1917 – Birth of John F. Allen, Trailblazing Black Chemist

On May 29, 1917, John F. Allen, an African American physicist and chemist, was born in Maryland. Allen played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project, the U.S. government’s top-secret program during World War II that developed the atomic bomb. Despite pervasive racial discrimination, Allen’s expertise in nuclear chemistry and radiochemistry earned him a position as one of the few Black scientists involved in this critical effort. After the war, Allen continued his research and helped pave the way for African Americans in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). His achievements are a testament to resilience and intellectual excellence in the face of systemic barriers. Celebrating his birth on May 29 highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Black scientists to global scientific advancement. Allen\’s legacy reminds us that Black excellence in STEM has deep historical roots that deserve wider recognition.