Juneteenth in STEMM

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In recognition of Juneteenth, Cell (@CellCellPress) is honored to share the voices, stories and perspectives of over 70 Black scientists across several Leading Edge articles in our current issue. Juneteenth in STEMM. cell.com/cell/issue?pii=S0092-8674(22)X0013-5

Our content begins with the gorgeous cover from visual artist Anthony Adonis Lewis (@Ad0nis3). It depicts two Black youths filled with the potential for bright futures in science yet clad in orange clothing associated with the American prison system.

When I look into these two children’s eyes, I hear them asking, "why?" Why does society litter their paths with so many obstacles?

In this issue's Commentary, 52 Black scientists provide some answers and direction. They "discuss the barriers Black scientists face, the struggles they endure, and the lack of recognition they receive." cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00536-6

They "review racism’s history in science and provide institutional-level solutions to reduce the burdens on Black scientists."

In a Q&A interview, Dr. Hannah Valantine discusses her research; what Juneteenth means to her; the persistent gender, race, and ethnicity leadership gaps that exist in academic medicine; and the importance of equitable, inclusive and diverse science. cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00474-9

In a separate Q&A, Dr. E. Dale Abel (@IntMedAbel) discusses his research, what Juneteenth means to him, and the critical role mentorship plays in securing our scientific future. cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00473-7

Dr. Elsie Calderón-Spencer (@Elsielacubana) shares her story, centered on her experiences as an Afro-Latina woman navigating STEMM higher education and how they reﬂect the challenges Black and Indigenous people of color (BIPOCs) face. cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00529-9

For the first of our two Voices pieces, we asked several Black scientists what Juneteenth means to them in the context of STEMM? Their answers run the emotional gamut. cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00530-5

And in our second Voices piece, we asked several Black scientists what impact DEI initiatives have and why STEMM still needs them. They answer these questions and describe how DEI initiatives should evolve. cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00534-2

Finally, we also have an Editorial. Biomedical journals play a critical role in highlighting and centering issues of equity, diversity and inclusion in science, medicine and public health. To do so is good science. cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00537-8

I return to the cover. And I think how important representation is. Inside this issue of Cell are pages and pages of incredible Black scientists, teachers, role models and mentors for the children on this cover to see.

On a personal note, I am so grateful to these authors for trusting us with their stories, perspectives and voices. Their pieces are inspiring, emotional and challenging. Working with them has been a real highlight for me. Thank you.

Commentary author handles in next tweets...

Commentary: @amays_bwfund @ambwinst @phdgprotein86 @DrDreNeuroWay @annetkiraboc1 @averyxaugust @bjmarlin @Riggslab @blackprof77 @CWanjallaMDPhD @eejustsociety @channyskye @cobarnes27 @drstarbird @clintoria @taabaman @CameronLabUNC @DDM_GGAoUEwG @ApplewhiteDerek @DMortonPhD

Commentary: @dllee_phd @DWWilliamsLab @DONLYNCHMD @bradylabupenn @E_Lynch1214 @Frutag33 @thesilvalab @shulerlybrand @IshmailSaboor @jscdavis @KafuiDzirasa @MariyaSweetwyne @dr_ohsopretty @blacksciblog @NathanASmith1 @nikeapittman @telomerase2 @RenASRobinson1 @SamLewisPhD

Commentary: @sandram10068658 @SherilynnBlack @Neal_Lab @Prof_Andrisse @Townsend_Lab @stevendamolab1 @doctheagrif @marcus_phd @profbilc

Please keep an eye out for more tweets about this content here, @CellCellPress and @CellPressNews over the coming weeks.