This blog post is part of the Woodson Project—a series of events, posts, and book lists on subjects including empowering Black families, amplifying Black voices, exploring Black identity and intersectionality, and discovering Black influencers in STEAM. The project was created by branch staff from across NYPL to honor Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who in 1926 created Negro History Week—the precursor to Black History Month.
 

Think about all the things you use throughout your day. Have you sent a funny GIF to a friend? What about making sure you're safe at an intersection because of the stoplight? These are just a couple of examples of contributions of Black innovators. In this section of our programming, you will find biographies of Black inventors of toys, scientists working on developing vaccines, artists who shared of themselves with the world, and doctors who made the world a healthier place. Below you can click on each section to find activity sheets, links to live programs, book recommendations, and other resources.

Science

We start off with S, for the sciences: there are many fields of science ranging from the natural sciences to chemisty to physics and more. There are numerous amazing Black scientists who have been trailblazers in all types of science and though it feels impossible to pick just one to highlight, we have chosen astronomer and astrobiologist Aomawa Shields. Not only is she a force in the study of Space, but she is a role model for all girls aspiring to be scientists.

 

Programming and activities 

Technology and Engineering

Then, we have T/E for Technology and Engineering—vast fields that permeate into all the aspects of the built environment. We have chosen to focus on Kimberly Bryant, an engineer who encourages Black girls to code, and Lonnie Johnson, an engineer and inventor, who persevered through many rejections.

Programming and activities 

Arts

For the Arts component of STEAM, we are focusing on creators and innovators across all artistic fields, from painting to photography to dance. For an entire week we will highlight artists on the @nyplteens Instagram page, as well as introduce a new collaborative photography project that will take place on the @nyplteens accounts.

Math and Medicine

And finally, M, for Math and Medicine. There have been many brilliant Black mathematicians and medical experts who made important contributions to health, science, and education. We are choosing to highlight Katherine Johnson, a NASA mathematician/ “human computer”/ “hidden figure” whose math calculations helped guide the 1960s space race and the moon landing, and Robert Moses, a math educator and civil rights activist. 

See short bios of more notable Black mathematicians here.

Because of the pandemic, we also wanted to honor those who have contributed to the medical field including the many Black staff on the front lines and those who are working behind the scenes to research vaccinations and antiviral treatments.

STEAM Craft activity sheet: draw the Covid-19 virus

STEAM Craft activity sheet: draw a comic about how a vaccine works

STEAM Booklists

Black History STEAM Book List for Kids, Teens & Adults

Black + STEAM: A Mini-Booklist For Children

Favorite STEAM-Related YA Fiction Featuring Black Characters

The Woodson Project: Black STEAM Influencers Contributors

Team Leader: Romie Zelaya, Youth Tech Department
Science: Christal Pickett, Hamilton Grange Library and Lisa Bova, Bronx Library Center
Technology & Engineering: Aimé Casillas, 67th Street Library
Arts: Susen Shi, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library and Sarah Sculnick, Kips Bay Library
Math & Medicine: Mariel Mathews, Grand Concourse Library and Michelle Lee, Riverside Library