How to Amplify Voices of Color in STEM

I was presenting last year on anti-racism in the science classroom and one of the audience members posed this question: “I recognize that representation is important, but I don’t see any administrators of color.” They are there. We are there. Finding and amplifying educators of color means looking outside of your inner clique and sharing the stage. I can’t tell you how many presentations I have seen on equity and all of the presenters are white. Or, how many organizations facilitate sessions on equity in science and their entire staff and board are white. This means that the concept of representation and diversity of voices has not landed. I want to reiterate that I value my white colleagues and their allyship. I do not want to replace them, I am calling on them to extend the table, tap on our shoulders, share the stage, go beyond networks of friends, and invite voices of color to STEM leadership spaces. 

Amplifying voices of color means more than posting photos of scientists of color (although, that is a great first step!) It means the following: 

• Encouraging voices of color to participate in meetings, present at conferences, and share their ideas in brave spaces. 
• Seeking out speakers of color to present at events and conferences and amplify the work they are doing. Nominate people of color for awards and recognition. 
• Diversifying your syllabus and encouraging reading/multimedia materials from professors of color. 
• Tapping the shoulders of educators of color to apply for that administrative position, record their classrooms, or co-present at state and nationwide events. 
• Going beyond tokenizing, checking a box requirement, and ensuring that voices of color feel safe, heard, and recognized. Look at HR and hiring practices to foster diverse voices and representation.
• In our schools, looking at honors enrollment, discourse patterns, and family engagement, especially for Black and Brown students. 

When I was asked to be a guest editor for the NSTA Next Gen Navigator, I was so honored. It felt like I was given a stage and a voice. I took this as an opportunity to highlight Black voices in science education that should also be amplified. I also tapped on some amazing white colleagues that recognize the importance of allyship and racism. Check out the series of articles here: https://www.nsta.org/blog/building-anti-racist-science-classroom  

One of the games we introduced in our Leadership 4 Justice course is The Counting Game. Here’s how you play: Look at your governing board, district or charter administration, school staff and count how many voices of color. Moreover, count how many voices of color are invited to speak or share in meetings. 

Now this is the part where we think of examples of specific people of color that didn’t perform well and “blah blah blah”. This is not about the individual level, this is about systemic levels across the board (no pun intended). Need help seeking out educators of color? Feel free to reach out! And, there’s an entire organization called EdLoc: Education Leaders of Color! 

Would you like help building your anti-racist STEM classrooms, #4Real? Book a call with us and share your story. We are happy to brainstorm your next steps even if it involves us or not. The important thing is that the work gets done! www.stem4real.org/partner