30 January 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Exploration Place, in collaboration with The Kansas African American Museum, is honoring African-American scientists with an outdoor display to celebrate Black History Month.
Every night in February, an African-American scientist will have their portrait projected onto the side of Exploration Place’s island building.
“We’ve had great community feedback on this display over the past three years,” said Exploration Place President and CEO Adam Smith. “Our building is a great canvas for celebrating the accomplishments of African American scientists.”
The display will honor the following African-American scientists:
Week 1 – George Washington Carver (1864 – 1943) was an agricultural scientist who rose to prominence in the early 20th century and discovered more than 300 uses for peanuts.
Week 2 – Jedidah Isler is an astrophysicist and an advocate for diversity in STEM who works for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Week 3 – Ed Dwight is a military test pilot who was selected as an astronaut trainee in the 1960s and since has had a prolific career as a sculptor.
Week 4 – Alice Ball (1892 – 1916) was a chemist who developed a significant treatment for leprosy, a highly stigmatized disease during her lifetime.
You can view the projections for free from the path along the Arkansas River or on the Exploration Place promenade. Alternatively, you can view the projections from inside Exploration Place on Thursday nights when the museum is open until 8 p.m.