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National Society of Black Physicists facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) is a group in the United States that started in 1977. It's a non-profit organization, which means it doesn't aim to make money. Its main goal is to support Black physicists and physics students. They help them succeed in the world of science and in the wider community.

How the NSBP Started

A group of physicists first met at Fisk University in 1972. They gathered to honor three important African-American physicists. These were Dr. Donald Edwards, Dr. John McNeile Hunter, and Dr. Halson V. Eagleson.

The NSBP was officially created 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 went from Arlington, Virginia, to the Optica headquarters in Washington, DC.

NSBP's Important Work

The NSBP holds a big meeting every year in February. Recently, they have held these meetings with the National Society of Hispanic Physicists. More than 500 people attend these conferences. They come from all over the world, from places like Kenya to California.

These meetings have exciting science programs. They also help students grow in their careers. Students can find mentors and look for jobs at a special fair.

Helping Science Around the World

The NSBP has always cared about physics activities outside the United States. About 20 years ago, some NSBP members started a group called 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 improve countries in Africa. Plus, it trains more Ph.D. students from African universities. This helps increase the number of skilled workers in Africa.

More recently, the NSBP is helping South Africa. They are working to increase the number of Black astronomers and astrophysicists there. This program is supported by the Kellogg Foundation.

Supporting Young Scientists

The NSBP also offers scholarships to students. Some of these are with Black Enterprise magazine. They also have programs for students from kindergarten through high school. These programs help get young people excited about science.

Famous People in the NSBP

Many well-known scientists 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 President is Hakeem Oluseyi.

Leaders of the NSBP

Here are some of the people who have served as president of the NSBP:

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