A Framework for Equitable STEM-rich Maker Spaces
“The racist stereotype is Black people are not listening to science. That is untrue. Maybe it’s the other way around like science is not listening to us. I wish people could see what I could do, like what I am doing at home [during the pandemic]. Making homemade hand sanitizer and masks, caring for my elders.”The racist stereotype is Black people are not listening to science. That is untrue. Maybe it’s the other way around like science is not listening to us. I wish people could see what I could do, like what I am doing at home [during the pandemic]. Making homemade hand sanitizer and masks, caring for my elders.“
—–Jazmyn, 15 years old
Our Call
A holistic approach to bringing Black youth into equitable STEM-rich maker spaces is lacking.
Jazmyn, like many Black Youth, wants to be rightfully present in STEM-rich making as a whole people, with valuable and powerful knowledge and experience. Her quote reflects that while there is a focus on equity to include Black youth in making spaces, their intellect, spirit, desire, and histories of experience are not being heard and valued, which urges us to consider why the equity focus in maker education is inadequate.
Our response
