Being Black in biophysics

Abstract

Building off the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement and serving as a platform for radical reform of structural inequities, the Biophysical Society (BPS) held the President's 2023 Black in Biophysics Symposium. The goal of this symposium was to bring to light the remarkable work of some of our Black BPS colleagues flanked by two very different cultural perspectives explaining why, in these modern times, such a spotlight is still needed. In his introduction, Bil Clemons provided data to underscore the persistent legacy of slavery, and Theanne Griffith closed the event with a moving personal testimony. BPS has long served as a platform for social change, most successfully in its effort to promote participation by women and international scientists. These were intentional acts, and the resulting positive changes are sustained only by constant vigilance. Let us apply the same intention, the same vigilance, to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and retention within our ranks and providing critical role models for trainees of all walks of life. Let us start seeing Black in biophysics, with the generous help of Bil and Theanne in their own words.

Additional details