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2025 Black History Month Spotlight
Black Excellence in Philanthropy and S.T.E.M.
YoungBlackProfessional Network & Jarry Ngandjui
February 28, 2025
To end black history month, we spotlight five extraordinary individuals whose work spans from the 18th century to modern day, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of Black excellence in STEM and philanthropy.
The individuals highlighted here didn't simply accept the world as it was presented to them—they reimagined it, rebuilt it, and in doing so, created pathways for generations to follow.
Dora Moono Nyambe: Transforming Children's Lives in Zambia
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the recent passing of Zambian teacher Dora Moono Nyambe, at the young age of 32 years old, who transformed her home into the Footprints of Hope Children's Home, providing education, shelter, and care to orphaned and vulnerable children.
I believe every child deserves love, protection, and the opportunity to learn. When you see a need, you don't need to wait for someone else to address it. You can be that change.
What began with seven children grew to support dozens more, with Nyambe leveraging social media to raise awareness and funding for her cause. Her collaboration with philanthropist Mr. Beast in 2023 brought global attention to her work, resulting in expanded facilities and educational resources for the children in her care.
To support Dora's legacy and the continued work of the Footprints of Hope Children's Home: Footprints of Hope Foundation
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: Making Astrophysics Accessible
The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.
As director of New York's Hayden Planetarium and host of popular science programs including "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey," Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson has dedicated his career to making complex scientific concepts accessible to the public. His books, lectures, and media appearances have inspired countless young people to pursue STEM education, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
To support Dr. Tyson's work in science education: Hayden Planetarium Programs
Aisha Bowe: Engineering Opportunities for Future Generations
It's not just about building technology. It's about building people who can build technology.
Former NASA aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe has transitioned from designing spacecraft to creating pathways for underrepresented youth in STEM. As founder and CEO of STEMBoard, Bowe develops cutting-edge technology solutions while simultaneously creating educational opportunities for young people from marginalized communities. Her LINGO coding kits have introduced thousands of students to computer science fundamentals.
Benjamin Banneker: America's First Black Scientific Pioneer
The colour of the skin is in no way connected with strength of the mind or intellectual powers.
In the late 18th century, self-taught mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker became one of America's earliest Black scientific leaders. His accurate astronomical calculations enabled him to publish almanacs from 1792 to 1797, challenging prevailing racist notions about Black intellectual capabilities. His crucial surveying work helped establish Washington D.C., and his correspondence with Thomas Jefferson directly confronted the hypocrisy of slavery in a nation founded on freedom (Cerami, 2002).
Dr. Mae C. Jemison: Breaking Barriers Beyond Earth
Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations. If you adopt their attitudes, then the possibility won't exist because you'll have already shut it out.
When Dr. Mae Jemison boarded the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992, she made history as the first Black woman in space. A physician, engineer, and entrepreneur, Dr. Jemison has since founded The Jemison Group and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, promoting science literacy worldwide.
You are next!
We at YBPN challenge our community to carry these principles of excellence, innovation, and service into every month that follows. The revolutionary spirit of Banneker, the selfless generosity of Dora, and the scientific brilliance of Jemison weren't confined to twenty-eight days—and neither should our commitment to disrupting systems that limit potential.
True progress requires sustained action: launch that business you've been contemplating, invest in continuous learning that expands your capabilities, and boldly question outdated frameworks that no longer serve our collective advancement. Your next innovation, your next act of service, your next challenge to an unjust status quo could become the spotlight we feature in 2026. The calendar may change, but the mission remains: excellence is not seasonal—it's a daily commitment to transformation.
Sources
Cerami, C. (2002). Benjamin Banneker: Surveyor, Astronomer, Publisher, Patriot.
https://a.co/d/2OfQ6g8
Footprints of Hope Foundation. (2023).
https://foh-foundation.org/
Find Where the Wind Goes: Moments from My Life.
https://a.co/d/5nFqVAV
STEMBoard. (2023). Community Impact Assessment.
https://www.stemboard.com/
Tyson, N.D. (2017). Astrophysics for People in a Hurry.
https://a.co/d/j7eeyGs