Black Lives Matter

Professor Rob Sellers, the Vice Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at University of Michigan, wrote a candid and unguarded reflection on the struggles of African-Americans today and throughout history. He wrote it 4 days after the death of George Floyd, as protests were spreading across the nation and the globe. Here is an excerpt:

"Some people argue that this country, while being built substantially by us, was never meant for us. (They are not wrong.) As such, some of these same people believe that other-worldly optimism is a sign of weakness and is ultimately what has sealed our fate as a people. They question the wisdom in holding out such faith and hope for change in a system (in a society) that has time and time again demonstrated that Black dignity, Black bodies, and Black lives matter a little less. (It is hard to argue with the logic of the question.)

"These times really do raise for me the question of how long must we wait, plan, work, march, agitate, forgive, and vote before we have a society in which all lives matter equally, regardless of race or color? In my bone-weary tired state this morning, before I even got out of bed, I asked myself why should I continue to fight to try to change a system that has proven time and time again that it simply does not regard me and people who look like me as fully human."

Professor Sellers' essay is not like the statements denouncing racism that I received from the university president, dean of my college, and chair of my department. It was honest, heartfelt, and raw. It touched me deeply and brought me sorrow.

It also made me proud to work alongside people like Professor Sellers in support of turning this country into a better place for everyone, especially African-Americans who have struggled for so long. Here are some existing projects at the University of Michigan with which you could potentially get involved -- or start your own.

Wolverine Pathways
M-STEM
Michigan Engineering Zone
AI4All

I believe engineering can provide many opportunities for underserved people, especially Black people, to build better lives and communities. I want to do that work alongside them, and I hope you join me.