Written by Michael Thervil
It was reported by the National Science Foundation that 9% of American Black People are actively involved in the Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics or STEM fields, the lowest when compared to Asians (10%), and Hispanics (15%). All three groups were significantly overshadowed by American Whites, who represent a whopping 66% in the American STEM field. The reason for Black Americans lagging so far behind where to the point they’re seemingly about to disappear when it comes to the STEM field are rooted in two barriers that plague Black Americans more so than any other demographic. The barriers we are referring to pertains to social-economic and influence.
Some people will attribute the lack of Black Americans in the STEM field to the lack of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion "DEI" and others will point the finger at the perceived microaggressions against Black Americans within various STEM fields. It was reported that “45% [Black Americans] consider(ed) business executives as generally not too or not at all welcoming to Black People in these jobs” (Pew Research Center). Socio-economically, many schools in the urban areas of America where the vast majority of Black Americans reside don't have a strong STEM program in their schools regardless of grade level or district.
Moreover, for the schools in the urban environment that do, they are seemingly quarantined away in more economiclly affluent neighborhoods. This should come as no surprise as its property taxes in America that are the determining factor of how well and what resources a school will have access to as opposed to the local, state, and federal governments ensuring that their educational system is "leveled" for all school age children to be properly educated in all academic subjects, especially STEM.
This brings us to the variable of “Influence”. According to the PEW Research Center, “Black adults with a postgraduate (65%) or college (62%) degree say the lack of a mentor or other adult encouraging young people is a major reason behind this pattern.” More often than not, Black American children see entertainers and athletes doing financially better than people working in STEM fields and people they see in general. In the minds of many young Black Americans, the desires to become an entertainer or athlete is perceived as a better outcome when compared to the $50,000 a year average a Black American Man makes compared to the $70,000 a year average a White American Man makes according to the American Social Security Administration.
When it comes to school aged children, before they can “get money” - they must first have the proper influence around them. And when it comes to influencing young Black Americans to get engaged in STEM related fields, there's one group of Black American Teens looking to change that; and they’re known as the Brilliant Black Builders FRC# 5414 or BBB for short. They're two pillars of belief centers around “A Need For Change” and a the building of a “Team Culture” both of which makes them stand out as one the best Black American STEM operations in Houston Texas.
It was this weekend at the George R. Brown Convention Center that we met them during the annual First Robotics Competition (FRC). At this annual robotics competition, the BBB partnered with Dow, NASA, Chevron, and Microsoft amongst other prominent world-renowned organizations to create a networking event where young Black Americans could meet and greet industry titans from various STEM-based companies. The Founder of the BBB is a former Pearland ISD student and now Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sophomore by the name of Jared Byars. The BBB consists of core team members by the names of Bradley, Ethan, Noah, and Zion. The Brilliant Black Builders program is part of the Pearland ISD (Independent School District).
Within the networking breakout section over refreshments and snacks, the Brilliant Black Builders promoted the opportunity for school age children and teens to ask as many questions relating to the STEM field towards the VIP’s in attendance. Questions pertaining to career goals, salary, types of jobs available, educational expectations, personal ambitions, specific interest within the STEM field, and the various types of experiences they've had were just some of the topics of discussion amongst the attendees of this networking event. There were also activities to participate in at this networking event to help foster a mentor-like relationship with the student attendees.
The Brilliant Black Builders hold meetings on Saturdays after their “build meetings”. This is their way of not only reaching out to the community and filling the void of providing a positive influence on Black Americans who may be interested in various STEM fields. But this where they take the time out to plan outreach events for Black Americans that wish to become a part of the STEM field. If you're into STEM and live in the Houston Texas area and or would like to simply donate to the Brilliant Black Builders, which we recommend you do; you can visit their website at pearadox5414.Weebly.Com/bbb or you can reach out to them via Instagram: @brilliant_black_builders. You can also reach them directly via email at: brilliantblackbuilders@gmail.com for information and inquiries.
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