2017 NASA African American History Month Profile – Clifton T. Arnold, Jr , Stennis Space Center

TL;DR

Recognizing the importance of celebrating the achievements and perseverance of African Americans in space, a NASA engineer shares his personal experiences and offers advice for aspiring African American scientists and engineers.

Transcript

♪ As we celebrate African American History Month, I think the achievements of a people, of a culture is very important to celebrate because not everybody knows our history. And, I think, basically, getting out the story of... of the achievements, the perseverance that have gone through the years is the most important part this time of year. You kno... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Celebrating African American history and achievements, particularly in space exploration, is of great importance.
• ❓ Personal connections and influential figures can significantly impact career choices and passions.
• 🧑‍🏭 Heritage encompasses a variety of factors beyond race, such as experiences, background, beliefs, and opportunities.
• ❓ NASA emphasizes diversity and offers opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds.
• 💦 Taking math and science courses and working hard are essential for aspiring African American scientists and engineers interested in working at NASA.
• 💗 Growing up in a multicultural environment can shape one's perspective on heritage and opportunities.
• 🦾 The speaker's educational background in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and theology has provided him with a well-rounded foundation for his NASA career.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker's childhood experiences influence his interest in space and his decision to work with NASA?

The speaker grew up knowing influential figures in the field, like Ed Dwight and Robert Lawrence, which played a significant role in shaping his passion for space. Witnessing the Gemini capsules as a child in Hawaii further solidified his interest, leading him to pursue a career with NASA.

Q: What does the speaker believe is the importance of celebrating African American heritage and achievements in the context of space exploration?

The speaker believes that celebrating African American heritage is crucial because it showcases the achievements and perseverance of a culture that may not be well-known. By highlighting the achievements and experiences of African Americans in space, it promotes awareness and diversity in the field.

Q: How does the speaker view the concept of heritage and its relation to race?

The speaker believes that heritage goes beyond race and encompasses experiences, background, beliefs, norms, and opportunities. As a military brat with a diverse heritage, including African, Caucasian, and Indian ancestry, the speaker's heritage represents a mixture of what America stands for.

Q: What advice does the speaker offer to young African Americans interested in working at NASA?

The speaker advises young African Americans to focus on excelling in math and science subjects in both high school and college. Hard work and dedication in these fields, combined with a strong application of oneself, can lead to successful careers at NASA.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of celebrating African American history and achievements, particularly in the context of space exploration.

• Growing up surrounded by individuals like Ed Dwight and Robert Lawrence, the first African American astronaut candidates, influenced the speaker's passion for space and his decision to work with NASA.

• The speaker's diverse heritage and military background have provided him with unique opportunities and shaped his perspective on heritage and experiences.