SACNAS Celebrates Black History Month and Honors African American SACNISTAs

SANTA CRUZ, CA – SANTA CRUZ, CA – This month, the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) honors generations of African American activists who have led movements for inclusion and equal and fair treatment in our schools, workplaces, and communities. SACNAS also celebrates the countless and invaluable contributions of the Black community to our nation reflects on the unique challenges African Americans in STEM and other fields continue to face, whether they are students, professionals, or leaders.

Furthermore, SACNAS stand with African American SACNISTAs, including Dr. Danielle Lee, Dr. Tyrone Hayes, Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Dr. Sherilynn Black, Dr. Knatokie Ford, Dr. Talithia Williams, Dr. Edray Herber Goins, Dr. Keneth Gibbs, and Dr. Raychelle Burks, whose work and science are not only contributing to the country’s present and future, but also moving the needle forward by creating more opportunities for underrepresented students.

In this spirit, SACNAS President Dr. Sonia I. Zárate issued the following statement reflecting on the 2020 theme of Black History Month and the need for True Diversity in STEM fields:

“In line with the 2020 theme of Black History Month, SACNAS honors the central role of African Americans in advancing voting rights. This year marks the sesquicentennial anniversary of the 15th amendment guaranteeing black male suffrage nationwide.

As an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of STEM students and professionals from minoritized communities, SACNAS not only celebrates African American accomplishments, but commits to dismantling the systemic barriers that have excluded African Americans from the STEM enterprise. African Americans make up 11% of the workforce but represent only 9% of STEM workers.

Achieving true diversity in STEM, meaning that all levels and all sectors of STEM accurately reflect the nation’s demographics, is not only our vision but is essential for the STEM enterprise to benefit from the potential that diversity holds.”

ABOUT SACNAS
For 47 years, SACNAS has served as an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanics & Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership within STEM.

Today, the organization serves a growing community of over 27,000 including 8,000+ members and 115+ student and professional chapters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. SACNAS influences the STEM diversity movement through STEM outreach & advocacy, promotion of STEM leaders, and The SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference. Learn more about SACNAS at sacnas.org, Facebook, or Twitter.