Black History Month

We are excited to announce a new month-long series of blogs and podcasts across our journals. We intend to celebrate and profile the work of Black ecologists and ecological practitioners by sharing their stories that aim to open doors across our international community.

We want to provide more of a platform for Black ecologists, not just during Black History Month, but as part of our ongoing commitment to promote Black voices in our community. Thank you to all of our past and ongoing contributors, and, if you would like to participate, please get in touch!

Be sure to check this page throughout October – we will be publishing more posts every week. All links to published content will be added to this page.

Blogs

Bashir Bolaji Tiamiyu

“I wish we could bridge the gap between scientists by encouraging science without borders, where all scientists will have access to equal opportunities.”

READ MORE

 

Arleu Barbosa Viana-Junior

“We need to equalize power structures, especially in academia. More black ecological professors, and more black biology and ecology students in postgraduate courses. We have to do this by improving exit and arrival opportunities for these most vulnerable people.”

READ MORE

 

Akoth Sisiria

“As rugged as it might be, we must pave the way not only for ourselves but for those who will follow us”

READ MORE

 

Charlotte Ndiribe.

“Black ecologists do realize that we have a vibrant community to grow. This progress could start from our social circle, even if it is encouraging one person at a time.”

READ MORE

 

Blessing Allen-Adebayo

Blessing shares how growing up in the Niger Delta riverine cities inspired her research into bioremediation of polluted water using nature-based solutions in the Santa Barbara River.

READ MORE

Adaoyibo Denise Okpala

” I would like to see more Black ecologists practising Ecology and being proud of this. This can be achieved by building awareness, capacity building and workshops to equip young Black Ecologists with skills they require to succeed.”

READ MORE

 

Nomthandazo Samantha Manqele

“As black people, there is a psychological distance between us and nature.

If you develop an interest in studying or having a career in nature, growth for you may take time because you have to walk the distance first (e.g. deal with your fear of snakes because you didn’t grow up around these things).

I think we need to start eliminating this distance wherever possible.”

READ MORE

 

Mahlatse Fortunate Mashaphu: resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion

“As a Black woman in science, I have faced stereotypes and biases that sometimes made me doubt my abilities. Self-doubt crept in, especially when I compared myself to my peers who seemed to excel effortlessly.

However, I persevered and used these challenges as motivation to break down barriers.”

READ MORE

 

Florent Noulekoun

“As a black ecologist who conducts most of his field work in developing African countries, I face many challenges which I believe a colleague working in Europe may not experience.

I encourage all black ecologists who might face any of these challenges to never give up and look for various solutions to overcome them.”

READ MORE

 

 

Check out our previous blogs from 2022 and 2020.

Podcasts

Yoseph Araya on Nature, Role Models and Academia 

British Ecological Society Journals · Black History Month 2023: Yoseph Araya on Nature, Role Models and Academia

 

Perpetra Akite on Entomology, Representation and Collaboration

British Ecological Society Journals · Black History Month 2023: Perpetra Akite on Entomology, Representation and Collaboration

 

Reuben Fakoya-Brooks on Academia, Barrier-Breaking and Creativity

British Ecological Society Journals · Black History Month 2023: Reuben Fakoya-Brooks on Academia, Barrier-Breaking and Creativity

 

 

Gideon Deme on his Journey, Barriers to Ecology, and Inspirations

British Ecological Society Journals · Black History Month 2023: Gideon Deme on his journey, barriers to ecology, and inspirations

 

 

Jhan Salazar on The Wonder of Nature and Importance of Representation

British Ecological Society Journals · Black History Month 2023: Jhan Salazar on The Wonder of Nature & Importance of Representation