Why The Black Community Should Double Down On Science Right Now, Not Fear It
“I hope that, by putting a face to the field, I can spark the same love for science that was sparked for me in grade school, when I listened to a career day presentation from a Black chemist who talked about creating drugs to help sick people. That day was a revelation. I had never seen a Black man in a lab coat before, and it opened up my eyes to a career that I didn’t know existed just the day before.” Denarra Simmons in ESSENCE.com
Our trust and confidence in science can save lives
“With the record-breaking resurgence of COVID-19 cases across the United States, I worry that mistrust and misinformation about science is hampering efforts to save American lives from this deadly disease.” Adriana Tovar-Salazar in the Everett Herald.
“When I feel down about the state of our post-pandemic reality, I look to my colleagues in biopharmaceutical research for inspiration. Their dedication, intelligence and relentless pursuit of the truth, combined with many of the other constructive responses to the pandemic, gives me a reason to be optimistic for our future… I’ve got a lot of things on mind these days; and I know you do too. But your confidence in the scientific field shouldn’t be one of them.” – Adriana Tovar-Salazar in the Everett Herald
I’m a Scientist and I plan on Taking a COVID Vaccine: Here’s Why.
“We in the scientific community — including those involved in the development and approval of life-saving therapeutics and forthcoming vaccines for COVID-19 — hold each other to the highest of standards. This process of precaution includes intense scrutiny not only of a treatment’s effectiveness, but also — critically — of its safety. That’s why, for example in the vaccine development process, we go through multiple comprehensive rounds of trials to ensure safety and efficacy.” – Mark Davis in the Estes Park Trail Gazette
Newark Biomedical Scientist Supports COVID Vaccines (WATCH)
“Simmons has written about the importance of trusting and supporting biomedical science on Essence.com, and speaks with aspiring youth about the importance of science. She also recently participated in a virtual event with U.S. Senator Cory Booker.
Simmons said that her passion for science, inspired as a child by a Black scientist in a lab coat, is motivated by her desire to help people and communities … including her own in Newark.” – Newark, NJ Patch.com
