The night sky has always been a source of wonder for me. I have often found God between the crevices of stars and nebular void. However, like many things, the legacy of colonialism and white supremacy even exists in the stellar cold of space. Most celestial bodies bear names from Greek and Roman mythology, excluding rich legacies originating from other global populations, particularly African and Amerindian.

There are over 1 million known asteroids in our solar system, many unnamed or numbered without any cultural significance (source: NASA). This is an opportunity to reflect the diversity that exists on Earth in our cosmos. We propose that the IAU(International Astronomical Union) Minor Planet Center to rename some minor planets after figures from African and Afro-diasporic folklore and mythology such as Oshun, Ogun, Erinle etc., similarly , we also propose IAU incorporate more Native American figures and deities from across Turtle Island as well.

This act would not only honor these rich cultural histories but also inspire future generations who look up at the night sky to see their heritage reflected back at them. It's time we recognize that space belongs to all humanity not just those whose stories have traditionally dominated our understanding of it.

Please sign this petition urging the IAU to bring celestial diversity into our heavens by renaming some asteroids after African and Amerindian folkloric and mythological figures.