Inspiring Minds: African Americans in Science and Technology is a comprehensive, high-tech and permanent exhibition highlighting trailblazers, contemporaries and careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. African Americans have contributed to the scientific and engineering output of the United States since the 17th century, and this history is brought to life through interactive computer kiosks, a touchscreen video wall, and hands-on activities and play areas teaching basic engineering concepts. Four disciplines of scientific advancement are explored: Physical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, and Technology & Engineering. Within these, Inspiring Minds introduces individuals from across the spectrum of fields, levels of renown, and from times past and present, with particular focuses on African American women in science, black aviators, black inventors, medical ethics, and key historical figures such as George Washington Carver.
Inspiring Minds: African Americans in Science and Technology fulfills the wishes and dreams of the Museum’s founder, Dr. Charles H. Wright – himself a man of science – by teaching children of the contributions of African American scientists and inventors, and of contemporaries and career paths in the STEM fields, inspiring them to see greater possibilities for themselves, and for their contributions to the world.
Significant funding for this exhibition was provided by The Renaissance (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Inspiring Minds: African Americans in Science and Technology is free with museum admission.
