Hidden figures in ecology and evolution

To the Editor — Equity efforts consistently disregard the perspectives, contributions and accomplishments of Black women. Habitually, Black women’s accomplishments are marginalized in favour

of white and/or male agendas. This societal disregard dates back to the women’s rights movement, includes the civil rights movement and is present in science, technology, engineering and

mathematics (STEM) equity interventions. For example, Harriet Tubman is broadly recognized for contributions to the abolition of slavery, but her contributions to women’s rights, her

importance as a feminist and her contributions to anti-racism are under-acknowledged1. Similarly, the vision and activities of Black men dominate presentations of the civil rights movement

while the contributions of Black women are frequently portrayed as symbolic2. To date, STEM diversity initiatives have been successful in promoting inclusion for white women at the expense

of scholars of colour3, and especially Black women3,4. To do the work of justice and equity in ecology and evolution (EE) and beyond, particularly to ensure women of colour are not ignored,

we need to adopt attitudes of feminist scientists and scholars who view the world with a more intersectional lens. Too often, Black women are forcibly presented with the choice to

acknowledge gender or racial identities, diminishing the power and innovation resultant from integration with detriment to inclusivity.

If we are to be successful in decolonizing racial, structural biases in EE, we must combat barriers to the success of Black women and be intentional to include and promote their

contributions. However, we must challenge the Nature Ecology & Evolution editorial conclusion that “admitting students and recruiting junior researchers and faculty is perhaps where the

biggest failing of academic institutions occurs”5. Such a sentiment discounts and ignores the many seasoned and young Black women scholars who possess or are currently pursuing EE degrees or

careers. Retention, not recruitment, is the primary issue. Black women declare STEM majors at the same rate6, but are not retained due to inequities stemming from racialized, social

hierarchies that privilege their white counterparts7. In all that we do, it is critical to remember and re-state that, “when they [Black women] enter, we all enter”8. Making room for the

most marginalized among us makes room for us all. Highlighting the work of women of colour in EE with intersecting underrepresented identities gives greater value to our collective work and

increases our capacity to overcome systemic biases in inclusion and equity.

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