Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
The Decolonizing Science Reading List, created by Black feminist physicist and author Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, is a curated collection of readings designed to reframe our understanding of science by challenging colonial narratives that dominate its history, methodologies, and impact. Originally compiled in response to discussions surrounding the Thirty Meter Telescope protests on Mauna Kea, the list includes texts across disciplines—ranging from Indigenous cosmology and personal testimonies to anthropology, history, and sociology—that explore how science has been intertwined with colonial exploitation and domination.This reading list serves as a resource for examining science through multiple lenses, particularly Indigenous perspectives, emphasizing that science's origins extend beyond Europe and include foundational contributions from Africa, Mesopotamia, and Indigenous peoples globally. Prescod-Weinstein stresses the need to understand how science has historically been used as a tool of colonialism, citing examples such as European astronomers' contributions to colonial empires and the role of astronomy in supporting imperial ventures like the Atlantic slave trade.Rather than perpetuating the notion of science as inherently Eurocentric, the list seeks to disrupt that view, urging readers to consider how scientific practices can be reclaimed and recontextualized for the benefit of marginalized communities. It encourages a redefinition of "decolonization" to include the physical, cultural, and epistemological contexts of colonialism, with a particular focus on ongoing issues of land, such as the protests at Mauna Kea. By offering materials that highlight Hawaiian history and Indigenous knowledge systems, the list advocates for a science that is accountable to its colonial past while fostering inclusive and ethical practices that respect diverse epistemologies.
Created by Black feminist physicist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, this list reframes science through decolonial and Indigenous perspectives, exposing colonial narratives within scientific history. It is a vital resource for reclaiming science for marginalized communities, promoting equitable and culturally informed scientific discourse.Tech Literacy & Accessibility: This resource promotes tech literacy by broadening the scope of what science can entail, educating readers on diverse cultural contributions and methodologies in science. It challenges the Eurocentric view of science, making the field more accessible to readers from marginalized backgrounds.Reducing Harm in New Media: By highlighting how science has often served colonial and imperial goals, the reading list reduces harm by encouraging a science that is accountable to its history. It advocates for an ethical science that is decoupled from exploitation and commodification, fostering a respectful and equitable approach to knowledge production.Data & Knowledge Stewardship: This list serves as an evolving archive that preserves decolonial perspectives in science, ensuring that diverse epistemologies are accessible and valued within scientific discourse. By offering interdisciplinary resources, it provides a foundation for reclaiming scientific heritage and broadening the cultural contexts within which science is understood.