An undercover investigation has exposed a secretive international network promoting discredited “race science” ideologies, with financial backing from US tech entrepreneur Andrew Conru, The Guardian reports. Known as the Human Diversity Foundation (HDF), the group has operated for two years, disseminating ideas on genetic superiority through podcasts, videos, and online publications. The anti-racism organization Hope Not Hate initiated the investigation, revealing that Conru, a millionaire behind popular dating sites, had donated over $1 million to the group. Following inquiries, he withdrew his support, citing a deviation from HDF’s original mission
The Hollywood Reporter’s “Creator A-List: The 50 Most Influential Influencers” highlights digital stars reshaping entertainment through innovation and influence. Black creators on the list are leading the way, proving their value through cultural impact and trendsetting content. Here’s a look at the Black influencers making their mark on this year’s list. Kai Cenat (@kaicenat) At just 22, Kai Cenat is a force to be reckoned with on Twitch, where his comedic content and live streams have garnered a massive following. Notable for featuring rappers like Lil Baby, 21 Savage, and
Registered non-profit organization Darkies in Tech has launched a new website designed to drive inclusion by providing a centralized platform for professionals of color within the South African tech industry. Founded by Ntsako Mgiba in February 2021, Darkies in Tech has become the largest vetted community of its kind in South Africa, with over 450 members, including founders, investors, and ecosystem builders. The community has consistently hosted educational and social events aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for Black professionals in tech. Addressing Exclusion in South Africa’s Tech Scene
The Supreme Court’s ruling against race-conscious admissions has not reduced Black student representation in the 2024 incoming college class, according to a new analysis. Instead, Vector Solutions, a leading education software and data provider, found a slight increase in Black student enrollment, driven by growth at small public institutions. Increase in Black Student Enrollment Many feared that the Supreme Court’s ruling would drastically lower the number of Black students and other students of color in higher education. However, Vector Solutions’ data, which includes responses from over 624,000 first-year students at
Everyone in my team is a person of color (POC). Before joining this company, I had unconsciously dimmed my ideas, opinions, and a huge part of myself. Working in an industry that’s 94% white, I’d absorbed the belief that stories about race and identity didn’t always need to be told— or perhaps I was making too big a deal of them. My all-POC team changed that for me. It set a new standard for what I expect from the workplace. Feeling Like I’m “Too Much” As a journalism student at
Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft have helped to mitigate racial discrimination against Black passengers—at least when it comes to wait times, a new study from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has revealed. Researchers found that the technology’s ability to rapidly rematch canceled rides plays a key role in lessening the impact of discriminatory behavior. A Complex Issue with Tech-Led Solutions Historically, Black passengers hailing taxis faced rampant discrimination, often enduring longer wait times or outright rejections. An academic study had revealed a troubling pattern of discrimination by Uber and Lyft
Reddit is bringing its AI-powered translation tool to more than 35 new countries, with plans to rollout the feature across Latin America in the coming weeks. Following a successful introduction in France earlier this year, users in Brazil and Spain are now able to translate posts and comments with a simple click, making Reddit more accessible to non-English-speaking communities. Seamless Translation Across Platforms This new feature allows Redditors to translate posts and comments into their preferred language across all platforms—mobile web, apps, and desktop. A translation icon in the overflow
The Black Founders Programme, by Digital Catapult and Sony Music UK, is back for its second year, supporting Black British entrepreneurs in creative technology. Ten new startups have joined the 2024 cohort, applying immersive technologies like virtual, augmented and mixed reality to creative industries. Supporting Black Deep Tech Innovation The initiative focuses on improving investment readiness through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. Last year, over 80% of participants saw growth in investment readiness, securing key corporate partnerships and investor interest. This year’s cohort explores immersive technology in storytelling, music production,
Rapper and entrepreneur 2 Chainz has joined PepsiCo to launch “Taste of Tomorrow,” a new initiative aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of Black professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers. Boosting Black representation in STEM Despite STEM fields experiencing rapid growth, Black professionals currently make up just 9% of the workforce. The “Taste of Tomorrow” initiative aims to break down the systemic barriers Black students face in pursuing STEM careers, such as limited access to advanced coursework and public programming. Rapper and entrepreneur 2 Chainz, a HBCU alum,
Workers of color made up 40.1% of the high tech workforce in 2022, comprising a share similar to the total US workforce, according to a new report from the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). However, Black and Hispanic workers remain significantly underrepresented in the high tech workforce and sector, especially in senior roles, depsite growing numbers. The high tech workforce The high tech workforce refers to workers in 56 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations regardless of industry, for example, an engineer working at a nonprofit. Black high tech
