with our future-focused mission to advance the physical sciences with a unifying voice of strength from diversity.

The physical sciences community thrives when we tackle challenges together, with a variety of perspectives. Tracee Gilbert is among those working with AIP to build a stronger and more inclusive future in STEM fields. With decades of experience in engineering and strategy, she reflects on her professional journey and shares perspectives on how fostering belonging can lead to impactful solutions.

Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact

Tracee Gilbert, Ph.D.
CEO, System Innovations

  • Black history is a rich narrative of resilience, strength, innovation, and triumph. As a proud Black female leader at AIP, it fills my spirit with joy to lead meaningful initiatives that both honor my ancestors and help pave the way for future physical scientists. As we turn the pages of history, I’m excited to continue championing inclusivity, respect, and shared brilliance to make way for the next generation of Black excellence.
    Jovonni Spinner headshot
    Diversity, Equity and Belonging Officer AIP
  • The physical sciences thrive when we empower the broadest spectrum of perspectives and experiences. As we celebrate and honor inspiring achievements of Black scientists this month, it’s important we continue fostering inclusivity in the STEM community. AIP and its Member Societies have a shared commitment to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging in the physical sciences, thereby advancing our community’s success.
    Michael Moloney headshot
    Chief Executive Officer AIP
Inspiring Backstories: Curated Physics Resources and News for Black History Month

Finding the right mentors and support systems is an integral contributor to Black students’ degree attainment and overall success and persistence in the physical sciences (TEAM-UP Report). Societies like the National Society of Black Physicists promote the professional well-being of African American physicists and physics students, while grassroots organizations like Black in Physics , Black in Astro , and Black in Biophysics offer systems of support, guidance, and networking for Black scientists within their specialized fields.

We’ve collected our archival images, statistical data, teaching resources and news and analysis to inform and inspire you during Black History Month and beyond. As you do, be sure to follow our channels and join in on the conversation.

Ronald McNair playing saxophone
Ronald E. Mickens Collection on African-American Physicists
Explore archival photographs and portraits of notable Black physicists.
Anthony Johnson working in a ultrafast laser lab
Teaching Guides featuring Black Scientists
Celebrate Black History Month with your students using these free science history teaching guides.
Carruthers
Bringing the Ronald Mickens Collection to Wikipedia
Join a Wikipedian in bringing the stories of African-American physicists to Wikipedia.
Portrait of Lawson in the lab
Initial Conditions Episode 7: The African American Presence in Physics
Learn the history of the community of Black physicists in the United States.
Black History Month Book Recommendations
Black History Month Book Recommendations
Delve into a curated collection of books celebrating Black scientists and science fiction protagonists.

In the Scientific Community, Black History Month is Also a Call to Action

TUTSEC Group Shot

In the Scientific Community, Black History Month is Also a Call to Action

TUTSEC Group Shot

Through the TEAM-UP Together initiative, we aim to significantly improve graduation outcomes for undergraduates who face the starkest barriers to success in physics and astronomy, including a focus on African American students.

TEAM-UP Together is championed by AIP, the American Association of Physics Teachers, American Astronomical Society, American Physical Society, and the Society of Physics Students.

Join an SPS chapter’s effort to promote a culture of active antiracism in Georgetown University’s physics department.

Physicist Donnell Walton champions critical thinking and creativity to address global challenges and inspire future innovators in Sigma Pi Sigma’s Radiations.

Mark Richards describes how his search for a community of fellow “quantum black dots” led him to found the Blackett Lab Family, the UK’s first national network of Black physicists.

Physicist Wesley Sims is looking for joy in new initiatives that combine research and mentorship at historically Black colleges and universities.

The stories of these physicists show the barriers to Black people’s participation in physics and suggest changes to make the field more welcoming.

Jessica Esquivel and Charles D. Brown II explain why Black physicists are vital to future progress in AI and quantum information science and engineering.