Embracing Genetic Diversity to Improve Black Health

Abstract

As researchers whose work is largely focused on genetics and who self-identify as Black men, arguably one of the most disadvantaged groups in the United States, we have had similar formative experiences during our training and careers. We have all dealt with aggressions and microaggressions, isolation, imposter syndrome, the Pygmalion effect or stereotype threat, gaslighting, and a lack of mentorship, especially Black mentorship. We have made our way in a field that has an alarming dearth of leaders and research participants of African descent — a common story among Black professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.¹