The Afrikan American Engineer in the 21st Century: A Burden Challenge and Opportunity

The Afrikan American Engineer in the 21st Century: A Burden Challenge and Opportunity

The following is an excerpt from an article in the Nubian Message, North Carolina State University's African-American student newspaper, first published on November 30, 1992. In this editorial, Spann addresses the "glass ceiling" and "cultural tax" facing African-Americans pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This article posits that the benefits of full citizenship fought for by previous generations of African-Americans have not been fully realized, especially in "Corporate America." Spann utilizes an analogy of heat in dynamic systems to advance her case that African-American engineers should embrace a role as "thermostats rather than thermometers." By citing the significance of psychological harm caused by this "cultural tax," Spann makes the case that implicit racism and harmful stereotypes need to be confronted by African-Americans who will take on STEM careers without abandoning their "race and ethnicity."

DeShelia A. Spann, News Editor

DeShelia A. Spann, "The Afrikan American Engineer in the 21st Century: A Burden Challenge and Opportunity," The Nubian Message 5, no. 19 (January 22, 1998), 3. Digitized by the Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.

1998-01-22

Madison W. Cates

document

Existing as an Afrikan American engineer in the next century will present many burdens, challenges and opportunities for the eager souls willing to accept them. In the 21st century, Afrikan American engineers should play a demonstrative role in defining the future and creating a legacy for the social and technological agenda in America.
As the information super highways are continue [sic.] to be designed and constructed, Afrikan American engineers must ensure that there are on-ramps in the Black community.
Presently, as in the past, lawyers, politicians and ministers lead the many battles Afrikan Americans continue to fight in this country. In the future, the greatest problem for Afrikan Americans will be the lack of information, for “the next revolution will not be televised,” it will occur via the Internet. Therefore, Afrikan American scientists and engineers must play a more integral role in the discussion and determination of any national agenda for Black America.
More so than ever, engineers must be well versed in subjects beyond there are[a] of expertise and enter non-traditional jobs and posts where understanding and employing technology will transform the world. Engineers must take leadership roles in the community, for we have seen and created the future, and it is NOW!
Whether one recognizes it or not, there is a “cultural tax” for being a Black professional. This tax may manifest itself as heavy committee work on the job, as excess work to destroy “affirmative action” stereotypes, or as substantial community service in an effort to remain attached to or give something back to the community. Regardless, there is a tax borne by Black professionals that does more harm psychologically than it does monetarily.
The Black professional has always struggled with the dualities that race introduces to his daily life. However, the duality cannot be escaped, for America- most especially Corporate America- is not blind. When one strips himself of race and ethnicity, racism flourishes and grows. Great minds are denied access to resources necessary to make the discoveries of tomorrow.
How many Imhoteps or Einsteins work menial jobs because access to quality education was not an option in their community? How many senior level executive managers would there be in Corporate America if there were no glass ceiling? W.E.B. Dubois prophesied when he wrote about the “problem of the color line” that would pre-occupy America in the 21st century.
Even with such a high tax to pay, many in the Black community have achieved, and their accomplishments are the headlights for the engineer to enter the foggy atmosphere of the 21st century. Reginald Lewis purchased Beatrice Foods.
Robert Johnson brought the Black Entertainment Network (BET) to Wall Street. Dr. Ronald McNair took the National Society of Engineers to space. Now, someone must boldly lead us into cyberspace. The burden is that the mainstream is polluted, and it is the responsibility of Black engineers to not only swim in it, but to decontaminate it for all those who may follow.
Regardless of the nurturing and education one may receive in life, the decision to challenge the status quo is ultimately that of a person. Socioeconomic and cultural factors influence such decisions, but individual responsibility must outweigh all extenuations that may be derived from the harsh conditions of living in poverty, growing up “disadvantaged.”
For the practicing engineer, there exists the possibility of social and cultural isolation on the job. In an attempt to explain the challenge faced by Black engineers, consider the stress and burdens of work as the heat experienced on any humid summer day. Every day for the Black engineer, the heat is on. The question is, how are you going to respond?

newspaper article