Black People In Technology: Let’s Honor Our Black Pioneers

The tech industry has made tremendous progress recently, but it has been inclusive since only sometimes back.

In the past, people of colour, particularly black people, were often excluded from participating in the technology sector. 

However, this has changed over time, and today black people are making significant contributions to the tech industry. 

Despite this progress, black pioneers in technology are often overlooked, and their contributions go unnoticed. 

It’s time to change that, and this Black History Month, honour the Black Leaders of history; who paved the way for future generations.

Who are the Black Leaders or Pioneers in Technology?

Network Solutions, Inc., one of the early leading Internet domain service providers, was founded by Emmitt McHenry. A telecommunications and engineering company he founded in 1995, NetCom Solutions International, has been awarded by NASA and IBM.

Another trailblazer was Mark Dean, who helped develop IBM’s first personal computer. Dean’s contributions to the PC revolution revolutionized the computer industry and made computers accessible to millions worldwide. He is the first African-American to be recognized as an IBM Fellow, the highest level of technical excellence at the company.

Another important tech figure is the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate in nuclear physics from MIT, Dr Shirley Jackson.

Often called the ‘godfather of black Silicon Valley,’ Roy L. Clay was instrumental in initiating the computer division at Hewlett-Packard in the late 1960s. His commitment to recruiting and developing black talent has greatly benefited the next generation of black tech innovators.

Super Soaker water guns were invented by a Black Pioneer, Lonnie G. Johnson, a former aerospace engineer, and Air Force officer.

Talking about a few recent Black Tech Innovators,

One more is Rediet Abebe, a recent Harvard Society of Fellows graduate and Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley. She co-founded Black in AI, an organization dedicated to increasing Black representation in artificial intelligence.

Another black industry leader is Tony Effik, a Managing Director at Google. Along with his wife, Perky Noah-Effik, he founded The Black and Brilliant Advocacy Network, a global professional network with volunteers who aim to advance the interests of Black and Brilliant individuals.

These are just a few examples of black pioneers in technology who have made significant contributions to the industry. Many more black people have made significant contributions to the field, but their stories often go untold.

We at Cloud Analogy believe that supporting Black History Month People is a significant and impactful way to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals to society.

Cloud Analogy is committed to creating a more diverse and equitable workplace. The dedication and commitment to bringing change into the world could be the reason behind our achievement of receiving the Great Place to Work in October 2022, and we are glad to receive the recognition.

Why is it Important to Honor Our Black Pioneers in Technology?

Honouring black pioneers in technology is essential for several reasons. 

• It helps increase black people’s representation and visibility in the tech industry. When black people see that other black people have succeeded in technology, it can help to inspire them to pursue careers in the field.

• Honouring black pioneers in technology helps to counteract the stereotype that black people are not interested in or capable of pursuing careers in technology. 

• By highlighting the achievements of black pioneers in technology, we can help to challenge this stereotype and create a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

• Honouring black pioneers in technology helps to preserve the history of the industry. 

• By recognizing the contributions of black people to technology, we can help to ensure that their legacy is not forgotten and that future generations understand the critical role that black people have played in shaping the tech industry.

Black Pioneers in Technology: What Can Be Done to Honor Them?

We can honour black pioneers in technology in several ways this Black History Month or African American History Month.

• Honour black pioneers in technology by creating educational programs and resources that highlight their contributions to the field. 

This can include workshops, mentorship programs, and online resources that help educate people about black people’s role in shaping the tech industry.

• Recognize their contributions through awards, scholarships, and other forms of recognition. 

This can ensure their achievements are recognized, and their legacy lives on.

• Honour them in technology to work to increase diversity in the tech industry. 

This can include promoting diversity and inclusion in the hiring process, creating supportive workplace environments, and providing opportunities for underrepresented groups to participate in the tech industry.

Black people have made significant contributions to the tech industry, but their contributions are often overlooked, as are their stories. To support them is a commendable effort to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. 

Bottom Line

Cloud Analogy is taking proactive steps toward creating a more equitable and inclusive world.

By dedicating resources and initiatives to this cause, the company is raising awareness about Black history and demonstrating its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and beyond. 

Join us in this fantastic initiative.

For more information & connect with us, make sure to follow us on our different social media channels, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.