To authentically be a welcoming space for Black scholars, we need to accept the full expression of Black excellence in all its forms. Concurrently, that means interrogating how societal norms and stereotypes coerce Black scientists to conform or assimilate to a strict definition of professionalism6. We do not accept species uniformity in promoting healthy ecosystems, so why would we expect assimilation of personalities, values and cultures? Recent social media movements, including but not limited to #BlackBirdersWeek, #BlackintheIvory and #BlackinNature, illustrate the myriad forms of Black scholarship, education and outreach5. Undervaluing these stories, narratives and identities negates the positive contributions our non-Black colleagues make in fighting structural racism.
Support and fight alongside your Black colleagues against racial oppression, especially when it is inconvenient and outside our academic walls. This is especially pertinent for field biologists, as our right to belong in nature without fear of persecution or violence is under constant threat25,26. The compounding and pervasive impacts of environmental racism in conservation and environmental movements all contribute to marginalizing Black scholars’ contributions to field ecology and biology16,25,26. Authentically recognizing Black excellence will likely mean confronting authority figures (that is, police, deans, chancellors, society presidents, department chairs and so on) and using your privilege to protect the rights of your colleagues.
Source: Ecology - nature.com
