This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
I began blogging – at Urban Science Adventures ! © as an outlet and tester for my bigger, bolder dream – to create and star in my own Science Television program. At the time, 2006, there were no people of color, no women, and no Black Women at all who had served as a host (or even occasional guest contributors) of a Science Education television program. I wanted to be the first, and I thought my show’s theme – presenting urban ecology and everyday science experiences with backyard wildlife would be attractive enough to gain audience support. I was especially keen on presenting a show that other families from traditionally under-served audiences could relate to and wanted to tune in and see.
I used social media – my blog, quarterly mass email mailings to friends and family, and Facebook – to share my science adventures. And I learned that although small in reach seeing someone like me doing what I do does inspire people – young and old – to explore science more. And it makes an especially big mark on young people from these under-served communities, such as those from African-American, Native-American, and immigrant families. Whether it is the television screen or the computer screen – media portrayals of people of color excelling and presenting their expertise is important. And I am ecstatic that today there are so many more representations of diversity and science expertise presented to the public today: Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson on FOX TV COSMOS: A Spacetime Odyssey , Dr. Marshall Shepherd on The Weather Channel WxGeeks, and Dr. Raychelle Burks on the American Chemical Society YouTube show Reactions.
And there are several more up-and-coming #BlackandSTEM Science Media Heroes on the rise, including Lindsey Murphy, who launched her STEM edutainment web show in 2010 as an offshoot of her babysitting activities.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Her show is a breath of fresh air and full of all of the sweetness and awesomeness and innocence I wish media had more of. Everyone I have shared this show with, loves it! Parents, educators, after-school volunteers, youth ministers, my science, tech, engineering and math friends, science outreach professionals, even those in print, broadcast and online science communication. They. Love. It! and Lindsey Murphy a.k.a. Crazy Aunt Lindsey. I'm sure those of you with children or who work with them know what the STEM outreach landscape looks like. I love this program because it is wholesome, fun, positive, engaging and features a young woman of color. Plus, education and STEM education- entertainment programming is LONG overdue for diverse front persons. (And I'll admit, she reminds me of me a lot. Adorable, full of Awesome, Great hair, and Hair Accessories, YASSSSS!)
2011 was coming to a close and Lindsey was on a roll. She was even contributing to the Scientific American's Bring Science Home Blog. (That's how I learned about her). She and her show were making waves and her episodes (& final production quality) were getting better - you could tell. As she was launching her very-much, highly-anticipated, 3rd-and-best-yet-season, her website was hacked and she lost her content and momentum. I am absolutely convinced that if it weren't for that unfortunate set of events, then everyone - EVERY SINGLE ONE of YOU - would already know who Lindsey is. I saw something amazing in her program and in her delivery. And I saw sparks, especially in the eyes of the children she worked along side.
I felt something when I watched her show. It reminded me very much of the feeling I had when I was a child and I watched Mr. Wizard World on HBO. If you loved and were inspired by that show as a kid, then trust me when I say, that The Fab Lab with Crazy Aunt Lindsey is all that and more!
So join me and let's make it happen for Lindsey! She needs to raise $10,000 so that she can rescue her content, edit it and publish it online. She has only two weeks left in her crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to make it happen. Check out this episode. Tell me this isn't thebest!
I contributed at the Professor Emeritus level, because I really want one of her famed Science Kits to do with my nieces.
I'm challenging my readers and blog supporters to join me at this level (or higher) too. I really want to see Season 3 of the Fab Lab and I can't see it unless you really want to see it, too!
So please donate and help spread the word. Link to donate here. Deadline is Thursday, November 6, 2014.
Follow Lindsey on Twitter @AuntLindsey
Facebook Fan page - Education Website Crazy Aunt Lindsey
Campaign ends Thursday, November 6, 2014. All or none, so let's make it happen.
Thank you,
DNLee