Last Night, Merck -- Tonight, It's NASA's Turn: Doing Well, By Doing Good.

In the graphic, I've named only a handful of the awarded institutions -- 23, in all. But in truth, they've ALL been selected in no small part because -- for a very long time, they've served the underserved. . . in silence. No more.

These are affirmative statements -- anti-racist statements: putting our money where our mouths are: developing talent, in places where 50 years ago. . . even NASA might not have bothered to. . . look. Here's the whole story, and a particularly gratifying bit:

. . .NASA has selected 23 minority-serving institutions to receive $1.2 million to grow their research and technology capabilities, collaborate on research projects, and contribute to the agency’s missions for the benefit of humanity.

Through NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Partnership Learning Annual Notification (MPLAN) award, selected institutions will receive up to $50,000 each for a six-month period to work directly on STEM projects with subject matter experts in NASA’s mission directorates.

“As NASA looks to inspire the next generation, the Artemis Generation, we are intentional in increasing access for all,” said Shahra Lambert, NASA senior advisor for engagement and equity. “It’s a daring task to return to the Moon then venture to Mars, but NASA is known to make the impossible possible. By funding partnerships such as MPLAN, and tapping into all pools of STEM resources, including MSIs, we are ensuring the future of our missions are in good hands.”

“These awards will help unlock the full potential of students traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research and careers,” said Torry Johnson, deputy associate administrator of STEM Engagement Projects at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Through this award, universities receive support, resources, and guidance directly from NASA experts, which can be a game changer for the work they do to develop technological innovations that contribute to NASA missions and benefit all of humanity. . . .”

And yes, these posts (for example, Merck, of late last night) are in no small part to shake off. . . the openly sneering hatred evinced by/from Justice Thomas. . . in his endless burpings of needless obiter dicta -- in the close-out opinions (ones that attracted only Alito's vote) of this term.

Just sit down, you decrepit. . . grifter.

नमस्ते