The Power of Black Women in STEM | Dr. Ashley Huderson | TEDxUStreetWomen

TL;DR

Black women have made significant contributions to society through their inventions and innovations in STEM fields, but their representation in these fields remains low.

Transcript

[Applause] a nurse in Jamaica Queens of New York felt unsafe in her home crime was on the rise and the police have been slow to respond to emergency calls specifically in African-American neighborhoods the nurse worked long hours and her schedule often conflicted with that of her husbands so she wanted a way to feel safe in her home a way to feel c... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔐 Marie Van Brittain Brown's invention of the closed circuit security system was a groundbreaking contribution to modern security systems.
• 🖤 Black women have consistently invented solutions to societal problems, emphasizing the importance of their perspectives in problem-solving.
• 😘 The low representation of black women in STEM hinders innovation and the ability to tackle complex issues effectively.
• 🥺 Diverse teams, with individuals from different backgrounds, bring varied perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, leading to better outcomes.
• 👩‍🏫 Schools and colleges should create programs to support black women entering STEM professions, including mentorship and internship opportunities.
• 👩‍🚀 Companies can establish diversity goals, affinity groups, and safe spaces to promote the inclusion of black women and other underrepresented groups in STEM.
• 👩‍🔬 Government policies that support STEM research and diversity goals can help increase the representation of black women in STEM.

Questions & Answers

Q: What invention did Marie Van Brittain Brown create?

Marie Van Brittain Brown created a closed circuit security system that allowed people to see and hear who was at their front door from any room in the house. It laid the foundation for today's camera and alarm monitoring systems.

Q: How have black women contributed to solving societal problems?

Black women have created innovative solutions to various problems, such as Sarah Boon's invention of the first ironing board with collapsible legs and Mary Beatress Kenner's design of a belt to hold a menstrual towel. These inventions aimed to improve daily life for black women and others facing similar challenges.

Q: Why is the representation of black women in STEM fields significant?

Diverse teams, including individuals with lived experiences different from the dominant group, are more creative, profitable, and effective problem solvers. By increasing the representation of black women in STEM, we can generate more innovative solutions and address complex issues comprehensively.

Q: How can organizations promote diversity in STEM fields?

Organizations can create mentorship programs, internships, and scholarships to encourage black women and other underrepresented groups to pursue STEM professions. Clear diversity goals, affinity groups, and safe spaces should be established to foster a sense of belonging.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Marie Van Brittain Brown, an African-American nurse, invented a closed circuit security system in 1966, laying the foundation for modern camera and alarm monitoring systems.

• Black women throughout history have created solutions to societal problems, including the creation of the first ironing board with collapsible legs by Sarah Boon and a belt for holding menstrual towels by Mary Beatress Kenner.

• Despite their contributions, the representation of black women in STEM fields is extremely low, which hinders innovation and problem-solving.