Episode 740 | The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show | www.Sharvette.com
Elizabeth ‘Naja’ Turner is a passionate educator and advocate in the field of Black Science History, committed to uniquely biologically and scientifically teaching people how we see the world. Elizabeth explains how our eyes literally work, why we see what we see, and how to change it. With a deep-rooted curiosity about the universe and its mysteries, her journey into teaching was inspired by her childhood fascination with the Nazca Lines of Peru. These mysterious ancient drawings sparked her interest in uncovering the hidden stories of history, setting her on a path to explore and share the truths of science education.
Her path to teaching was influenced by her father’s respect for the profession and a friend’s prophetic assertion that she was born to teach. Moving to Oklahoma in 1997 with aspirations of a PhD in Biological Science, Elizabeth found her true calling in the classroom, inspired by a friend’s venture into charter schooling. This transition from aspiring scientist to dedicated educator marked the beginning of her mission to challenge conventional narratives and enlighten young minds.
Elizabeth‘s tenure as a Research Assistant at the Dean McGee Eye Institute provided her with a foundational understanding of the science of the eye, which she seamlessly integrates into her teaching. She strives to impart the principles governing our planet, encouraging students to seek truth beyond the confines of the standard curriculum.
In an effort to reach a broader audience, Elizabeth ventured into the digital world with her YouTube channel, “Ascending Plato’s Cave.” Through this platform, she aims to dismantle the chains of mental slavery by revealing scientific truths hidden from the public eye. Her videos are a clarion call to awaken from the deception of falsehoods masquerading as truth.
The slogan “Pretty isn’t Pretty! It’s Simply What You’ve Been Trained to See!” captures Elizabeth‘s core message. She challenges individuals to question their perceptions, urging them to recognize that their views are shaped by societal conditioning rather than objective reality. This philosophy is a cornerstone of her teaching, encouraging students to look beyond appearances and seek the essence of truth.
Elizabeth is also a gifted storyteller, as evidenced by her children’s books, “Ausar Unbound, A Tale of Beginnings” and “Knowledge is Better than Riches.” These works are not only tales of entertainment but also vehicles for imparting wisdom, exploring themes of creation, self-discovery, and the value of knowledge over material wealth.
Balancing her roles as an educator, author, and content creator is a challenging endeavor, but Elizabeth is unwavering in her commitment to her students and her mission. She understands the significance of reaching young minds in an era where truth is often obscured. Her classroom is her laboratory, where she experiments with the art of teaching, striving to make a lasting impact on her students’ lives.
Elizabeth‘s journey from San Diego to Oklahoma, shaped by her military experience and her parents’ roots, has been a journey of discovery and advocacy. She remains dedicated to her mission, tirelessly working to shed light on the contributions of Black scientists and inspire the next generation to seek truth and knowledge.
Elizabeth Turner‘s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, dedication, and the pursuit of truth. She is a true inspiration, challenging us to question what we’ve been trained to see and to embrace the beauty of knowledge and understanding.
