Navigating Prejudice: The Untold Stories of Black STEM Professionals

As an African American professional in the STEM industry, dealing with prejudice is not unlike navigating through a storm. While I have always tried to walk between the rocks, there are times when I make more direct moves against the racists and those who challenge my right to succeed. The transition from timid to assertive in addressing these issues is a journey worth exploring.

A Personal Story

For my entire career of 30 years at a prominent biopharmaceutical company, I witnessed firsthand the subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which prejudice was integrated into the fabric of the business. It was a place where analytical chemistry was mainly seen as a supporting function, while discovery science was the glamorous path.

The story of one particular colleague stands out. His name, though encrypted here, is well-known among the community. He was the African American analytical chemist who had the same name as a legendary Ray Charles’ bass player. This man was an exceptional talent, but his persona and style were often at odds with the corporate culture.

He grew up in East St. Louis and retained strong regional dialects. His reputation in the lab spoke for itself, but his argumentative nature could be provocative. He was argumentative to the extent that his supervisor once quipped, “He’ll argue with you about whether or not it’s a nice day!”

The man in question was the head of a crucial department and was valued for his insights, which often led to heated discussions in my office. His arguments were backed by well-thought-out theories on organization design, finance, and more. He persisted in these discussions not for the thrill, but to ensure his contributions were recognized.

Despite the challenges, he was also one of the highest-paid analytical chemists in the company, driving a classic 1991 Porsche 912. His compensation history and the company’s financial performance highlighted his invaluable contribution. His crusade to challenge the issuance of stock warrants to employees, which were initially restricted to valuations, was a testament to his unwavering desire to promote fairness within the company.

The Unspoken Reality

While we never discussed the race-based challenges he faced, his race was never absent in the dynamics of our working relationship. We navigated these unspoken issues with respect and professionalism, never allowing them to interfere with our work.

The story of this Canadian-American colleague, or any other African American professional in STEM, is a reminder that while progress has been made, the journey towards equal treatment and recognition remains an ongoing struggle.

Conclusion

As I continue my career and beyond, I am increasingly motivated to drive change. It is time to face and address the prejudices that still exist. I am committed to fostering an environment that truly values diversity and inclusivity, where every professional, regardless of their background, can thrive.

Keywords: Black STEM professionals, prejudice in STEM, navigating career obstacles

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