Yahoo News is reporting that Amarantus BioSciences, a biotechnology company developing MANF, a first-in-class disease-modifying therapeutic protein, today announced that both Gerald and John Commissiong are among the Bay Area selectees for the 12th Annual 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology.
The selectees will gather in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 14 and 15, 2012, for the 12th Annual Innovation and Equity Symposium themed, "Capitalizing Creativity: Innovation and Job Creation." Participants will discuss a variety of relevant topics relating to African Americans, including the new America Invents Act and the low participation of African-American students in math and science courses.
"We have worked tremendously hard over the past several years to discover, patent and develop molecules to treat patients suffering from Parkinson's and other CNS diseases," said John Commissiong, chief scientific officer of Amarantus. "We are honored to be recognized for our efforts as part of this prestigious group."
The listing of the 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology began with an exhibition at the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, Calif., in 1998 to share the long-overlooked role of African Americans in industrial innovation since the 19th century through the high-tech age.
The 2011 selectees represent a fourth wave of innovation that has shaped the development of the U.S. economy. The 9th Annual Innovation and Equity Symposium featured the technical legacy of the Freedom Riders of the Cutting Edge — Roy Clay Sr., a Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame member; and the late Frank Greene Sr., Gerald A. Lawson and Ron Jones.
The 10th Annual Innovation & Equity Symposium led to the development of a biotechnology pilot high school in San Francisco. The 11th Annual Symposium was followed by testimony on Capitol Hill regarding African-American innovation, and the Catapult Innovation Showcase across the nation spurred manufacturing through innovation in black communities. Additionally, "A Great Day in Gaming: From Queens to Silicon Valley: The Gerald A. Lawson Story" debuted in June at the Tech Museum of Innovation, just three months after his visit to the Game Developers Conference in March.
Here is just another example of the fact that blacks are participating in the technology boom and have historically had a major presence in the growth and development of the industry.
Read more at Yahoo News.
In other news: Clemson's Juan Gilbert Receives Presidential Mentoring Honor.