Women’s History Month 2024 shines a spotlight on ‘Champions of Change,’ celebrating women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). This month-long observance in March honors the role of women in American history and acknowledges their ongoing efforts to create a more equitable world. This year’s theme particularly resonates with the tech industry, where women, especially Black women, are significantly underrepresented, undermined, and excluded. In this context, we have spotlighted some Black women in tech whose startups are breaking barriers, building bridges, and making the world a more equitable place. Laura Weidman Powers – Code2040
Founder and former CEO of Black Girls Code (BGC) Kimberly Bryant has announced the amicable resolution of a legal dispute between herself and the board of BGC. BGC is a nonprofit organization that focuses on engaging African American girls and other youth of color with computer programming education to nurture their careers in tech. The organization, founded by Bryant in 2011, offers computer programming, coding, website robots, and mobile application building, with the goal of placing one million girls in tech by 2040. Bryant’s History With BGC Kimberly Bryant was
To commemorate Black History Month, we are spotlighting the pioneers in tech who have paved the way for up-and-coming Black technologists. You can check out part one here! From completely revolutionizing the technology world to creating the everyday tech items we can’t live without today. As a collective, this group has helped inspire a whole generation of Black professionals in tech. So, let’s meet them. Lonnie G. Johnson One thing summer always brings out is water guns. Thanks to Lonnie Johnson, our most iconic childhood memories include playing outside with our
Black Girls CODE board member Heather Hiles is breaking their silence regarding allegations made against them from Black Girls CODE founder Kimberly Bryant. Hiles’ comments are the latest in a still developing fight between Black Girls CODE’s board and the nonprofit’s recently ousted founder Kimberly Bryant. Earlier this month, Black Girls CODE announced that they have officially removed Bryant from the organization. The announcement follows Bryant’s own move to take ownership of the narrative. The Business Insider reports that Bryant has filed a suit in federal court against Black Girls CODE, alleging that she was
Today, Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that drives transformation in the American workforce and education systems, released a new report identifying 14 trailblazing organizations working to increase the number and proportion of Black Americans in high-earning technology careers. Developed with support from Comcast NBCUniversal, the report—Purpose-Built to Advance Equity: Expanding Opportunities in Tech for Black Americans—is rooted in an analysis of more than 200 startups, educational institutions, nonprofits, and other programs focused on the development of Black talent in technology. “To disrupt historic patterns of occupational segregation
Kimberly Bryant, who founded Black Girls Code in 2011, released an official statement on December 30, days after the company’s board of directors suspended her after several misconduct complaints. The statement, which can be found on Twitter, said: “After obtaining legal counsel to address my unlawful suspension only days before Christmas, I spoke with ABC7’s Julian Glover to share additional details about concerns with members of the Black Girls. CODE board of directors.” She claimed the suspension was a part of an agenda to “impact a small, women-founded, women-led nonprofit” with women
