Bridging the Gap: Empowering Black Talent in the Tech Industry for a Prosperous Future

By Javar Juarez- CUBNSC.COM

July 9th, 2023 at 9:41 PM EST

Across the globe, Black communities are reservoirs of immense cultural wealth. Their contributions in various fields — from music, fashion, and cuisine to technology — have been pivotal in shaping the world as we know it. Yet, historically, their work has often been co-opted and their influences downplayed due to systemic racism. Notwithstanding this, Black people, from the unsung heroes at NASA in the 1960s to the scholars of Timbuktu, have ceaselessly displayed their capacity to innovate, explore, and love.

The influence of Black people on the global economy is immeasurable. Every facet of daily life, from fundamental utilities to beloved technologies and devices, bears their mark. Imagine a world devoid of these comforts; that is the reality without Black innovators. Despite historical oppressions aimed at usurping their intellectual property, Black people have continually risen from the ashes, displaying remarkable resilience.

We currently stand at the brink of a new revolution. Many in the tech industry aim to exclude Black people from this emerging domain of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, a comprehensive and truly beneficial AI cannot be realized without incorporating the influence of one of the world's most vibrant and spiritual communities — the Black people. 

During a recent visit to Columbia, South Carolina, Congressman Ro Khanna highlighted the importance of wider opportunities for Black people in tech. He emphasized that an AI system developed exclusively by a single racial group, in this case, white programmers, will inherently lack the broad perspective needed to effectively serve a diverse global populace.

AI should enhance our lives and enable us to create programming and content that improves human communication. It's crucial to acknowledge the significant contributions of non-white groups and strive to fully comprehend our diverse ways of thinking and expressing. While it's commendable that figures like Ro Khanna understand the necessity of more Black and Brown people contributing to AI and tech development, it's imperative that we recognize the need for a stronger Black influence in tech for the collective survival of our society.

There's an economic risk too. If Black professionals continue to be underrepresented in tech roles, businesses could lose billions. Closing this gap requires revising our approach to education, recruitment, and retention.

Although Black people comprise 12% of the US workforce, they hold only 8% of tech positions. This underrepresentation is more stark in the executive ranks, with Black individuals holding just 3% of C-suite tech roles. By 2030, Black households could lose more than $350 billion in wages from tech jobs — a significant portion of their total wealth.

Enhancing Black representation in tech roles isn't just about bridging wage gaps. It's about bettering the lives of those often marginalized in workplaces, and about developing inclusive technologies with the potential to transform Black communities. For example, digital banking platforms that consider Black consumers can enhance living standards in traditionally underbanked communities.

To increase Black representation in tech roles, businesses, nonprofits, and public-sector agencies must act cohesively. They should revisit their strategies at key stages in the career path of Black tech talent, including enhancing K–12 STEM education, strengthening partnerships with HBCUs, expanding opportunities for alternative skills, transitioning from mentorship to sponsorship, and enabling Black leaders to excel.

Representation at leadership levels remains stagnant, with Black professionals constituting just 4% of executive leaders and holding 4.4% of board seats. Despite heightened interest in the education and careers of Black workers, these disparities persist. While efforts are being made to increase the share of Black workers in rapidly growing industries like tech, there's still work to do.

The technology industry, predicted to grow 13% by 2030, shows similar disparities. While Black employees make up nearly 12% of the national workforce, they represent just 8% of the tech workforce.

The financial commitment Black students make towards higher education often teeters on the brink of uncertainty, as they are more frequently required to resort to loans for their education compared to their white counterparts, leading to a higher likelihood of loan defaults. Furthermore, the lack of Black representation in the technological sphere and the fact that over half of Black professionals report never having a mentor compound these difficulties.

Nonetheless, initiatives to narrow this gap in economic progress are gaining momentum, with numerous organizations and companies, including Google and Zoom as highlighted by esteemed Congressman Ro Khanna, actively endeavoring to fortify the learning and professional environments for Black Americans. These organizations are forming partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in South Carolina to optimize these efforts and tap into the growing pool of young, talented Black students in the region. As the tech industry evolves towards greater inclusivity, the stage is set for Black talent to truly blossom and pave the way for a thriving future.