As Black History Month comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to elevate and explore the contributions of black leaders in the solar energy space. From scientists to engineers and beyond, solar energy as we know it today would not exist without the hard work, dedication, and ingenuity of these individuals. As we continue to work together to move the industry towards a brighter future, let’s take a moment to shine a spotlight on some of the people that made progress possible, and who prove the efficacy of empowering a diverse array of people and perspectives within STEM and beyond.

Annie Easley: Computer & Rocket Scientist

Annie Easley wore many hats throughout her career, as both a computer and rocket scientist, as well as a mathematician. She worked at NASA before it was even called NASA, contributing to the Centaur program and developing technology for high-energy rocket propulsion systems. She also worked on numerous clean energy initiatives, including wind and solar projects. Her career started years before the enactment of civil rights laws, and her work stands as a testament to the perseverance and passion of all those like her within STEM.

Lewis Latimer: Engineer & Pioneer

While Lewis Latimer may have had no formal scientific training, he was enamored with technology and the potential it had to elevate the position of African Americans who were not the focal point of the scientific community at the time. He made large contributions to the creation and development of the lightbulb, even writing a book on the refinement of incandescent lighting.

Latimer is the unsung hero of the incandescent lightbulb, and while Edison is often credited as the inventor of the lightbulb, history clearly shows that he could not have made it there without Latimer’s help. Latimer also worked closely with Edison to develop modernized central power stations, establishing a model which we still use today for energy distribution.

Hazel O’Leary: Secretary of Energy

When Hazel O’Leary was unanimously confirmed by the Senate, she became both the first African American and the first woman to hold the position of US Secretary of Energy. Her time as the head of the department was defined by both her desire to uncover and atone for past departmental misconduct, and her push to shift the DOE towards efficient and renewable energy sources. Her work within the Department of Energy will be remembered as setting the stage for the adoption of green energy legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act, and the impact that this kind of progressive energy policy has had on the solar industry is profound.

The shape of the solar industry as we understand it today was defined by thinkers and pioneers like those mentioned above, and countless others who deserve our recognition and appreciation. Our continued success is owed to them, and we can honor that work by keeping the doors to solar and STEM held firmly open for the next generation of diverse and inspired thinkers.