Black Women in Science ~ Review

Black Women in Science
By Kimberly Brown Pellum, PhD

Black Women in Science is a quick overview of 15 extraordinary women who made a tremendous impact on the world through their work and discoveries. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African-American woman to work as a professional doctor, but what was most impressive is when she did this - during the 1860s. But Rebecca is just the first whose accomplishments are covered in this book. Annie Turnbo Malone used her business skills and her knowledge as a chemist to create hair and beauty products and she trained others - improving the community in the process. Bessie Coleman trained to become a pilot becoming the first licensed African American pilot.

These are just a few of the remarkable and determined women who weren't content to let the world tell them who the had to be and want they could do. They worked hard and often faced challenges not only because of the color of their skin but also because they were the wrong gender for the tasks they set before themselves. Some of these women are not well-known while others have come to the recent attention of the world (Kathrine Johnson and Hidden Figures).

At just under 130 pages this isn't an in-depth book but there is more information and substance than most school textbooks. The few pages given to each person offers a nice overview of their life and how they made a lasting impact on the world around them.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.