Acclaimed STEM Educator Links Marvelβs Black Captain America to the Power of STEM Education
NEW ORLEANS, LAΒ β Dr. Calvin Mackie is the founder of STEM Global Action (SGA),Β a campaign and network of affiliatesΒ that bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to children and teenagers in New Orleans, and other parts of the country. As a veteran STEM professional, he sees a strong bond between Marvelβs fictional cinematic universe and the vital role that STEM education plays in propelling children from under-resourced and underrepresented communities into high-paying and sustainable careers.
His brother, New Orleans native Anthony Mackie, portrays Sam Wilson on the Disney+ miniseriesΒ The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and recently became the first Black Captain America in the Marvel Universe.Β βAs a superhero, Wilson overcomes ferocious enemies and his own Β Β Β Β Β doubts about bearing the legacy of Capitan America,β says Calvin Mackie. βHe also confronts the concerns of others that no self-respecting Black man should even want to protect America considering its historic mistreatment of Blacks.Β In real life, my brother has also prevailed against the odds. When we lost our mother growing up, our family banded together and made his dreams come true: Anthony went to acting school.β