With Earth Day taking place today, National Geographic and science communicator Maynard Okereke have been collaborating to create Earth Day content that inspires youth to learn about the importance of protecting the planet.
Okereke is a science communicator widely known as Hip Hop M.D. He is a member of National Geographic’s inaugural Creator Cohort Initiative and aims to educate youth in STEM through the use of hip-hop culture and music.
“I do a lot of work with kids and youth in regards to science,” Okereke said. “Being able to inspire the next generation to be science leaders and spark that kind of science literacy, led me to where I am now.”
Okereke’s inspiration to pursue science communication comes back to his early childhood love of science.
“I was really immersed in the natural world and that was my very first indoctrination to nature, wildlife and science,” Okereke said.
While working in social media, Okereke discovered his passion for creating educational content, which eventually led to the creation of his current platform: Hip Hop Science Show
“The Hip Hop Science platform actually started as a sketch comedy skit,” Okereke said. “It was just something fun that I was doing with some other creative friends of mine, but from there it snowballed into this education platform.”
Besides the Hip Hop Science Show, Okereke is part of National Geographic’s first Creator Cohort, a six-month program that brings together eight content creators to share stories in science, travel, history and wildlife.
“ I grew up watching National Geographic and I remember it was always my dream to be a National Geographic Explorer, or going on an expedition with scientists in the Amazon or Arctic,” Okereke said. “It’s really a full circle moment to take part in this cohort program because it validates a lot of the work I’ve been doing over the past few years and recognizes it through an amazing platform.”
Okereke’s experience as part of this program has been very beneficial to him, as it gives him the chance to connect with other creators.
“The connection with National Geographic was really important, but also being able to be connected with an entire community. I’ve got a chance to meet the other creators that are in the cohort, and all of them are absolutely amazing. They all bring their own creativity and ingenuity to the table and it’s awesome to be connected with a community like that” Okereke said.
Okereke is also part of The Wonder List, which is part of the “Step into Wonder” Earth Month campaign. The Wonder List is a project that serves as a digital hub for families to explore the natural world.
“Being able to have a project like this is really incredible and impactful, especially for the next generation,” Okereke said.
Through The Wonder List, Okereke recorded four videos in hopes that viewers would learn and appreciate their local environment.
“I hope [The Wonder List] sparks some curiosity and empowers people to be able to make an impact in their own environment,” Okereke said. “ I also hope viewers that watch develop an appreciation [for earth] and learn that they have an important ability to be able to make an impact on the world around them.”
With earth month currently ongoing, Okereke continues to partner with National Geographic where he creates content on the significance of protecting the environment.
“I always love highlighting things during Earth Month, fun facts around Earth sciences and natural sciences,” Okereke said. “Having National Geographic’s support helps bridge that gap and I’m excited for new expeditions to come and partnerships to be developed.”
Okereke hopes his content will leave a lasting impact on future generations.
“I want to leave a legacy where people who see my content feel empowered to take action and make a change in their own lives or someone else’s. To me, that would be the most valuable thing I could leave behind,” Okereke said.
