In light of Black History Month, it is important to honour the contributions that various black individuals throughout history have made towards science. Whether they were researchers, authors, inventors or even patients, their contributions have forever changed the scientific world for the better.

Henrietta Lacks

While not technically a scientist or a researcher, her contributions to the field of cell biology are much more indirect. In the 1950s, the 31-year-old Virginia-native was unfortunately diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent radiation therapy. During her treatment, a sample of her cancer cells was collected—without her consent—and studied. Lacks’ cancer cells were distinct from normal bodily cells and were essentially immortal with the ability to divide perpetually. These cells, termed “HeLa cells”, became a crucial tool in cellular research and played huge roles in studying the human genome and the growth of cancer cells. Even after her death, Henrietta Lacks’ legacy lives on in HeLa cells and the millions whom their research has aided.

Dr. Charles R. Drew

Called the “father of the blood bank”, Charles Drew cemented himself as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. After earning his medical degree from McGill University College of Medicine in 1933, he decided to conduct further research into blood transfusions. He eventually helped develop a way to safely store and transport blood and plasma, an “invention” that was particularly important during World War 2. Drew’s discoveries for blood and plasma storage became a model for the American Red Cross, where he also served as assistant director. Drew was also a very strong opponent against the racial segregation practices in blood donations at the time, which he deemed as “unscientific and insulting to African-Americans.”

Percy L. Julian

Driven by a passion for chemistry, Percy Julian became one of the first black scientists to earn a doctorate in chemistry in 1931. Julian pioneered the practice of extracting steroids from plants on a large scale, something that was previously unheard of. He also helped develop methods for the biosynthesis of certain human hormones, such as cortisone or testosterone. His efforts are the reason why pharmaceuticals such as cortisone or birth control are widely available to this day.

Mae C. Jemison

Throughout her illustrious career, Jemison served as an engineer, doctor and a NASA astronaut. In fact, in 1992, she became the first black woman to travel in space. To this day, she remains one of three black women to have done so. All her career ventures were unified by a common passion for science. Currently, she is leading a space exploration project through the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that hopes to ensure human space travel to a neighbouring star in the next 100 years.

Octavia E. Butler

While not an academic or scientific writer, Butler helped blur the lines between science and fiction and became a pioneer of black authors in the field. She helped revolutionize the sci-fi genre, by incorporating themes of black history, empathy, and social normality into her work. Throughout her career, she earned the prestigious Hugo and Nebula Awards, which recognize literary contributions to the field of science-fiction.

Scientific accomplishments and race are not mutually exclusive. These five individuals prove that one is not simply defined by their race.  They should not be regulated into history as extraordinary black contributions to science, but instead as contributions to the field in general. Their contributions to science transcend race and they will forever serve as a credit to the field.