#BlackInChem

#BlackInChem is an online network that creates a global sphere for chemists to make palpable change for chemistry. Part of the work includes organising an annual Black Chemists Week where we highlighted the different areas of chemistry as well as promoting and investing in Black chemists. We also highlight Black scientists at different stages of their careers through the Black in Chem Journeys series. 
I was born in Kenya and came to the US because of the resources that are available here. Through #BlackInChem I’m really proud to see and champion the representation of African scientists and it’s something I want to continue to increase, as often African scientists don’t have the platforms themselves to share the incredible work they do. Receiving the prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry states the impact we’ve had globally and we want to continue to make that a priority in our work. 

The biggest challenge to #BlackInChem is white supremacy; there are thousands of Black chemists who should be here with us. There just aren’t enough Black chemists – and that can come down to things like housing, healthcare and income which remain barriers to entry.

Number one is find your people who will stand up for you and fight for you when you’re not in the room. Be there to support people and honour the experiences of others. In my opinion, raise hell! If you see an injustice, to the best of your ability stand up for what you believe in and never be afraid of the people in the boardrooms. Honour yourself, your truth and your community.

Acknowledge that in the chemical sciences there is still politics that affect the way people do science. I benefit from the privilege and the money that comes into the US for science and my research, and there’s an obligation that I have to redistribute that wealth internationally and invest in the countries that we have been benefiting from.

Understanding that we’re not starting from a net-neutral, for example I wouldn’t have been allowed to enter or be a student at many of the US universities 50 or 60 years ago. A good research culture treats people as humans and encourages them to rest to get the best from their abilities.

We want to show how important this movement is for black lives. We’re seeing a lot of people come together and seeing positive changes as a result of the work we’re doing.

#BlackInChem all started when Devin [Swiner, co-founder] sent a tweet looking to set up the group! I’m an astrochemist and had already set up the Black in Astro group, which was guided by the wider Black in Stem movement that was a huge source of help. So I used my experience to help Devin and the other founders start a movement specifically for chemistry.

Find your tribe and the people that help you through it. There are only six black women in astrochemistry in the US – we need to stick together and make sure the women following and people coming behind us are supported too.

We want to make sure there aren’t any microaggressions or underlining bias. A good research culture to me is understanding learning styles and techniques and one that is supportive of all – not just people of privilege.

We want to highlight black people doing really good science in chemistry. We all know what it’s like to be just us, or one of few. Using Twitter is a way for us to find each other and is the perfect way to connect using #BlackInChem. It’s where it all started!

Find your why. My journey in chemistry has changed a few times – I never expected to be in pharma! It’s okay to change your mind, but make sure you understand why you want to do the things you want to do.

It was hard to find a critical mass of people so it was trial and error in getting the word out. But once it took off, it really took off - which was great for us to see. We wanted to find what would set us apart from the other groups out there but once the fire ignited it took the world by storm.

Very important – our approach to science in the US is different to elsewhere. Different perspectives will make science better and having international connections means that we can see what others are doing research-wise and invites innovation to help propel the field forward.

It’s important that any research culture is intentional about celebrating identity and inspires growth in those involved. Everyone is different, it’s not one size fits all. We need to adapt as student’s needs grow and change.