#NNPA BlackPress

IN MEMORIAM: Trailblazing Meteorologist Dr. June Bacon-Bercey Remembered

NNPA NEWSWIRE — A pioneer in the field of meteorology, Bacon-Bercey, an African American, broke barriers by becoming the first woman meteorologist. Previously, she became the first African American woman to earn a degree in science in the 1950s.

Published

5 years ago

January 16, 2020

Stacy M. Brown

Dr. June Bacon-Bercey's career included working for NOAA, the National Weather Service (NWS), and eventually an NBC TV station in Buffalo in 1970 as a scientific news correspondent, according to a tribute posted this month on AccuWeather.com.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Until recently, many didn’t know the name Dr. June Bacon-Bercey.

A pioneer in the field of meteorology, Bacon-Bercey, an African American, broke barriers by becoming the first woman meteorologist. Previously, she became the first African American woman to earn a degree in science in the 1950s.

Earlier this month, word spread that Bacon-Bercey had died last summer.

She was 90.

“I was discouraged (from becoming a meteorologist), and other women were discouraged,” Bacon-Bercey told The Washington Post in 1977.

“If they feel they’ve got some money behind them, it might be better.”

Bacon-Bercey’s career included working for NOAA, the National Weather Service (NWS), and eventually an NBC TV station in Buffalo in 1970 as a scientific news correspondent, according to a tribute posted this month on AccuWeather.com.

Bacon-Bercey started as an emergency replacement as a weathercaster but became NBC Buffalo’s chief meteorologist.

“She wasn’t in Buffalo very long, but she made Buffalo broadcasting history as the first woman of color to be on a TV news anchor team here,” Buffalo-area historian Steve Cichon told AccuWeather.

“She was also the first scientist to have the job here. She was an important trailblazer in many ways,” Cichon stated.

Dail St. Clair, Bacon-Bercey’s daughter, told AccuWeather that her mother was her mentor and role model.

“I always speak about my mom in my life whenever I have a chance to speak in different venues. There’s no question that my career, while different, the work ethic and discipline and persistence and uncompromising goal to be excellent at all costs is what I learned from my mom,” stated St. Clair, who is the Chief Operating Officer at Park Avenue Finance.

A pioneer who blazed many a trail, Bacon-Bercey was also the first woman and African American woman to win the American Meteorological Society’s “Seal of Approval” honor for television weather broadcasting.

She was named Minority Pioneer for Achievements in Atmospheric Sciences in 2000.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, on October 23, 1932, Bacon-Bercey attended the University of Kansas, University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California.

She helped to found the AMS Board on Women and Minorities to increase the number of women and minorities in the atmospheric sciences.

In 1977, she won $64,000 on the television game show, “The $128,000 Question,” using those earnings to start a scholarship fund for women studying atmospheric sciences.

Eventually, a dozen women received scholarship assistance, and each landed senior positions at various television stations and weather outlets across the country.

“Education was No. 1, so scholarship was a passion, and she always wanted to share it with those who were less fortunate,” St. Claire said in the Washington Post interview.

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

Up Next

Cosby Files Appeal to Pennsylvania Supreme Court

Don't Miss

The National Association For Black Veterans, (NABVETS) Welcomes Armour Lawrence Greater Bay Area NABVETS Richmond California (ALGBANRC) Chapter 127

Stacy M. Brown

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

1 week ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org