10 replies to this topic

[James C. Trager]

I just learned this bit of biographical information today, here excerpted from the Wikipedia page on Dr. CHTurner. There have been a lot of strikes against African Americans entering the sciences in American history, but a few have managed to accomplish scientific careers, nevertheless. And he published on ants. (I haven't been able to find the paper yet.)

 

Charles Henry Turner (February 3, 1867 - February 15, 1923) was an American research biologist, educator, zoologist, and comparative psychologist born in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In 1892, Turner became the first African American to receive a graduate degree at the University of Cincinnati.

In 1907, he became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

Turner published 49 papers on invertebrates, including Habits of Mound-Building Ants, Experiments on the Color Vision of the Honeybee, Hunting Habits of an American Sand Wasp, and Psychological Notes on the Gallery Spider.

[Crystals]

Interesting.

But yes, now that I think about it, I find it quite unusual that I don't see many African American scientists, no matter what field I look in.

[Chromerust]

I think most of them are making millions playing sports that's why lol

[AntTeen804]

All African Americans don't play sports...But that's cool...

[dspdrew]

I guess it's a good thing he didn't say they all did then.

[AntTeen804]

When i said "But that's cool" i meant I wasn't taking any offense to it.Lol

[dspdrew]

Well then I guess it's a good thing I didn't say you were.

[AntTeen804]

Yeahh

[James C. Trager]

I know you didn't mean it that way, Chromerust, but your comment could be taken as offensive stereotyping. There was a time when minorities in professional sports were a rarity, too, and it's certainly the case that the current successes are notable, but they're hardly typical.

[Miles]

I know you didn't mean it that way, Chromerust, but your comment could be taken as offensive stereotyping. There was a time when minorities in professional sports were a rarity, too, and it's certainly the case that the current successes are notable, but they're hardly typical.

I found it very distasteful as well. Like you said, he likely did not mean it in that way.

[PTAntFan]

Cool find, James. Thanks for sharing.