National Society of Black Physicists facts for kids
The National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) is a group in the United States that started in 1977. It's a non-profit organization. Its main goal is to help Black physicists and physics students. They support them in the science world and globally.
History
A group of physicists first met in 1972. They gathered at Fisk University to honor three important African-American physicists. These were Dr. Donald Edwards, Dr. John McNeile Hunter, and Dr. Halson V. Eagleson.
The NSBP officially began on April 28, 1977. This happened at Morgan State University. Its first leaders were Walter E. Massey and James Davenport. In 2023, the NSBP moved its main office. It moved from Arlington, Virginia, to the Optica headquarters in Washington, DC.
What They Do
The NSBP holds a big meeting every year in February. Recently, they have held these meetings with the National Society of Hispanic Physicists. Over 500 people attend these conferences. People come from all over the world, from Kenya to California.
These meetings have exciting science programs. They also help students grow professionally. This includes matching students with mentors. There is also a job fair where students can meet recruiters.
The NSBP has always been interested in physics activities outside the United States. About 20 years ago, they helped create the Edward Bouchet Abdus Salam Institute (EBASI). This was led by Nobel Prize winner Abdus Salam and Charles Brown. EBASI helps scientists from Africa and America work together. It also helps science and technology grow in Africa. Plus, it trains more PhD students from African universities.
More recently, the NSBP is helping South Africa. They have a program funded by the Kellogg Foundation. This program helps South Africa increase the number of Black astronomers and astrophysicists. It also helps build up their skills in this field.
The organization also gives out scholarships. Some of these are with Black Enterprise magazine. They also run programs for students from kindergarten through high school. These programs teach kids about physics.
Who Are Some Famous Members?
Some well-known people are part of the NSBP. These include Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Ronald L. Mallett. Shirley Ann Jackson used to be the president of the organization. As of 2022, the current president is Hakeem Oluseyi.
Past Leaders
Here are some of the people who have led the NSBP:
- Joseph Johnson III
- Shirley Ann Jackson (1980–1982)
- Ernest Coleman (1984–1986)
- Kennedy Reed (1990–1992)
- Sekazi Mtingwa (1992–1994)
- Sylvester James Gates (1997)
- James H. Stith
- Charles McGruder III
- Keith Jackson
- Quinton Williams
- K. Renee Horton (2016–2018)
- Stephon Alexander (2021)
