The Portal 36: Dark Matter, Black Matters and All That Jazz
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Jun 11, 2020 Stephon Alexander, a theoretical physicist at Brown University and president of the National Society of Black Physicists, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue mixing science and jazz. He shares insights on the cultural significance of blues music and its improvisational nature. The conversation dives into race, friendship, and the challenges of diversity in academia. They explore the mysteries of dark matter, the complexities of particle physics, and advocate for a reevaluation of recognition in science, all while celebrating the harmony between art and science.
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A Star-Studded Birthday Surprise
- Eric Weinstein recounts a memorable birthday party with unexpected guests like Joshua Bell and Sean Lennon.
- Lennon brought a piano as a gift, leading to a jam session with Stephon Alexander.
Meeting Ornette Coleman
- Stephon Alexander describes meeting Ornette Coleman through Jaron Lanier.
- Their initial conversation sparked by Alexander's work on vortices, leading Coleman to say, "I play the vortex."
Playing the Vortex
- Stephon Alexander details his first encounter with Ornette Coleman, where they discussed vortices in physics and music.
- Coleman's open-mindedness and genuine interest in Alexander's work left a lasting impression.
