Recreating Wakanda by promoting Black excellence in ecology and evolution

Abstract

Our non-Black colleagues must fight anti-Black racism and white supremacy within the academy to authentically promote Black excellence. Amplifying Black excellence in ecology and evolution is the antidote for white supremacy in the academy.

Fig. 1 |. Recommendations for authentically amplifying Black scholars while abolishing white supremacy in ecology and evolution.

Anti-racist practice and action means creating comprehensive policies that specifically target injustices and inequality at every level of an institution (for example, in lab settings, graduate cohorts, classrooms, conference venues and departmental meetings). Creating sustained change and progress in fighting racial oppression in ecology and evolution requires a multi-tiered approach that incorporates aspects of education, support and personal and professional growth. Most importantly, institutional policies must be married with individual interrogation of biases and privileges, placing accountability at the core of authentically practicing anti-racism pedagogy and doctrine.