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Trailblazers in Tech: Famous Black Technologists to Know This Black History Month
Black innovators have shaped the world of technology in profound ways, from advancing artificial intelligence to making life-saving inventions. This Black History Month, we’re highlighting trailblazing Black technologists whose work has transformed industries and inspired future generations. From theoretical physics to AI ethics, these brilliant minds have pushed the boundaries of science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Their contributions continue to impact our daily lives and pave the way for a more inclusive tech landscape.
Tope Awotona
Tope Awotona is the founder of Calendly, a scheduling platform that has revolutionized the way individuals and businesses manage appointments. With millions of users, Calendly has simplified scheduling and saved time for people worldwide. Awotona’s entrepreneurial success continues to make him a prominent figure in the tech industry.
Read more about Tope Awotona here.
Kimberly Bryant
A former electrical engineer, Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls Code in 2011 to address the lack of diversity in the tech industry. Her nonprofit organization provides coding education to young Black girls, empowering them to pursue careers in technology and innovation.
Read more about Kimberly Bryant here.
Dr. Sylvester James Gates Jr.
A theoretical physicist specializing in supersymmetry, supergravity, and string theory, Dr. Sylvester James Gates Jr. has made fundamental contributions to our understanding of the universe. He has been a strong advocate for STEM education and increasing diversity in physics. A recipient of the National Medal of Science, he continues to inspire young scientists through his research and public outreach.
Read more about Dr. Sylvester James Gates Jr. here.
Timnit Gebru
Timnit Gebru is an AI ethics researcher known for her pioneering work on bias in machine learning models. Her research has highlighted how artificial intelligence systems can perpetuate existing societal biases, urging the tech community to develop more inclusive and fair AI models. Gebru’s work has made her a leader in discussions about the ethical implications of AI.
Read more about Timnit Gebru here.
Dr. Ayanna Howard
A leading expert in robotics and artificial intelligence, Dr. Ayanna Howard has pioneered research in human-robot interaction, including assistive robots for children with disabilities. She was the first woman to become the dean of Ohio State University’s College of Engineering and has worked with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on projects related to Mars exploration.
Read more about Dr. Ayanna Howard here.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson
As the first Black woman to earn a PhD from MIT, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson made groundbreaking contributions to telecommunications. Her research in theoretical physics led to advances in fiber optics, caller ID, and touch-tone dialing. She later became the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an influential voice in STEM education and policy.
Read more about Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson here.
Katherine Johnson
A brilliant mathematician, Katherine Johnson played a crucial role in NASA’s space missions. Her complex orbital calculations ensured the success of John Glenn’s historic orbit around Earth and later helped land astronauts on the Moon. Her contributions, once overlooked, were highlighted in the film Hidden Figures, inspiring future generations of women in STEM.
Read more about Katherine Johnson here.
Garrett Morgan
A self-taught inventor and businessman, Garrett Morgan made life-saving contributions to public safety. His most famous inventions include the three-position traffic signal, which helped reduce accidents by introducing a warning yellow light, and an early version of the gas mask, which firefighters and soldiers in World War I later used.
Read more about Garrett Morgan here.