Problem
At the beginning of the 20th century, women in science faced institutional sexism — for Black women, racism was added, creating a double barrier to recognition.
Examples and consequences
Alice Ball illustrates this invisibilization: despite major advances, her work was often attributed to her male colleagues.
Other trajectories (Henrietta Lacks, Katherine Johnson) show comparable dynamics: uncredited contributions, late rehabilitations.
Toward recognition
Many stories are now being re-examined and brought to light, but reparation remains partial; better documenting and teaching these narratives is essential to correct history.
→ READ MOREWhen a Black woman discovers, History often forgets to sign her name.