If someone asked you to name ten Black characters in STEM from film or TV, could you do it? Most people would stop at five, others at three—and some might even draw a blank right away. Meanwhile, white scientists and engineers on screen are so common we barely give it a second thought. So, why is there such a gap in Black representation in STEM roles, and what impact does this have on the Black community?

One reason for this scarcity of Black STEM characters in film and television is the historical lack of diversity both in front of and behind the camera. Many writers’ rooms, executive teams, and production staffs have historically been predominantly white, which often means Black stories and perspectives are overlooked. When STEM professionals are portrayed, they are often created from a narrow lens that doesn’t prioritize showing people of color, which perpetuates a cycle of underrepresentation. By not showcasing diverse scientists, engineers, and innovators, Hollywood fails to reflect the real diversity that exists within STEM fields.

This lack of representation in media can lead to what’s often called the “imagination gap.” When young Black viewers don’t see people who look like them in roles as scientists, engineers, or tech innovators, it can be harder for them to imagine themselves in those roles. Research has shown that media portrayals have a profound effect on career aspirations, especially for children and teens. Without these role models on screen, Black youth miss out on important opportunities to envision a future in STEM, which can ultimately affect their interests, academic paths, and career choices.

A study done in 2018 found that across film, television, and streaming. Only 16% of characters in STEM fields were Black, with even smaller percentages for characters of other races and ethnicities. The numbers are smaller in real life. Black people in STEM-related fields represent about 13% of the total United States population.

Growing up, seeing people who look like you on screen in fields like medicine, engineering, or space exploration can make a world of difference in shaping career aspirations. Without these visual examples, it becomes easier to feel that STEM isn’t a viable path. And while we’ve seen strides in other areas of representation, STEM fields remain underrepresented for Black characters in media.

This lack of representation leads to a cycle that normalizes inequality. Studies show that roughly 40% of Black college students leave their particular program of study before earning their degree. Researchers say that social factors are the main reason since students will tend to go into programs of study where their classmates and professors look like them. Yet in recent years, Black characters have helped revive an interest in STEM.

The Black Panther series, which debuted in 2018 and continued in 2022, created a world in which Black people were seen as brilliant scientists and groundbreaking innovators. Characters like Shuri and Ironheart were depicted as confident, brave leaders in the fields of science and engineering. These portrayals lead to an increased interest in STEM fields among Black girls, a phenomenon known as “the Shuri Effect.” It was named as a play on the Scully Effect, in which 50% of women were interested in STEM fields after watching Dana Scully in X-Files. Shuri’s character, and others like her, highlight the potential of positive representation, where Black characters are portrayed as intellectual leaders and problem-solvers.While these examples are powerful, they’re still rare. For every Shuri, there are dozens of white male scientists, engineers, and tech moguls who continue to dominate the screen.

Increasing Black representation in STEM roles on screen could have far-reaching effects. Imagine a world where young Black kids regularly see characters who reflect their own experiences as inventors, researchers, and tech leaders—characters whose brilliance isn’t just acknowledged but celebrated. This shift would allow for richer storytelling and offer new angles to the STEM narrative that are long overdue. Diverse stories could highlight Black ingenuity in a way that doesn’t only entertain but educates and inspires, encouraging more Black youth to see STEM as a viable path.

As we push for representation that reflects real-world diversity, Hollywood has an opportunity to set a new standard—one that values all voices and perspectives, making the stories we consume richer and more representative of the society we live in. With more Black directors and producers making strong Black characters in the world of STEM and beyond, the next generation of Black scientists, engineers, and innovators are on the horizon.