The underrepresentation of African Americans in STEM careers is no new phenomenon. In fact, 2018 statistics posit that African American representation in STEM careers sits around 9%. Both current literature and researchers recognize the need to increase Black representation in STEM fields and have therefore explored academic and professional interventions to achieve this objective. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of qualitative research exploring experiences with racism held by Blacks working in STEM organizations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the phenomenon surrounding how African American STEM professionals make sense of their experiences related to race and racism. In employing a phenomenological framework, the research generated a body of detailed anecdotes and descriptions regarding this phenomenon. Moreover, phenomenological data analysis emphasized several themes and subthemes across participants' experiences with racism throughout their career. This study is one of the first to investigate the lived experiences of Black STEM professionals who interpret racism as being a natural part of their professional experiences in their STEM careers. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]