Podcast Summary: "The Hidden Figures of Meteorology"

Off the Radar
Host: Emily Gracie
Guest: Alan Seals
Release Date: February 18, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Hidden Figures of Meteorology," Emily Gracie, a meteorologist with The National Weather Desk, delves into the often-overlooked contributions of African American meteorologists. Joining her is Alan Seals, a respected figure in Alabama's television meteorology scene, who shares his personal experiences and sheds light on the rich history of Black excellence in the field of meteorology.

Alan Seals: Breaking Barriers in Broadcast Meteorology

Alan Seals introduces himself as a veteran broadcast meteorologist who recently retired from WPMI TV in Mobile, Alabama, after a remarkable career spanning over two decades. Reflecting on his journey, Seals emphasizes the importance of diversity in meteorology. He states, "We serve diversity. We don't talk to a monolithic audience." (00:53)

Seals recounts his early fascination with weather phenomena, sparked by childhood observations of thundersnow and the intricate behavior of thermometers influenced by sunlight (04:43). This curiosity led him to pursue meteorology at Cornell University, where he faced the challenges of being one of the few African American students in a predominantly white program.

Overcoming Discrimination and Stereotypes

Seals shares poignant anecdotes highlighting the racial prejudices he encountered. One such incident occurred while fundraising for college, where a passerby doubted his enrollment at Cornell based on his appearance. "Someone who looks like you cannot possibly attend Cornell University," he recalls (07:08). This encounter underscored the implicit biases prevalent even in academic settings.

Despite these challenges, Seals remained steadfast, leveraging his education to fortify his credentials. "You educate yourself, you treat people the way you want to be treated, and you hope that you'll get that same treatment in return," he advises (11:45). His resilience not only propelled his career but also paved the way for future African American meteorologists.

The Rich History of African Americans in Meteorology

Seals provides an enlightening overview of the significant yet underrecognized contributions of African Americans to meteorology:

• Benjamin Banneker: Often celebrated for his work as a surveyor, Banneker also produced a weather almanac in the 1800s, making him one of the earliest African American weather forecasters (16:09).

• William Hallett Green: In the late 1800s, Green became the first African American to join the Army Signal Corps' weather office in Pensacola, Florida. Despite facing blatant racism, his expertise was eventually recognized and valued (22:19).

• Charles Anderson and Warren Washington: Pioneers who advanced the field further, with Washington becoming the first African American president of the American Meteorological Society before his passing in 2024 (24:22).

Seals also highlights the pivotal roles of institutions like Tuskegee University, known for both the Tuskegee Airmen and Dr. George Washington Carver's agricultural research, which inherently involved meticulous weather data collection. Additionally, Jackson State University and Howard University have been instrumental in nurturing African American talent in meteorology, contributing significantly to the diversity within the field (25:34).

The Imperative of Diversity in Meteorology

Drawing an analogy to a colorful salad, Seals passionately argues for the necessity of diversity: "The diversity of people truly is like a salad. The healthiest salad is one that has a lot of different ingredients, where each one contributes something different." (33:56). He explains that diverse perspectives enhance decision-making, particularly in meteorology where understanding varied community responses to weather emergencies is crucial.

Seals underscores that meteorologists serve a diverse population, and having professionals from varied backgrounds ensures more effective and empathetic communication. "If you're trying to make a decision, especially where human lives are involved, you want the widest amount of perspective..." (35:56).

Leadership and Future Goals as AMS President-Elect

As the President-Elect of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), Seals outlines his responsibilities and aspirations. His primary goal is to maintain organizational stability: "My first goal is to keep the train on the tracks and not let the ship sink." (36:34). He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, education, and maintaining global alliances to ensure comprehensive weather forecasting and data sharing.

Seals also touches on the evolving landscape of the weather enterprise, influenced by governmental changes and technological advancements. His leadership aims to foster an environment where education and public awareness about meteorology continue to thrive (38:09).

Current State and Progress of African Americans in Meteorology

Seals provides a candid assessment of the representation of African Americans in meteorology. Historically, African Americans have been significantly underrepresented, with AMS and National Weather Association memberships comprising only about 2-3% African American professionals in the 1990s. However, he notes a slow but positive trend towards increased diversity: "When you go to a conference, there are a dozen or a couple dozen African Americans. So the numbers are... they're going up slowly." (27:22).

He attributes the slow progress to historical systemic barriers rooted in slavery and institutional racism, which impeded educational and professional advancements for African Americans. Despite these challenges, institutions like Howard University and Jackson State University have been pivotal in fostering new generations of African American meteorologists (31:34).

Conclusion: Celebrating Black History as Integral American History

In wrapping up the discussion, Seals emphasizes that Black History Month encapsulates a vital component of American history: "It's everybody's history. It has a name of black history, but it's American history." (39:17). He advocates for the seamless integration of African American contributions into the broader narrative of American progress, ensuring that the legacy of pioneers in meteorology is recognized and celebrated.

Notable Quotes:

• "We serve diversity. We don't talk to a monolithic audience." — Alan Seals (00:53)

• "Someone who looks like you cannot possibly attend Cornell University." — Alan Seals (07:08)

• "The diversity of people truly is like a salad. The healthiest salad is one that has a lot of different ingredients, where each one contributes something different." — Alan Seals (33:56)

• "My first goal is to keep the train on the tracks and not let the ship sink." — Alan Seals (36:34)

This episode of Off the Radar serves as a compelling reminder of the invaluable contributions and enduring resilience of African American meteorologists. Alan Seals not only shares his personal journey but also illuminates the broader historical context, advocating for continued diversity and inclusion within the meteorological community.