BLACK PHYSICIST: PROMOTING DIVERSITY THROUGH ASSOCIATIONS

Abstract

The Brazilian Physics Community plays a central role in the priority programs of the National Science and Technology Strategy, but suffers from the limitations imposed by the racial inequalities that mark Brazilian society. In this paper, I discuss the performance of black physicist associations in Brazil and in the world as an effective strategy for confronting racial inequalities and racism in the areas of science. It is discussed the mapping of black physicists in Brazil and the underrepresentation of these blacks in the academic and professional sphere, in which at least half of physicists are not congregated in any of the traditional associations of careers in physics. The efforts of Brazilian associations and meetings of black physicists and scientists were identified by common interest in democratization and increased diversity of higher education and opportunities offered by the career of Physicist. In collaboration with the black social movements, these meetings and associations seek to reveal new talents, motivate black students to enter the physics career and combat profession’s stereotypes. These organizations of black physicists and scientists are eager to accelerate or anticipate the results of national black inclusion programs with Affirmative Actions, to promote the circulation, visibility, and empowerment of blacks in physics, thereby overcoming the subalternity and invisibility of blacks in careers Physics.