From Africa to Canada: Black Contributions to STEM

Did you know that the first search engine was created by a Black Canadian? Did you know that an enslaved man saved the city of Boston from a major smallpox outbreak? After this workshop you will know all about these people and many more like them! The roots of the involvement of Black people in STEM dates back to Africa before European colonization. Astronomers in the ancient city of Timbuktu used trigonometric functions and, many enslaved Africans arrived in the new world already inoculated against smallpox. This workshop highlights scientific and mathematical brilliance among Black people from the time of pre-colonial Africa, through the period of enslavement, to the early Black presence in Canada right up to the present. Attendees will be inspired as they hear about the significant contributions made by Black Canadians in the areas of STEM. Through this workshop it will be evident that all students have a sense of belonging in the STEM subjects and careers. Included in the presentation is organizations that help Black and racialized students develop their interests in STEM.