Imani Black is the founder and CEO of Minorities in Aquaculture, an organization that seeks to educate and support BIPOC women interested in aquaculture through mentorship, workshops, and career development opportunities. Originally an oyster farmer, Imani Black grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in a community with a rich history of seafood harvesting and processing.
“Even though African Americans have a long and rich history in the evolution of the Chesapeake Bay’s seafood industry, most of their stories, hardships, and accomplishments were scarcely recorded by white society.”
Imani Black, NOAA Fisheries
Upon graduating with a biology degree from Old Dominion University, Imani Black became a part of the VIMS’ Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center’s Oyster Aquaculture Training Program. Stemming from these experiences, the Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA) project was spurred by a desire to make aquaculture more diverse and inclusive. African Americans have a rich history in seafood harvesting, which is far too often overlooked, but Imani Black is actively engaged in efforts to diversify the industry, particularly for women of color. Through MIA, Imani Black is part of a team of people aiming to promote careers in aquaculture in the Chesapeake area.
Imani Black’s Family History
Peter McCready
Imani Black’s great uncle worked in the oyster industry in Maryland
Elbridge McCready
Imani Black’s great, great grandfather dredged oysters
Arlie and James McCready
great cousins – tonged oysters
William McCready
Great uncle – watermen
Imani Black’s grandmother worked in a packing house (crabs)
Great grandfather, Grandfather, great cousins were oyster shuckers in Maryland
Resources
https://thefishsite.com/articles/women-in-aquaculture-imani-black
https://www.innovasea.com/insights/minorities-in-aquaculture-cultivate-diversity/
