FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Our Genetic Legacy Expands Drone Technology, Game Design, and Architecture STEAM Training for BIPOC Youth with ‘We The People Museum’ Global Debut at Fleet Science Center San Diego
Leading Design and Tech Experts Unite for The DRONe Project to Promote STEAM Career Pathways for Underrepresented Youth
(Our Genetic Legacy Perspective Render Courtesy of JAF and OFFTop)
San Diego, CA — The ‘We The People’ Museum, a pioneering virtual museum, recently made its global debut at the Fleet Science Center. The initiative led by non-profit organization Our Genetic Legacy, marks a significant step forward in the intersection of history, culture, and technology. This groundbreaking launch highlighted the transformative power of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), emphasizing the importance of expanding opportunities for minorities, particularly in fields like drone technology, game design, and architecture.
The We The People Museum is redefining cultural heritage and technology as the first virtual BIPOC drone & history museum set against the backdrop of Market Street in San Diego, CA, dedicated to preserving and sharing diverse stories from communities around the world. Attendees explored innovative exhibits that emerged from recent international mapping events in Accra, the United Kingdom, and Portugal, offering new perspectives on global history and cultural heritage.
(The DRONe Project; Photo courtesy of Our Genetic Legacy)
Focused on empowering minorities through STEAM initiatives, the event celebrated the accomplishments of the DRONe Project, a unique training program designed to empower BIPOC girls aged 14–18 and young adults aged 18–24 with hands-on experience in drone technology. This program provides vital skills, enabling participants to become FAA-certified drone pilots and create digital content for the museum, thereby bridging the gap between technology and cultural preservation. The DRONe Project underscores the critical need for inclusive pathways in STEAM fields, allowing underrepresented communities to take an active role in shaping their narratives.
Our Genetic Legacy, a Black Woman-led organization that prioritizes BIPOC women in STEAM, spearheaded the initiative. The project was brought to life by a team of Black men in professional STEAM fields: Demar Matthews, Visiting Faculty at Miami University and Principal at OFFTop Design; Josh Foster, Adjunct Faculty at East Los Angeles College and Long Beach City College, and CEO of JAF; Kevin Sherrod, Design Faculty at USC School of Architecture and Practice Area Leader for Arts and Culture at Gensler LA; and Osarodion Victory Igbinobaro, Founder and CEO of Aero AI.
(Pictured Left to Right: Kevin Sherrod, Design Faculty at USC School of Architecture and Practice Area Leader for Arts and Culture at Gensler LA; Osarodion Victory Igbinobaro, Founder and CEO of Aero AI; Josh Foster, Adjunct Faculty at East Los Angeles College and Long Beach City College and CEO of JAF; Ime Umoh, Drone Storyteller; Photo courtesy of Our Genetic Legacy)
“We recognize that Black men are underrepresented in STEAM fields, but Black and Brown women are even more rare,” expressed panelist Kevin Sherrod. “As Black men, we must uplift, honor, and celebrate the achievements of Black and Brown women and girls who are breaking systemic barriers and making impactful strides in these fields.”
An exclusive panel discussion held during the event emphasized the critical role of STEAM in advancing cultural preservation and community engagement. Featuring drone storyteller Ime Umoh and the visionary design team behind the museum, the panel focused on inspiring students and young adults to explore STEAM careers as a means of promoting and protecting cultural history. The event underscored the importance of representation in these fields, advocating for a diverse and inclusive future where young people have access to role models and opportunities that can transform their career paths.
About We The People Museum:
We The People Museum reimagines how history is told and preserved, merging advanced technology with cultural storytelling to create an immersive experience that amplifies the stories of diverse communities worldwide. As a beacon for innovation in cultural heritage, the museum is at the forefront of leveraging STEAM to empower underrepresented voices, inspire future generations, and expand the possibilities of what a museum can be.
This launch serves as a powerful reminder that representation matters in STEAM fields. By providing young minorities with the tools, skills, and opportunities to excel, we can collectively build a future where everyone’s story is told, valued, and celebrated.
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For all media and partnership inquiries, please contact:
Crystal Willis
VP, Client, Media and Talent Relations, LOOP
Crystal@loopstudios.com
Antoinette Williams
Co-CEO and Co-Founder, LOOP
Alisa Jacobs
Co-CEO and Co-Founder, LOOP
