A light on black scientists

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The significant scientific and technological contributions of African Americans will be highlighted during a special program Friday at the Franklin Institute. Four prominent African American scientists, Sharon Haynie, Chad Jenkins, Edward Tunstel, and James West, will be featured in "The Color of Science," a panel discussion that already is reaching overflow capacity, organizers say. The program "grew out of the clear lack of literacy and knowledge that persons of African descent (and other traditionally underrepresented groups) have contributed to important scientific and technological innovations impacting societies around the world," says Frederic Bertley, the institute's vice president of science and innovation. "This was further underscored by a recent trip to Senegal . . . where discoveries in science and technology were showcased from ancient African societies to modern-day science," says Bertley of a recent conference he attended, the Third World Festival of Black Arts and Culture. Bertley wants the museum's mission of education and enlightenment, through the Color of Science series, to extend beyond Black History Month as part of youth outreach throughout the year. After traveling throughout North America, the Caribbean, and Africa, Bertley realized it was time to start the series at the institute to increase the presence of science in everyday lives, especially for young people. In 2007, the Franklin Institute created a series of events called "Out of Africa," designed to create a dialogue about race.