Black brilliance

Mark Morgan, Stillwater, Oklahoma. — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 18:47:48 GMT

This is a very interesting article that explains that not even the color of your skin matters when expanding the fields of science.

The discrimination of the past, is something that I don't look fondly upon in American history. This further underscores the faults of the past so we can improve in the future of our behaviors.

To be equal in all ways...

Black brilliance

Nick Greene, Charleston, SC — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 18:48:46 GMT

African-Americans have played a major role in the history of the United States of America and have much to be proud of. In honor of Black History Month, we present some information about African-Americans in Astronomy and Space.

Black brilliance

Joe B - Tampa, FL — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 19:57:02 GMT

Until we no longer care whether the scientist was black or white we live in a racist society. I hope you can see that.

It is sad that it's been over 150 years since ole Abe tried to right the wrongs and we still haven't reached Dr. King's promised land.

Case in point: Just about every job application ask you your sex, age, race and in some cases ethnic origins with fine print that says "but we won't discriminate against you based on this information". Then why ask? If race, sex, religion or place of origin doesn't matter, why do we ask those questions on our standard forms? It's just sad, really, instead of everyone as an equal we now have a little list of how many blacks, mexicans and whites we need to call ourselves equal opportunity - whether or not we are doesn't factor into the equation - just make sure your ratios are in line!

I think it's time to stop talking race and just be people. But then again, nobody ever listens to me anyways ;-)

Black brilliance

Kevin Johnson, Tallahassee, FL — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:17:02 GMT

I look forward to viewing this piece, as well as any others that adds to the general depth of knowledge about the black experience here in America. I'm tired of seeing little more than Harriet Tubman, MLK, and a scant few others profiled over and over again. My culture, OUR culture, is more than that.

Black brilliance

R Cates — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:29:37 GMT

All you have to do is read the BELL CURVE to determine why there arent more black scientists

Black brilliance

Bob, Gilroy, Ca — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:40:02 GMT

The artical's title was "Why aren't there more black scientists?" but that question was not addressed. Instead, the writer was more concerned why black scientists can't get hired. Is there a shortage of black scientists? Did we screw up when we invented the tennis shoe? It seems to me that we need to spend more time developing ourselves from the shoulder up rather than from the shoulder down.

Black brilliance

Sean, Torrington CT — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:56:46 GMT

What difference does it make? How come there aren't that many White basketball players? Where are all the black hockey players? I blame it on the culture you grow up in. Kids are told as they grow up what is acceptable as a job.

Black brilliance

Tina Weirauch, Seattle, Wash — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:06:43 GMT

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist & Director of the Hayden Planetarium.

Black brilliance

Isabel McFarland, Logan, Utha — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:11:45 GMT

As a chemist, PhD in organic chemistry, I say it's about time a movie was made about Percy Julian. I need to know when it would be availbale on video to buy it for my children

Black brilliance

L. Moore, Mo — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:13:38 GMT

This is all good...but we as Black America have one
of the world's greatest Mathematicians still living.

Dr. David H. Blackwell (retired) at the U of C Berkley, Ca. This needs to be passed on for our young to know. We tend to let our wonderful die and then
bring them up. We must start honors for them while
alive.

Black brilliance

Timothy Sim St. Louis, Missouri — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:45:18 GMT

I wish more Americans realized the depth of African American contributions to the American way of life. Also in addition to the earlier comment on George Washington Carver there are those who should know that he has probably done more for soybeans and the soybean industry than anything he has done with the peanut.

Black brilliance

Alfred E Sapp Jr, Arnold, MD — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

Elijah McCoy (1843-1929) should be added to this list. Everybody uses his name but few know why.

Black brilliance

Mark Billingsley, Snowmass, CO — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 22:15:45 GMT

Although many African-Americans have their reservations about Black History Month (and rightly so for all of American History is Black History). However,it does serve an excellent purpose when it encourages the re-examination and rediscovery of great African-Americans whose accomplishments have gone without proper notice or appreciation. May this recognition help restore them to their proper place not only in American history but global history as well.

Black brilliance

Tim Shepard, San Jose, Ca — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 22:26:27 GMT

Every year at this time we hear the same thing. George Carver invented peanut butter and Garret Morgan invented the traffic light. Well, thanks Negroes, for the peanut butter sandwich, now stop whining at us and go get an education yourself.

Black brilliance

John Nelson — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 22:47:48 GMT

When it comes to stupid things, I put racism right up there with the destruction of the library at Alexandria (who ever did it). We all lose!

Another aspect of this tragedy is that we pay people more to be jocks than we pay them to be scientists. If the "Global Warming" debacle is any indication, we don't listen to scientists either - until it's too late.

Black brilliance

Robert William Churchill — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 23:10:17 GMT

This is the damn stupidest question to be triggered by Black History month.

What's the right number of black scientists supposed to be?

Why not ask why so few white athletes in Pro Basketball?

Black brilliance

Brian — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 23:20:55 GMT

Thank you for this article

Black brilliance

Haskell B. Moore, Woodward, Oklahoma — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 23:31:25 GMT

Are The black people in the U.S.A. Africans or Americans?

Black brilliance

Jerry Witt — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 23:35:28 GMT

It seems today that the major reason why blacks in the U.S. are not proportionally respresented in science today is because of the stifling attitude of the black leadership in this country. People like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have told fellow blacks that they don't have much of a chance in this country because of discrimination and prejudice. Those very remarks, which hold much less truth than they did 50 years ago, are indoctrinating blacks to feel like victims. They succumb to the fateful thinking that, "Whites owe us, and if they don't give it to us, then we will never have anything." This unfortunate message by black leadership, which only helps line the pockets of people like Jackson and Sharpton, does blacks a disservice. The blacks who choose not to listen to this nonsense face a dilemma. They are chastised by most blacks for being "too white", but are rewarded with greater success. The message you convey in your story is that because of mainstream prejudice and discrimination, blacks were barred from scientific success. That is largely untrue today. Civil rights laws make such discrimination in employment illegal. That's not to say such horrible behavior doesn't happen, but it is not the main reason why blacks don't succeed in business, politics, academics, and the sciences at the rates that whites and asian-americans do.

Black brilliance

Alison, Cleveland OH — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 00:54:02 GMT

I work in a neuroscience lab at a university, and the majority of investigators, postdocs, research assistants and graduate students here are Chinese, Japanese, caucasian American, or Middle Eastern. I think the reason for this, in part, is that black students generally don't focus their studies in the sciences or get involved in research work. The interest just isn't there.

I once read a study that reported on career attitudes of young black males under 18. The researchers found that two thirds of the participants believed they will become professional athletes, which of course is unrealistic (and statistically impossible). I regret not having the actual reference for this post.

These kids have misplaced ambitions --they can't all be ball players and hip hop stars and street clothing designers-- but few people are trying to steer them the right way (i.e. college). It's unfortunate.

Black brilliance

john K — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:02:42 GMT

Why are there not more asian basketball players? what a silly question.

Black brilliance

Ike Kono — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:15:18 GMT

The dearth of distinguished black scientists (in relation to the black population as a whole) is directly and irrefutably tied to lower IQs of blacks.

The converse can be seen in the statistical "over-representation" of such scientists among Orientals and Jews. The same correlation is demonstrated in the distribution of various groups in other academic (non-science) areas, as well. Obviously, the dominance of blacks in certain sports (e.g., basketball and football) can also be tied to genetic factors. None of this means that blacks should be discouraged from pursuing careers in academia or that whites shouldn't strive to reach the NBA. Nor does it mean that discrimination (of any form, including "affirmative action") is acceptable.

It simply points to the fact that - no matter how strenuously certain people urge an "environmental" explanantion for achievement disparities - genetic differences are the decisive factor in determining one's level of achievement in most areas of life.

Black brilliance

David Coleman, Jamaica, N.Y. — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:27:07 GMT

I`m tantamountly impressed (for i know there`s more); opportunity perhaps?

Black brilliance

Chris Eldridge, Harrisburg PA — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 03:14:38 GMT

I am not around racism very much but I think it hides just under the covers in the form of stereotyping and the "casual" use of racial slur. To be honest, I don't see it as much directed towards people of brown color as I do the illegal immigrants, Indians who are accused of being given American jobs, and ESPECIALLY towards Islamic people. Anymore it's not just about Bin Laden. You actually hear calls for mass genocide in the Middle East if you listen.

I often try to counter racist arguments by pointing out that you don’t know who is going to come up with a cure for the bird flu, who will be the inventor of a new source of energy to fight global warming, who will cure cancer… Every human and indeed ever living thing has their own magic to share according to Native American beliefs. I’ve been around women who totally knew far more than I ever will and who were far better managers than men. I’ve known a Vietnamese woman who was also a chemist who was the nicest and hardest working person you’d ever want to meat. And having been a homeless person for five months 22 years ago, I can tell you that not only did no one of color ever bother me, they even stopped me just to shake my hand and wish me the best of luck. Part of what I do started as a hope to repay that kindness.

Black brilliance

Jim Lynch — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 03:33:44 GMT

Alvin Murphy, a truly outstand system engineer who is doing great things for the Navy. Works at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, Va.

Black brilliance

John Doe, Albuquerque, NM — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 03:37:39 GMT

Does Albert Einstein's being Jewish designate him as having been oppressed and discriminated against?

Black brilliance

Gordy Hall Fairfax, CA — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 03:45:20 GMT

Perhaps one should ask the Republican Party why it is that there are no elected black officials in Congress from the GOP. Perhaps one should as why there are no black people on the Republican National Committee.

Perhaps one should ask exactly what the GOP has done in the last 6 years beyond tokenism and platitudes.

Or is that 'playing the race card'?

Black brilliance

Dr. A. , Scottsdale, AZ — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 04:21:38 GMT

Good article. Of course there are always a few racist who rear their small ugly heads...no escaping it.

It's an excellent article for Black History Month. And Albert Einstein left Germany to escape the Nazi's. I certainly hope we have not forgotten the lesson of oppression and discrimination they demonstarted.

In fact, when anyone in society is oppressed and discriminated against we ALL suffer.

Black brilliance

Des Emery, The Carborundum Chronicles,St. Thomas, ON, Canada — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 04:50:20 GMT

It's too bad everyone else is not like my wife, She will ask me, for instance, for a singer's name and describe the dress she wore at the Oscars, or the Emmies, etc. "You know who I mean," she'll say, after I make a few guesses. "Well" I'll reply, "is she the black girl, you mean?" She'll look at me like I'm crazy or something. "I don't know that," she'll shrug. "What's her face got to do with it, anyway."

Elijah McCoy became "The Real McCoy" after he invented the automatic self-contained oiler that allowed locomotives to operate over long distances instead of having to stop every few miles to re-oil those drive rods. He was Canadian. Cito Gaston managed the Toronto Blue Jays to a couple of World Series wins but quietly told of having to eat a sandwich in the bus in the bad old days after one of the white players went into the restaurant to get it for him when the team played away. The original 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' is still a place of pilgrimage at Buxton, Ontario, not far from where I live.

Black brilliance

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 05:17:32 GMT

How many famous white scientists are there compared to the total number of white scientists? Most people could not name a living famous white mathematician. If you ask about famous white scientists, most people will come up with people that are long dead.

Historically the number of black scientists compared to the number of white scientists was very, very small. Yes this was due to racism and black people not having the same advantages. But in current times, there is no reason why there could not be the same percentage of scientists that are black compared to the general population.
I agree with the comment that kids today are more interested in being sports stars not scientists. You see this more in the black community than in the white community. Until this changes you will see fewer black scientists. Every parent that does not push and help their children become better students is to blame for the failure of their respective racial community to better itself.

Black brilliance

Alex Doe, Davis, CA — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:38:01 GMT

"Why are there no famous black scientists?" I hope the writer realizes that this question itself portrays ignorance on his/ her part, instigates racist comments from silly people like Tim Shepard from San Jose, who seems to be of the opinion that an education is equivalent to sports and I guess that by answering the question, "why aren't there as many white basketball players?" with "because black males have more testosterone, bigger bones, greater definition than a white male counterpart of similar height and weight, who in turn has more testosterone than an Asian male..." etc, he is inferring that "one doesn't see as many black scientists because they are not "as smart" or "intellectually gifted" as the Asian or white male". Blacks are a minority in the US, so naturally, representation of this racial group in several academic fields is low. Majority of the poor in the US are blacks (several reasons, and it continues to be a cycle of poverty), so naturally, there are less educated people in this social class. The inner city schools, filled with mostly blacks, latinos, other minorities are horrible, no AP classes, no safety, awful teachers, NO FUNDS, thus HIGH drop out rates, several reasons. Anyone with a brain would understand that this is a social class issue, in which blacks tend to be at the bottom of the ladder in terms of income. So, writer, perhaps you should focus your energy on why there is a class divide, instead of encouraging the few idiots on here to air their bigotry. It's 2007, get a life, some insight, and mostly tolerance.

Black brilliance

Larry Gramling Baghdad, Iraq — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:51:33 GMT

Hey Mark from Stillwater, OK. It's funny you posted to this site because my brother is a lead biologist working out of Stillwater. As for me, I'm a computer engineer working in Baghdad, Iraq. So African Americans do contribute to more than the entertainment industry.

Black brilliance

Blackwell Raines — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:05:51 GMT

Nearly always dialogue on race--and racial relations--begins with the flawed premise of discounted history. A history which says there was only racism back "then, not now, and look at the progress made." Major historian Martin Bernal, a white Englishman, says upon coming to America he was amazed at the "psychological battering" which black children undergo each day.

Later Bernal would write of the systematic attempt to delete blacks from history. An attempt akin to the effort put forth by Nazi Germany with its propaganda film, "The Eternal Jew," which ended by calling a despicable A. Einstein the "relativity Jew" of false science. The idea for the film was however not Nazi, or even German, it came from the founders of the Pioneer Fund--an American group steeped in hatred and bigotry. Now, lets connect history from the 30s with today. The Pioneer Fund, still around, backed the infamous publication, "The Bell Curve," supplying the Nazi-inspired documentation for the 1994 publication. And lest we forget, the authors of this book weren't even geneticists--how amazing!

The basic problem for U.S. society is that national conversation begins with the notion that the ruling, dominant group has righted its past behavior and not directed any further venom toward minorities, being careful to point out the good behavior of certain minorities. Yet no other minority--except the American Indian--has paid so dearly as African Americans; African Americans who have had their very blood poured and mixed into the soil. No other group has had their property stole, their communities razed, been murdered en mass, lynched, raped, rigidly segregated, deliberately ghettoized (see Kerner Report) and attacked by legal authorities with such great frequency as have black Americans.

The net impact of this history is that American history attempts a tale without grounding, preferring exclusion of blacks for fear of revealing its own horrific actions. When the flawed premise begins to unfold in national conversation, nearly always it disregards major studies showing the continuing existence of white racism--hatred, contempt and fear--directed towards African Americans, in personal and institutionalized forms. It simply states a few anecdotal connections, cherished in media stereotypes and private white conversations, and slants dialogue to a tone and tenor that says, "We have a problem with our blacks" and "What do they want now?"

Black brilliance

Melanie, Fairfax, VA — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:32:05 GMT

OMG it amazes me how ignorant some people are with regard to the state of Black America. If you want to know why there are proportionally fewer black scientists than white scientists, look at the schools that Blacks and Whites attend. There really is no comparison. People wonder why young Black men have unrealistic expectations about having a pro sports career instead of an academics based career. Think about it. Pretty much the only examples that they have of people being highly successful in life are in the Black pro athletes. Articles such as this one can help highlight some of the achievements of black people in fields other than sports.

I learned in my freshman research project that there are currently more Black men in jail (typically under the age of 35) than in college. Does that mean that Black people are genetically predisposed to be violent? ABSOLUTELY NOT. They aren't genetically predisposed to have lower IQs either.

America needs to just face up to the fact that Black people just legally received all of their civil rights in 1964 after not having them for centuries prior. The effects of centuries of institutional racism in this are simply still lingering a mere 40 years later.

Black brilliance

Sindy Hack, Newark, Delaware — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:39:44 GMT

I think the point of the article is that there are indeed a substantial amount of black scientists ("black brilliance") out there, the issue is why aren't we hearing about them.

One of the reasons I believe is that unless there is some significant breakthrough, scientists really do not make the six o clock news, never mind the general populace, and that is irrespective of their race.

Black brilliance

Ed — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:53:22 GMT

What I want to know is why arn't there more famous women mathematicians.

I know of many famous black mathematicians.

I don't know of any famous women mathematicians - although there may be some.

What could this all mean?

Black brilliance

Todd, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 14:04:08 GMT

Why don't we have more black scientists in America? That's fairly obvious. Institutionalized racism was the rule of law well into the 1960s. Even women were discouraged from entering scientific fields up until the same time. Who can name a female scientist besides, say, Marie Curie?

The change of social mores and laws over time has begun to affect the status quo in the sciences. This isn't a process to be forced. Not everyone can be brilliant, but as the barriers to success and members of previous generations who believed in institutionalized racism die out (to put it bluntly), we'll see more amazing achievements from black men and women in the scientific fields.

Black brilliance

B, Minnesota — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 14:16:24 GMT

I agree with other posts here that the race and color of a person shouldn't matter. Raising the issue in the first place is the problem.

I'm Japanese-Danish, why are there not more Japanese-Danish scientists? Let me answer my own question. Who cares if they are Japanese-Danish, or Spanish, or German, or whatever race they are. Let a person achieve that title and distinction based on their qualifications and achievements, not their race and skin color.

Black brilliance

Science Teacher, Warren, MI — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 14:53:27 GMT

I am a high school science teacher. Our district gets a lot of kids who transfered out of the neighboring inner city (Detroit). Most of the black students I get tell me they are going to become a professional basketball/football player or a rapper. My years of teaching, however, tell me that there is no difference in regards to intelligence between the races (yes, even the Asian kids). The difference is the culture that they grow up in. My Asian kids typically outperform the rest of them because they work so hard. It is important to them. Each culture I encounter seems to place a different level of priority on education. Sadly, my inner-city transfers (all black kids) just don't take it that seriously. John Kerry was right about one thing - "You have to make an effort to be smart."

Black brilliance

vlofton — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:00:43 GMT

I can honestly relate to this article, because my 17 year old daughter was held back from accelerating in high school, that by the time she turned 16, she left high school and enrolled at Mary Baldwin College, PEG Program (Program for the Exceptionally Gifted). Mary Baldwin College offers a unique program for girls to study at the college level beginning at the young age of 14. However, while in high school she was never allowed to accelerate, and she attended a distinguising private college prepatory high school. Her notes and tests were stolen during prime study times for finals, etc. Her aspirations of research opportunities at the PhD level hopefully will not be impeded, while she will continue to achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a neuro-surgeon.

I have always told my children that they are Black Americans, a designation that is not available on applications.

We reside in Ann Arbor, MI

Black brilliance

Johnnie Steele, Kandahar, Afghanistan — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:23:39 GMT

Responding to Ike Kono's comments regarding his "irrefutable" theory on why the dearth of black scientist in relation to the black population. [...] It is people like you who espouse those kinds of beliefs, then try to back them with theoretical reasoning that causes more harm to young kids of all walks of life than the most ardent racist. [...] After observing a childhood friend, considered to be academically inferior, placed in special classes for the mentally challenged by "white professional educators" receive a Doctorate in Math-- I think as much of your theory as I think of the most racist individual--which is not much at all. I am a retired senior ranking military officer, I know a lot about heart, determination, courage, belief and refusing to quit and hard work. You see Mr. Kono, these are intangibles that exist in my people. You keep on reciting your theory, your comments to black folks are inconsequential. We are the ultimate survivors. Remember, we came to this country, not able to speak the language, read or write, but now we are doctors, lawyers, scientist, miliary officers, CEOs of Fortune 500 countries etc. Your theory means nothing to us. Try that psychological warfare on some other race. We have moved beyond your theory, we live in the real world. One where deterimination, hard work, and a die hard spirit to achieve trumps whatever theory you have been brainwashed to believe true of black people. Black people are just as intelligent as any race, all we need is a chance and a fair opportunity to achieve. No other race has ever been so ridiculed than black people, but still we rise. Despite your attempts to perpetuate what overt racists have tried for many years to do, your comments only emboldens my people to never give in to the stupidity and beliefs of people like you. You keep living in your world of fantasy, my people are posturing for success at all levels. [...]

Black brilliance

JC Derrington, Chicago — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:29:27 GMT

I'll tell you why there aren't more black scientists ... because young black men are raised to emulate bling-wearing, women-using, hip-hopping thugs. Just go to any junior high or high school, and you'll see the evidence for yourself. If a black young person tries to excel at education, they are marginalized by the rest of the black kids and insulted for trying to be "white." In black culture, it is not cool to be black and excel in the sciences. Young black men strut down the hall, calling each other n***** and black girls h***, and that is their reality.

Until blacks decide they want to excel, they won't. Until they change what is important to them, they will not succeed. Until they have a home life where education is valued, and success is something other than big-name pro athletes, entertainers or "thug culture," nothing will change.

Three-fourths of black children are born to unmarried women who are practically children themselves. There is no stable home life or consistent male influence to exhibit self-discipline or work ethic. Women are seen only as sex partners, not life partners. Black men and women are devalued by other blacks, not just society. The sad truth is that present black culture must change for blacks to succeed as scientists and educators.

Black brilliance

Gregory Fields - Atlanta, GA — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 16:05:37 GMT

Dr. Shimere Williams - Committee on Science and Technology - U.S. House of Representatives.

Shimere holds a B.S. in Civil/Environmental Engineering as well as a Ph.D. in Pharmacology. Her doctoral research focused on the role of the dopaminergic signaling pathway underlying the maintenance phase of long-term potentiation (long-term memory). Shimere recently joined the Committee on Science and Technology and will work on environmental, energy, and technology issues. Prior to joining the staff, her path to a career in policy began with a dynamic experience at the National Academy of Sciences. There she completed a graduate science and technology policy fellowship with the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research in the Division on Earth and Life Studies, then succeeded with the Board on Children, Youth and Families in the Institute of Medicine and Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.

Black brilliance

S Hall Boston, MA — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 16:15:01 GMT

Vivien Thomas should be added to the list who worked with heart surgeon Dr. Alfred Blalock at Vanderbilt and Johns Hopkins to pioneer heart operations for the 'blue baby syndrome'. Vivien Thomas was instrumental in developing new surgical tools and methods to treat this condition. PBS Boston is reairing 'Pioneers of the Heart' about his facinating story tonight.

Program Link:
http://www.wgbh.org/schedules/program-info?
program_id=24238&episode_id=831453

Black brilliance

Leslie — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 16:19:22 GMT

It is not just the black scientists, but the women scientists. I am one. It is hard to know that even though I have 9 years more experience that some of my male co-workers I still make only 75 cents for every dollar they make. When is comes to succession in the lab he will be chosen over me because he is male. I also have a hard time getting co-workers in other labs to share information with me because they will not work with a female scientist. But That is the state of things and prople like the head of Harvard University perpetuate the belief that women cannot succeed in the world of science.

Black brilliance

Jason Doe, Tulsa, Oklahoma — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 16:20:41 GMT

I agree Des Emery.. I grew up on military bases all over the world. I never thought of or described anyone as that black guy, or that white guy. Call me naive but I just didn't have that mentality. I can't even remember anyone I was around doing that. I didn't hear that type of thing until I moved to Oklahoma. And... The whole thing about Blacks naturally having a lower IQ than Whites is ridiculous. I started my carrier as a Janitor with little computer experience and no college making 6.50 an hour. Within 4 years, no college and just the drive to do so I was making 4 times that and was a Technical Lead in the command center for a very large data center. I'm not saying that racism didn't exist.. I just refused to acknowledge or succumb to it.

Black brilliance

Doug Brower, Jacksonville FL — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 16:29:06 GMT

FYI: Percy Julian was honored on a U.S. postal stamp in 1993 as part of the Postal Service's Black Heritage series. It's a nice stamp. (Others in the series include Thurgood Marshall, Benjamin Banneker and Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Black brilliance

Tien — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 16:40:18 GMT

"genetic differences are the decisive factor in determining one's level of achievement in most areas of life."

Can I point out how ridiculous this comment is?

Black brilliance

TheFallibleFiend, Lorton, VA — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 16:40:54 GMT

In general, *we* don't know many scientists at all. Most of the names we do know about are from the very highest tiers of science. For various reasons those tiers do not include many, if any, blacks. The top tiers of mathematics do not include many women.

Certainly we should recognize and appreciate all contributions from everyone. I'm not sure what is gained by referring to someone whose contributions have been good and substantial as "one of the greatest" when they're not. The quality of contributions hasn't got anything to do with how many degrees someone has - or how well they "represent."

Black brilliance

Joe B — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:00:15 GMT

This is from a great man:

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag. We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language. And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

This is from me:

This means either your American, or African, but not AFRICAN-AMERICAN (or italian, german, spanish or anything else). I'm not German-American, I'm American brother. We all came from somewhere else. Be an American and you are my brother in every way and I lay my life on the line fighting to keep it that way. Be anything else and my allegiance to you is gone.

Black brilliance

Alex Franks, San Diego California — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:16:03 GMT

This is one of the most racist articles PERHAPS ever written, so far this year? I mean Uh HELLO where are all the famous WHITE scientists.. most people can only name Einstein! THEN where are the Chinese..? Japanese?? Women.. most people cant name a single famous female scientist ...

THERE are thousands of black scientists who get mentioned every now and then but WHO THE HELL IS KEEPING COUNT.. oh, thats right.. the Racist folks are.

Black brilliance

Nicole Knight, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:38:03 GMT

I was actually going to write three or four paragraphs and respond to all the ignorant nonsense displayed above but, then I read the comment from Johnnie Steele, Kandahar, Afghanistan.

All I can say is: Well Spoken!

Black brilliance

mike — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:49:29 GMT

How is it that nobody ever mentions Captain Michael Healy when Black History month rolls around? Just look up in the history books all that Healy did. Besides being the "law" in Alaska for several decades he rescued many shipwrecked individuals from icy conditions, introduced reindeer to Alaska, fought pirates and had brothers and sisters who all went on to huge careers even though they were the children of slaves.

Black brilliance

Middle, Pittsburgh — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:52:12 GMT

I watch Keith Olbermann show. He always invites an African American scientist to commend anything about space science. I don't think race playing anything in this topic. It is the same in the classical music recital. If you looked around, not many African American kids were in classical music. It is more likely culture or role models in the growing-up environment. My son attended a science competition and marked himself as a black just because he did not see any black student around. He has a Chinese last name. He also marked himself as a black in his PSAT. He was in the top 1%. He received a letter from Harvard African American students association to encourage him to apply the school. There are a lot of African American medical doctors who are good at science. They just do not go to more academic science fields. Development and Research Departments in most cooperation are not so important than the Marketing Departments. Most bright students want to get MBA instead of PhD. We will not have many American scientist in any races in the future. Those scientists in the university labs will mostly come from other countries. Only one color counts - 'Green' in our decision for our career. Some PhD in math go to Wall Street to make big bucks. Yes, Science any where when the green shows.

Black brilliance

S.D.Willis, Troy, MI — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:27:11 GMT

There is already a movie out on cable about Vivien Thomas called, "Something the Lord Made".

I believe the writer of this article achieved his goal by stiring up the thoughts and emotions of the readers.

Black people who are successful seem to be the only race who has to represent a whole group of people. For some reason the rest of the world seems shocked when a Black person achieves anything great outside of sports and music. Why is that?

I work in a field that is considered non-traditional for women and Blacks. After 20 years people are still shocked to see a female, Journeyman Electrician. Why is that?

Black brilliance

Joe Blow — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:45:20 GMT

Quit looking outward for someone to blame. Start looking at yourselves and how you raise your kids. Take some accountability for yourselves. You think you're the only race that has been discriminated against? No. But it does seem that you are the only race to define yourselves by it. Quit being the victims and take care of your own. Everyone has their own burdens to bear. Stop blaming your cultural shortcomings on racism and discrimination. It's just a crutch and you will never truley be equals until you stop using it.

Black brilliance

Gaurav Goel, Austin, TX — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:47:36 GMT

The saddest realization is that all that intellectual talent has been wasted for generations. That is the real curse of racism, it is holding us all back.

"If you have a racist friend, now is the time for that friendship to end." The Special A.K.A.

Black brilliance

C.Ryan, Richmond, VA — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:52:13 GMT

Those of us that studied science and engineering at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) developed a keen since of awareness of the contributions of black scientists and engineers. HBCU's are known to produce the vast majority of black scientists and engineers because you are allowed to thrive in an environment were you realize pioneers walked before you. As a physics major at Virginia State University, I knew that the University produced great physicists, chemists and mathematicians.... go where they grow should be the advertising slogan for these schools when it comes to science because they continue to perpetuate an environment that produces (men, women, white, black, Asian- you'd be surprised at the diversity) lovers of science. So here's to the power of learning and discovery. As a Black woman with a MS in Physics, I thank Virginia State, all HBCU's and the great pioneers of science and math education (Davenport, Henderson, Stith (John and James) and Venable, Smith, etc) for the opportunity they afforded me.

Black brilliance

Linna Hanson, San Pedro, CA — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:58:42 GMT

Dr. Charles Drew should be added to the list. Dr. Drew established the method of storing blood so that it could be used in human transfusions. Without his contribution, many more soldiers would have died in combat in World War II.

Black brilliance

Melinda Goldring, New York, NY — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 19:10:57 GMT

I believe this article is a good start, however it fails to recognize, that even in the face of segregation, there are many Black inventors that have not been recognized for thier contributions to society. There is an obscure poster that you can buy that lists great black inventors who did not get proper credit for thier inventions. Did you know a black person created the toaster? And for the person above who asked if "black americans were african or american" I ask, are Irish americans, Irish or american, Italian americans, Italian or american, German americans, German or american - the difference is they came in search in a better life - the American dream - we were brought here from the eastern coast of Africa - and denied participation in the American dream. The legacy of segregation is still alive and well and present in the economic disparities that exist as a result of the policies of segregation. We are one generation away from segregation - it is our generation that is the first to be able to freely generate wealth, own land via mortgage, invest, and pass down that wealth and knowledge to the next generation. African Americans will continue to do great things, and now we are in a position to demand the recognition we deserve.

Black brilliance

kg2v — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 19:12:58 GMT

VLofton - I wish your daughter luck!

I agree that there was MASSIVE discrimination, which makes the historical pool to choose from much smaller.

There is probably some discrimination going on now.

As some of the other posters have said (along with Bill Cosby) - there is also a problem in the black community itself. Unfortunately, it'll probably take another generation or two to go away. When you are brought up beaten down (as many parents of today were), you pass along the attitude - just like if you are brought up to value education or whatever, you will pass that to your children

As for women in science - I can tell a personal story. My wife (then girlfriend) was in the middle of studying for her physics degree (and in fact, had finished the requirements for the major) when she looked at the road ahead. Going on through post-doc, working LONG hours, the publish/perish trap, etc, and looked at her life, and said "Becoming a scientist AND a Mother are NOT compatible - the time off to be a Mom will put you enough behind that you'll never make it up" - and she switched schools and majors.

Top scientists - male or female, black or white, sacrifice a LOT to get there, and she made the decision she didn't want to make that sacrifice

Black brilliance

Clover — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 19:15:54 GMT

reply to "R Hates" --

Within the sophisticated research community, the opinion has been virtually unanimous that The Bell Curve was a primitive, oversimplistic and flawed analysis

Black brilliance

John Goodman, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 19:30:04 GMT

African Americans score an average of 15 points less on standardized IQ tests (Bracken & colleagues, 1993). In fact, they score lower than any other minority in the United States today.

This is not rocket science, people. Look around you. Look around the world. Name one advanced, successful, and well functioning unit of society (Country, City, or State) that has been created and operated by a Black majority. There is none. Look at the declining state of the major Cities in the U.S. where Blacks are a majority. Is there any coincidence that these same cities have the highest crime rates and disease rates as well?

Various studies have concluded that the Black race on average have a smaller physical brain capacity than other races. Simply stated, blacks do not excel in intellectual abilities because they lack the physical facilities to do so.

In general, Blacks do excel in sports. Blacks are better athletes. Most basketball teams today are 90%+ black. Do you hear other races crying "racism"? Do you hear other races demanding more representation?

Other races, on average, excel better in fields that require high intellect. That's just the cold hard facts. There is nothing "racist" about it. It is simply the truth.

Black brilliance

Burnie Metzen — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 19:39:52 GMT

Are The black people in the U.S.A. Africans or Americans?
Haskell B. Moore, Woodward, Oklahoma (Sent Monday, February 05, 2007 6:31 PM)

The dearth of distinguished black scientists (in relation to the black population as a whole) is directly and irrefutably tied to lower IQs of blacks.
Ike Kono

Bulls**t racism at its not so subtle best.

Black brilliance

Edgar Betancourt,MD — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 20:35:17 GMT

I find it hard to believe that so many people still quote The Bell Curve and the fantasy of the lower IQ of one race compared to another, since IQ really is a measure of education. There is no true measurement of innate intelligence. Furtheremore, the concept of race is also an utter idiocy. [...]

To speak of race is to demonstrate total ignorance of genetics, there are people of different color but the genetic fact is that humans are so genetically intermingled that there are no distinguishable races.

The reason people from a jewish or oriental background score better in IQ studies is simple ethnic (not genetic) upbringing. Culturally, both of those groups have a tradition of education. Children are indoctrinated from birth to enjoy reading and learning with sports and physical endeavors being a secondary diversion. In most black (and other low income groups) the story is diametrically opposite, most children haven't read a book till they reach school, and by then its woefully too late. The fallacy of the smarter than normal asian is another stupidity, there are plenty of mid and lower bell curve asians in asia, however the ones represented in america tend to be the educated elites from their respective countries since they are the ones that have the oportunity to flee leave their country for a better life here, its not uncommon that the old guy that ran the laundry was a proffesor in the old country and although they were only marginally succesful they possesed the tools to enable their children to succed. The story of black underachievement is one of chronic marginalization and chronic dependency. Its a self defeating circle of ignorance, prejudice and victimhood. Even more unfortunate is that the blacks that do achieve emancipation from such a circle are shunned not only by their caucasian coworkers but by their own black peers. Given this problem, educated, succesful blacks seldom return to their communities since now their own people consider tham outsiders rather than models of achievement. It is a well known fact that adopted kids raised by educated, succesful families are educated and succesful regardless of their race. This completely debunks any race IQ relationship.

Black brilliance

Jerome Sandifer, Canton, OH — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 21:04:34 GMT

There is a lot I would like to say in regards to this article and some of the responses it generated. I would need a lot more time than I have to address all the issues though. The article itself was interesting and inspires me to learn more about great scientists in general not just black scientists, though I'm sure it will be much eaisier to find information about non-black scientists. The comments were enlightening and it is amazing how people speak on things that they have no idea about. As a young African-American, and recent college graduate let me say "Until you walk in a Black Man's shoes, don't speak on it." You have no idea...

Black brilliance

Ike Kono — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 22:32:19 GMT

Mr Steele:

Your blithe dismisal of [belief in the importance of] genetics as "brainwashing" is idiotic and unsupported by any science at all; your allegation of "psychological warfare" is simply babble, unworthy of analysis. You cite the importance of hard work and determination - fine traits, no doubt, in a man or woman of any race. But "attitude", if you will - all other factors being equal - never trumps aptitude, and never will. Despite being athletic and over six feet tall - no matter how hard I try, no matter how much I practice, no matter how badly I want to dunk a basketball - I will NEVER be able to do it. Why? Genetics - in my case, the absence of "fast-twitch" muscle fibers. OF COURSE there are plenty of exceptions - e.g., Orientals who stink at math, blacks who are lousy athletes, brilliant black academics, white folks with 42" vertical leaps and so on. Nonetheless, even as we count the decades since the end of racial segregation - and around 150 years after the Emancipation Declaration - we see distinct patterns of prowess, or lack thereof, which (whether one likes it or not) can be tied to intrinsic genetic characteristics. And, it must be noted that many ethnic groups (who also faced discrimination, although not slavery) have been in the U.S. for a much shorter time than blacks but have accomplished much more in all fields except athletic. Personally, I think anyone with a gift of any sort (academic, creative, athletic, whatever) should be encouraged to utilize it for his or her benefit. On another (personal) note, I should add that I am not only aware of but deeply appreciative of the contributions of black (as well as yellow, red, brown and white) Americans in many fields. Speaking of black people in particular, here are just a few of the standouts I admire: Benjamin Banneker; Thomas Sowell; Alan Keyes; Count Basie; Grant Green. As long as we play by the same rules, I don't care who wins, and - by the way - if I prefer his stance on the issues,
I will gladly vote for (half-black) Barack Obama or any other person, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion. In short, my belief in the importance of genetics is meant to explain differences, not to support social policies of discrimination.

Black brilliance

Stepheyne, Louisville, KY — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 01:53:32 GMT

Change comes from within, so if you expect to see more 'black scientists' and wonder why you don't, you should examine the cultural differences as stated above. The interest isn't there--too many people expecting to be hip/hop or pro ball players, looking for easy money instead of being willing to work hard and apply themselves. It seems to me that the reaction of the 'African' Americans to the past is that since slavery was wrong & their ancestors had to work hard, they shouldn't have to & should have everything handed to them. While racism does still exist in this country towards every race and it is unacceptable, it seems to me that black Americans are the most racist group out there and keep the racism alive. Black history is AMERICAN history period! Black history month is racist and shouldn't exist!! What about BET (Black Entertainment Television)? The Black Miss America Pagaent? All black colleges? Scholarships? The United Negro College Fund?? The list is endless! Can you imagine the reaction if whites tried any 1 of the previously mentioned? And if you really want to get down to the heart of the situation, Indians & hispanics were in this country first, but they don't have their own history months, pagaents, etc and if anyone in this country deserves it, the Indians do! I say it's time for everyone to get off their rumps and set their sights higher as people, cultures, and a country and stop making excuses. Those who can, do and those who don't want to do, complain.

Black brilliance

JDAVIS HUBER HEIGHTS, OHIO — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 05:01:59 GMT

TO DOES PEOPLE OF AMERICA WHO DON'T BELIEVE RACISM IS ALIVE AND LIVING IN YOUR NEIOGHBORHOOD, TRY STEPPING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. MY SON DID A RESEARCH PAPER ON PERCY JULIAN IN 6TH GRADE. HE WAS INSPIRED TO STUDY HARD FOR THIS TEST AND GIVE A WONDERFUL WRITTEN AND ORAL REPORT TO HIS CLASS. TO HELP GIVE A INTERESTING REPORT HE RAPPED ABOUT SOME OF THE FACTS ABOUT THIS GREAT SCIENTIST. I SAY ALL OF THIS TO SAY THAT HE TOOK AND EDUCATIONAL REPORT AND MADE IT INTERESTING FOR CHILDREN HIS OWN AGE THAT APPLAUDED HIM FOR HIS REPORT AND THEY WERE ABLE TO RECITE FACTS BACK TO HIS TEACHER. DON'T GET RID OF EVERYTHING THIS GENERATION OF CHILDREN ARE GIVING US IT'S ALL ABOUT HOW WE EDUCATE THEM AND MAKE IT INTERESTING TO WANT TO BECOME GREAT SCIENTISTS AND STAY IN SCHOOL.

NOW FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE READY TO SAY UNTIL AFRICAN AMERICANS DO FOR THEMSELVES, THERE WON'T BE MANY AFRICAN AMERICAN SCIENTIST. GO BACK AND STUDY OUR HISTORY. OH YEAH THAT'S RIGHT WHEN AMERICAN HISTORY WAS BEING WRITTEN THEY LEFT OUT ALOT OF THE WAYS THEY STOLE THOSE BLACK SCIENTIST REPORTS AND GOT CREDIT FOR THEM. THAT IS NOT MY HISTORY BUT HIS STORY. WHY HAVEN'T WE ELECTED AN AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT? IT'S NOT BECAUSE THEY AREN'T QUALIFIED. WE KEEP HEARING OH AMERICA IS NOT READY FOR A BLACK PRESIDENT IF NOT NOW WHEN? WE HAVE ALREADY HAD DUMB AND DUMBER TWICE. AT LEAST AND AFRICAN AMERICAN WILL BE WILLING TO WORK HARD AND HE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A SCIENTIST TO BE GREAT!

Black brilliance

DesEmery The Carborundum Chronicles, St.Thomas,ON,Canada — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 06:10:54 GMT

Thanks, Jason. I'd like to add a small note to the discussion, a bit off the track maybe, but relevant to the general topic. Today, I listened to an interview on CBC Radio One with author Lawrence Hill, a black writer, about his new novel, "The Book Of Negroes." It is the life story of a girl in Mali, Africa, who gets taken with other members of her family as slaves in the late l700s to the USA, the south, where she begins to become a woman with her own mind. She is taken to New York, then gets to Nova Scotia. As an old woman she joins a group of several hundred who sail back to Africa. Hill's readings from the beginning and the ending are moving and reach deeply into the human condition. The book is Hill's contribution to this year's Black Heritage month, February, here in Canada.

Black brilliance

Rog Houston — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 16:56:30 GMT

This is not an attack on anyone's comment but an observation. As an African American professional man, it is sad that people on this blog still refer to us as "negroes". By freely and openly being insensitive it is proof that this country is still very racist.

I come from an educated family and have educated my two grown sons. America really needs to face the fact that "negroes" are educated, intelligent, and are the true builders of this country. We ARE American history!

Black brilliance

Gary J. Montreal Canada — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:29:45 GMT

I don't know about you people but I know that it is my soul or spirit that occupies a body. I am not that body, just like when I drive I am not the car.

Genetically most people on earth are ignorant and very few are truly intelligent, wise or enlightened, which are often confused with education or education institutions.

Black brilliance

Nicole, Dublin, NC — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:16:56 GMT

In case anyone forgot, affirmative action works both ways. A non-Black student can get a minority scholarship to a Historically Black College or University. BUT not many have the guts to attend one. As for Blacks having lower IQ's than other races, we have what the old folks call "common sense." You can have all the education in the world, but if you can't live your life unless someone else tells you what to wear or what to buy or what your body should look like, then you are just an "educated fool." Blacks (African-Americans, whatever you want to call us) have always bounced back from adversity. When people tried to keep us from coming in through the front door, we found a way to slip up on you through the back. Almost everything in popular culture today is just a copycat of stuff we've been doing for years. It still amazes me that this is 2007 and people are still just as prejudiced as ever and have the nerve to try to "intellectualize" their behavior.

Black brilliance

Kelvin, Seattle Wa — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:41:36 GMT

America is still racist. Some people say that racism doesn’t exist anymore. That is just not true. It is worst. Remember all the parents you (whites) incarcerated? All the families destroyed? All the jobs taken? The stupid rules you made? Now 50 yrs later, all the children that were born are now of age, unemployed or underemployed, uneducated, without any moral compass. This is the result of all the past bad deeds.

You ask why blacks are in the bad state they are in? It is because, we did not have parents (you jailed them), we had the worst schools, the least medical care, and we have been to far many more funerals than weddings, the social experiment of welfare.

You cannot pass on a job, if you are lucky to get a good one, you cannot put your child thru college is you are just barely making it yourself. How many whites were adults at 18? Really adults, ready to go out into the world with no help? Blacks, in the best circumstances, only get to live at home rent-free until 18. Then we have do be grown. No mom and dad to help with finding that first apt, help with college tuition, help with a car; they are barely making it themselves. It is no shock that Black children want to become NBA/NFL/MLB players. We see nothing else that we can do other than physical things. I bet it would be nice to just be a child, not to have to grow up at 12, to help with the bills, get called a n****r, etc. I bet it is nice to just “be” whatever you imagination guides you to. You (whites) can never understand. You were told you could do anything. You can flunk out of college, live at home until you get some “compass” about what you want to do. You can go explore and take a year off to discover whom you are. Blacks better hustle out the gate, get a full time job, be at the top of their advanced studies classes, participate in all the advanced science clubs just to be at the bottom of the pile if they make it. These are the reasons America will never be the greatest country in the world. Blacks need reparations. This would mean assets for college, a chance to be a child, a chance to explore the world, to discover what we can do to help it. Imagine if the few scientists had that. Carver/Drew may have discovered a cure for AIDS. There would be more Black scientists. By the way, I am Black.

Black brilliance

Greg Fields — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 23:12:57 GMT

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

[Greg cites the entire poem in his original post. To read "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou, follow the link below - AB]

http://www.onpurposenow.com/inspiration/stillirise.htm

Black brilliance

Lewalani Long, Kamuela, HI — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:31:03 GMT

Reporting as a former federal government employee, Native Americans and Hispanics, as well as Male Homosexuals and Lesbians, along with other diverse groups, DO have their own history and/or celebration months. Employees who volunteer to serve on agency facility EEO groups are tasked with providing educational and other cultural events at their facility during each respective month. Perhaps the other 11 months simply are not deemed media-worthy enough to be as publicized as Black History Month or maybe the various groups' memberships don't sponsor as many events. It is to be hoped that by celebrating all of the unique contributions of Americans, by birth or choice, through time, to our collective history, we can overcome our differences, whether they are actual, perceived or imagined.

Black brilliance

Judith Iscariot — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 11:02:45 GMT

Funny, mastery of abstract thinking is thoroughly
wanting. To begin with, a Piltdown biologist maintains that increased brain size is tantamount to higher intelligence. Now he's up against carpenter ants--brain size equal to a grain of salt--as they organize societies on par with that of humans.

Meanwhile a handbook of English states that recognizing irony is the surest mark of intelligence. Yet Piltdown biologist cannot see that American slavery is the greatest detractor of the I.Q. debate: The auction block chopped up families, fostered tyranny, illiteracy, and poor nutrition and fashioned the cradle of black mathematical and mechanical genius.

Black magazines such as Jet Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, Crisis Magazine and Legacy Magazine cover the spectrum of black individualism in education such as Lorraine Monroe and Marva Collins, and in politics, entertainment and sports. Other aspects of individualism include business, science, and medicine.

Piltdown biologist grasps very little. For example, certain French colonialists saw INDIVIDUALS among the subjugated population and, sent them to French universities. They in turn, were made into Frenchmen. (Standards were NOT compromised by negative inaction at those universities.

Later writer Jessie Redmond Fauset, who penned CONATIVE verse, attended the University of Penn., Cornell Univ., and the Sorbonne. Like the above Africans, Fauset also adhered to AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. (Courtesy of the OP-ED Page of the Philadelphia Inquirer over a decade ago. The piece was written by an Irish American clergyman.)

Like the above French colonists, the "racist" press and the Irish American clergyman are among ALLIES of the black mind.

Other allies are Darwinistic public schools. They resort to ability grouping. White teachers and students witness the overlap, who are placed on the advanced level, notwithstanding black disadvantage. Notice AFFIRMATIVE ACTION programs such as A Better Chance and Upward Bound.

According to the "racist" press, black parents in Montclair, New Jersey, were among parents who rebelled against the move to discontinue ability grouping during the Nineties.

The Washington Post featured an article of a black family whose youngest daughter was to enter college, while skipping high school. The BBC informed that sub-Saharan Africa endures a BRAIN DRAIN, as students leave their home countries for the modern West.

Class portraits of New York's select Dewitt Clinton High School in the Thirties and Forties were integrated, despite black impoverishment.

Scientific racism has much more to fear: the U.S. Patent Office for listing numerous black inventions, one being the library desk on which to research racist material.

And the bones of Cecil Rhodes must be rattling with rage, for there are black scholars in honor of his name. The former mayor of Baltimore Kurt Schmoke is one, courtesy of the Baltimore Sun, and the other is an immigrant who memorized his graduation speech last summer at Princeton Univ. Things got worse when Oxford University expressed an interest in the student.

Then there is Rhodes scholar Randall Pinkett, who hails from a humble beginning. The great developer Donald Trump had brought Pinkett into the fold of capitalism, as an apprentice!

Unfortunately Asian Aamerican and white students at Johns Hopkins University cannot SEE Ben Carson, a world renowned neurologist on the University staff. Furthermore beyond their reach is recognizing that Vivien Thomas, is affiliated with Johns Hopkins Univ. and Vanderbilt Univ. through having worked with heart surgeon Dr. Blalock.

Blacks are routinely viewed as the seller's market by non-white people, who seek to immigrate to the U.S. However the unfortunate Iraq war enables their leaders to meet with Condeleeza Rice, and, before that, Colin Powell. Powerful black people on the global scale.

Another unfortunate time was during World War II, when the U.S. War Dept. asked the late Albert Lloyd Quarterman, chemist and researcher from Philadelphia, to serve on the Manhattan Project.

Competence, restraint and independence might be recessive traits, but the Bush adminstration has demonstrated that sickle claws appeared in the fossil record.

Likewise the former President Clinton appointed Vernon Jordan as advisor to a Japanese bank. The former President Jimmy Carter appointed the late Patricia Harris to a high position in government. (Unfortunately until the Clinton era, the Democrats had been taken for a give-us party.)

Other allies of the black mind include white feminists--they anthologize CONATIVE POETRY by black women; white women authors of the Image of America series; commercials, ads from companies like Toyota and Ricoh, representing Japanese and Korean allies; colleges and universities that in some way highlight black separatist students.

Bonafide biologists warn that findings about groups must not be applied to INDIVIDUALS. In late August, 1982, the Philadelphia Inquirer covering disparity on test scores, quoted the late R.J. Herrnstein, who informed that racists do not acknowledge that five million blacks are unaccounted for in the I.Q. debate. Still his attempts at explaining this on the former "Phil Donahue Show" and was shouted down.)

In the mid-80's, the New York Times reported on Asian students as "model minorities" in a supplement on education. It also included opinions of economist Thomas Sowell.

Newsweek's version of a bell curve, represented DIVERSE celebrities, which is tantamount to the color pattern of an Orca. Madonna and Reggie Jackson among celebrity. (Remember, Reggie Jackson is "only" in sports.)

Speaking of sports, Bill Russell turned basketball into a science. For him the game became a mental exercise, which evolved into a sphere of higher action.

So what's to fear about scientific racism, itself the prey?

Black brilliance

Timothy M Williams, Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 11:18:25 GMT

I've noticed a trend that might be irrefutable evidence that intelligence is directly correlated to genetics. The majority of these scientists were biracial. None having more than 75% African ancestry. With the exception of George Washington Carver, it seems to me as if only those blessed with the big brain gene from whites succeed in math and science. I know mixed race people who lived in pretty bad poverty; pull themselves out and now make a decent check to check living, while the darker ones still remain in the ghetto.

When I was a child, I wasn't into sports, I'd play street ball or something but I never had a dream to become a pro athlete. I've always wanted to invent something, when I went outside to play I'd recruit all my friends and we'd try to build something to entertain us. I'd always open electronics and tinker with the innards, reassemble them, hoping one day I'd know what all the parts' functions were and be able to build a device of my own. I'd always assemble items that required it without reading directions. Was this a compulsion, just some innate hobby I was born with?

Black brilliance

JC Derrington, Chicago — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 21:16:18 GMT

My daughter has a 14-year-old friend who moved here last summer. His mother is black and his father is white, but her friend "looks" black. He is bright, well-mannered, studies hard, plays in the band, and has a great sense of humor, but he has been ostracized by the blacks at school. He sits with his white friends at lunch. Now who's the racist?

What I can't understand is why black people turn on their own if one of them is trying to succeed. If you don't act like a trash-talking gangsta hip-hop artist or ball player, they say you are "too white" and try to bring you down.

Black people are the ones holding black people back now. All the affirmative-action in the world can't change that.

Black brilliance

LaJuan, CA — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 21:43:12 GMT

It's great being able to utilize technology for debate and thought provoking conversation.

I believe God gave man free will to control his own destiny. However, history demonstrates that fear and hatred will make even individuals of the same race or culture devour each other.

Unfortunately, America is reaping what it has sown. Our problems go beyond Black & White issues, but our society in general is too ignorant to realize America isn't the center of the universe.

Most Black males have some sort of struggle in America, but the talented tenth are ones that persevere and define their own destiny.

I know too well about obstacles. My struggle involved finding my murdered when I was only 10 years old. My father was an alcoholic. I lived in the ghetto and saw a lot of violence... Several of my friends were killed before age 15. The one good thing that father did was to move us to a slower paced city.

As a young college student in a different city I dealt with racial profiling and getting stopped by the cops while driving. To my credit I always had a job, valid registration, and insurance. Some officers were nice and others just plain jerks...

I had one arrest. My public defender wanted me to plead guilty to something that I was guilty of. Fortunately, I was able to hire a private attorney and 3 felony charges were all dismissed. We all know that this is not the norm - I'm just keeping it real.

Anyway, I have A.S. in Electronics/Robotics Technology with Dean's highest honors and I graduated Cuma Sum Laude with a B.S. in Information Technology. I work as Systems Programmer and also have a background in Environmental Source Sampling, i.e. air pollution control. If you don't know, that job involves physics, chemistry, electronics, and engineering.

In conclusion, I believe life is about balance. You have the haters, the ones in the middle, and the ones that truly accept you. I wear the mask and utilize psychological dualism to adjust for any given situation. No, I didn't make that term up. It comes from a very distinguished Black author.

Peace

Black brilliance

Angela, Beaumont, Texas — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:43:28 GMT

Thanks Alan Boyle for the info on Percy L. Julian. I've heard his name for years because the Phoenix Elementary School District #1 has a school named after Julian. When is the Nova show going to be aired on PBS?

Black brilliance

DesEmery,TheCarborundumChronicles,St.Thomas,ON,Canada — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 04:22:59 GMT

Another book that just came out for Black History month is a true story of a couple, Thornton and Lucie Blackburn, who escaped from Kentucky in 1831 to make their way north. The author is Karolyn Smardz Frost, and the book is "I've Got a Home in Glory Land, A Lost Tale of the Underground Railroad."

Black brilliance

Joe Blow Canada — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 20:40:09 GMT

"So you're a black rocket scientist. That don't impress me much" ...it goes something like that doesn't it? I think I'm missing the point here. Whether we are scientists, butchers, bakers, candle stick makers, Walmart greeters or waitresess. Whether we deliver babies or deliver pizzas - it doesn't matter what color our skin is or what we do for a living. So long as we are happy. Life is short. Be happy.

Black brilliance

W. Davis, Sunnyvale, CA — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 14:08:21 GMT

Many Chinese have started their history in the USA as slave laborers and servants to build the railroad, do laundry, and cook, for the mostly white company owners. Today the Chinese are still made fun of, and are often made the butt of jokes by standup comics, which by the way, disproportionately include many black comics (I know because I've watched BET), as well as far too many white comics.

However the Chinese people just look at us, white or black, as "ghosts", shrug us off of their shoulders, and move along without us to seek out avenues of success in the USA. They don't allow racism to halt their goals, and so they keep their families focused and educated in any way they can. No matter what the schools and jobs are like, they work hard, and eventually they find success. Whatever it takes!

Such people from the east, and those who have allowed themselves to follow, are now the contributors in our society, starting up companies and jobs that the rest of us often have trouble qualifying for.

As long as the blacks, whites and whoever, continue the dysfunction in our family structures, and as long as we hide behind excuses of racism and counter racism as the reason we fail, and as long as we strive for unrealistic dreams because the guy on TV has big gold chains, big subwoofers, plays a mean ball game, plays mean metal guitar... we will continue to fail. And so the eastern folks, and whoever, who choose to rise above it all, will growingly continue to sit on that pot of gold. The rest of us will grovel at their feet hoping to make ends meat while blaming each other for our troubles, or fake the rich life by being gang bangers or criminals, and then blame the other for your troubles when the law catches up...

Look, folks, there will always be bad apples, but we can also search another apple barrel. And we should never stop searching just because of that earlier bad apple. Be responsible, build wholesome families without the excuses, and rid ourselves of those welfare checks and other Democrat and Republican created handouts. Fathers, be your children's leaders. If the school teaches little, parents must fill in the gap and spend time with your children, and be their teachers! Teach them by word and by example that hard work really does pay. And if that pay is substandard due to racism, use the law to set it right. If your schools and employment are substandard in your neighborhood, don't count on politicians no matter of party, but rather empower yourself and everyone around you to seek and execute realistic self made solutions. Don't say "poor me", but rather say "lookout, I'm coming in!"

By the way, who invented the computer, or the transistor, or whatever else was invented by a white or black person? The real problem is that many of us seldom know who did what! Such an argument has no bases on race, but rather the fact that such inventors, unless controversial, go unnoticed due to the human lack of subject interest. Einstein was known because his escape from the Nazis helped keep nuclear arms out of Hitler's hands, and that his E=MC2 was somewhat linked with two huge explosions over Japan. Otherwise, Einstein would be just another lab coat full of pens and a bad hair day. Stephen Hawking is known because he has a chair that talks like a late 1980's Apple Mac, which seems to have some entertainment value to many. Otherwise, again, just another lab coat.

So if we were to have some special recognition for one of these lab coats because of a particular race, though this will likely help inspire the youth of the same race, it may also create dissolution to the youth of other races. And so we find ourself continuing the spinning of that race wheel. Rather we should enforce a teaching of all great achievements to all of the youth, unbiased, so that all youths may be inspired not by the race of the achiever, but rather by the success that was achieved, whatever the odds, with a complete and honest knowledge of what transpired to achieve that success. If race issues are a part of that history, then such issues shall be taught in fullness and honesty, so such problems are not repeated in the future.

Always, with an open mind, debate whatever issues cause strife between the diverse people that we are all a part of. Question what is not understood, express respectfully your opinions, and most of all, be a good listener, so to fully consider the varying viewpoints, and the honest perspectives and backgrounds from which they arrive.

Black brilliance

Kay, Oxford, MI — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 04:31:44 GMT

I am white. I was raised in the 50's and 60's. I just saw the movie about Vivian Thomas, and I am outraged that I've been alive for 56 years and this is the first time I've ever heard of this man. I'll tell you who the racists are -- they are the white people who leave out Black American accomplishments from our history books. Yes, there are other races who also need to be mentioned. So, my fellow white people, get busy and start learning about all of them and rewrite history to be complete. I can't believe that this country is still this backwards. When are our publishers going to mature!

Black brilliance

K, L.A., Ca — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:32:30 GMT

keep in mind that racism is all in the mind, but no matter how hard you try .. you cannot really control or manage other people's thoughts .. so racism will always exist.. and not just toward African Americans. but even toward Jews, Polish, Iranian, White Americans, among religions...
As for tests, we should know by now that they are not ACCURATE reflections of intelligence or capacity.. and that hard work can conquer all self-internalized stereotypes.
As for intelligence.. see how well you'd test if you're whole people told u that your ethnicity automatically made u stupid... if u heard it enough u would believe it...NO MATTER WHO (white, fe/male, Indian, Korean,) YOU ARE!
by the way.. I'm black and I AM NOT a naturally talented athlete... I work hard at what I'm good at!