Introduction
Oh, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—that ever-controversial topic that, according to some, is the reason for every perceived decline in meritocracy. Apparently, DEI is single-handedly responsible for diluting excellence, erasing hard work, and handing out Nobel Prizes like free samples at a grocery store. You know, because history totally wasn’t already filled with marginalized geniuses who had to work ten times harder to get a fraction of the recognition.
This isn’t just some random rant. It’s inspired by the fallout from the recent, tragic, American Airlines crash, where the president attempted to pin the blame on DEI. Even more disturbing is how initially, the family of one of the military personnel lost in the crash won’t publicly identify their loved one because it seems they fall within a community covered under DEI. Instead of acknowledging deeper systemic issues, people find it easier to scapegoat diversity initiatives. It pisses me off!
Well, let’s talk about those “undeserving” individuals—African American scientists who, despite systemic barriers, managed to revolutionize American society. If you really want to “blame” someone for the scientific and technological advancements that shaped this country, look no further than these pioneers. #BlameItOnDEI
The “Unqualified” Minds That Shaped Modern America
1. George Washington Carver – More Than Just Peanuts

If there’s one scientist that even the most reluctant history teacher remembers to mention, it’s George Washington Carver. But let’s set the record straight: Carver didn’t just invent peanut butter (in fact, he didn’t invent it at all, so let’s stop that myth right here). He was an agricultural scientist and inventor who developed crop rotation methods that revitalized Southern farming, reducing reliance on soil-depleting cotton and promoting the use of peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other alternatives.
His work laid the foundation for sustainable agriculture, long before "sustainability" became a buzzword. And yet, during his lifetime, he wasn’t celebrated for his brilliance as much as he was reduced to a genial, peanut-obsessed Black man.
Blame DEI? No. Blame sheer, undeniable genius.
2. Dr. Charles Drew – The Blood Behind Modern Medicine

Ever had a blood transfusion? Thank Dr. Charles Drew. The pioneer of blood banking and plasma preservation, Drew’s research during World War II led to life-saving blood storage techniques that are still in use today.
Ironically, the very system he helped develop initially upheld segregation, refusing to mix Black and white blood donations. Dr. Drew, of course, called out this absurdity and resigned from the American Red Cross. Because, believe it or not, being a groundbreaking scientist didn’t mean he had to tolerate nonsense.
Blame DEI? Nah. Blame a relentless commitment to medical advancement.
3. Katherine Johnson – The Human Computer That Sent Men to the Moon

NASA’s space program wouldn’t have succeeded without the sharp mind of Katherine Johnson. Her calculations were so precise that John Glenn, one of America’s first astronauts, refused to fly until she personally verified the flight trajectories. Yes, a Black woman’s math was deemed more trustworthy than an early IBM computer.
She wasn’t just included because of “diversity quotas.” She was there because she was the best. And still, it took decades for her contributions to be widely acknowledged.
Blame DEI? Nope. Blame a mathematical powerhouse.
4. Dr. Patricia Bath – Restoring Sight, No Big Deal

Dr. Patricia Bath was the first Black woman to receive a medical patent for her invention, the Laserphaco Probe, which revolutionized cataract surgery. Her work restored sight to people who had been blind for decades.
Had she been born in an era more welcoming to Black women in STEM, we might have seen even more advancements from her. But, of course, the hurdles she faced didn’t stop her from changing the world.
Blame DEI? Not even close. Blame innovation and perseverance.
5. Dr. Ernest Everett Just – Master of the Cell

Long before molecular biology became mainstream, Dr. Ernest Everett Just was making groundbreaking discoveries about cell fertilization and development. His research laid the groundwork for modern cell biology and embryology.
However, American racism ensured he struggled for research funding, forcing him to conduct much of his work in Europe.
Blame DEI? Try blaming the exclusionary institutions that forced brilliance overseas.
DEI: The Convenient Scapegoat for Inconvenient Truths
It’s funny how some people act like DEI is an artificial construct that suddenly started handing out science degrees in the 21st century. The reality? Black excellence in science existed long before “diversity initiatives” ever became a thing. What DEI tries to do is simply correct centuries of exclusion. It doesn’t create talent—it recognizes the talent that has always been there.
For every African American scientist who has received accolades, there are countless others whose work was buried, stolen, or attributed to their white counterparts. That’s not a DEI problem. That’s a history problem.
Final Thoughts: Give Credit Where It’s Due
If you want to rant about DEI, at least be consistent. If DEI is truly the downfall of meritocracy, then you must also acknowledge that systemic racism was the original meritocracy killer. If you’re mad about unqualified people taking up space, then you should have been furious when institutions systematically excluded geniuses like those mentioned above.
Blame DEI? No. Blame a society that had to be forced to recognize excellence when it didn’t come in the expected package. And while you’re at it, thank these scientists for quite literally transforming American society.
Join the Conversation
I’ve spoken about DEI from the perspective of a Black scientist, but let’s not forget that DEI encompasses many communities who have faced systemic exclusion. How has DEI impacted your field? Are there other scientists whose contributions have been overlooked? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear different perspectives!
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