The technology sector has long been a cornerstone of innovation and economic growth. Yet, despite its forward-thinking reputation, the industry continues to grapple with significant underrepresentation of Black professionals.
This disparity not only limits diversity of thought but also perpetuates systemic inequities. However, numerous pathways and resources are emerging to empower Black individuals to break into and thrive within the tech industry.
Why it matters
Black people make up 12% of the U.S. workforce but only 8% of employees in tech jobs. That percentage is even smaller further up the corporate ladder—just 3% of technology executives in the C-suite are Black, according to a McKinsey analysis of Fortune 500 executives. That gap is likely to widen over the next decade, especially in light of the attack on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
Across all industries, technology jobs—those in data science, engineering, cybersecurity and software development—are expected to grow 14% by 2032. Yet, Black tech talent in those roles is projected to grow only 8% over the same period.
*McKinsey
Tyanna Morrison, Chair for the Black Business Research Group at HP, hopes more Black women consider executive leadership roles in tech sectors that are struggling to fill that gap.
“Black people across the diaspora are so influential in AI and technology. We have the brain and human capital to really shape up the industry like we’ve never seen before.”
Tyanna Morrison, Chair for the Black Business Research Group at HP
This gap has economic consequences. Black households stand to lose out on more than a cumulative $350 billion in tech job wages by 2030, an amount equal to one-tenth of the total wealth held by Black households, according to a McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility analysis.
It’s an issue organizers of AfroTech hoped to address at their recent conference in Houston.
CEO Morgan DeBaun noted during the opening ceremony that a key purpose of the conference was to inspire people to start their businesses. Organizers and attendees hope more Black business owners in tech will increase competition and generate innovation within Black communities.
“We didn’t build this community just so people could get a better job, we built it so they could create the jobs,” DeBaun said. “We didn’t bring people together just to learn about technology. We built (the community) right here so they could create the technology.”
Skills and education pathways
The yearly AfroTech conference is just one of many ways aspiring Black tech professionals can acquire the necessary skills. Other routes include:
- Traditional Academic Routes: Pursuing degrees in computer science or related fields from accredited institutions.
- Coding Bootcamps: Intensive, short-term programs that focus on practical coding skills, often with career placement support.
- Self-Directed Learning: Utilizing online platforms such as Coursera, Udacity and Khan Academy to build competencies at one’s own pace.
- Tech Apprenticeships: Programs like Microsoft’s Leap and IBM’s apprenticeship initiative provide real-world training without requiring a traditional four-year degree.
Organizations like Black Girls Code and ColorStack are instrumental in providing educational opportunities tailored to Black students, aiming to ignite interest and proficiency in technology from an early age.
Technology leader Shannon James emphasized the importance of these organizations. “Black-led tech programs are about more than just training. They help Black professionals develop networks, gain mentors and overcome challenges unique to our experience in this industry,” she said.
Overcoming barriers
Black tech professionals often face challenges including biases in hiring, imposter syndrome, and workplace culture issues. Addressing these requires both individual strategies and systemic change:
- Bias Mitigation: Implementing unbiased recruitment processes, like anonymized resume screening and structured interviews, can help level the playing field.
- Community Building: Engaging with organizations like Black in AI fosters collaboration and mentorship among Black AI researchers.
- Personal Development: Encouraging self-advocacy, resilience and continuous learning through networking events and professional development courses.
James also stressed that systemic change is crucial.
“Representation isn’t just about hiring,” he said. “It’s about ensuring Black professionals are supported and mentored so they stay and advance in these spaces.”
The role of tech companies
While some companies have made public commitments to diversity, recent trends indicate a troubling reevaluation of these initiatives:
- Scaling Back DEI Efforts: Companies like Google have eliminated diversity hiring targets, reflecting a broader industry shift amid legal and political pressures.
- Continued Challenges: Despite various DEI programs, significant changes in workforce diversity, particularly in leadership positions, remain limited.
To foster genuine inclusivity, tech companies must move beyond performative measures and implement substantive policies that promote equitable hiring, retention and advancement for Black professionals, James said. This includes:
- Establishing accountability metrics for diversity initiatives.
- Ensuring Black professionals are mentored and sponsored into leadership roles.
- Partnering with HBCUs and Black-led organizations to build a more robust talent pipeline.
The path forward
Breaking into the tech industry as a Black professional involves navigating a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities. By leveraging diverse educational pathways, accessing targeted resources, confronting systemic barriers and advocating for meaningful corporate change, Black individuals can not only enter but also thrive in the tech sector.
Collective efforts from educational institutions, industry organizations and tech companies are crucial to dismantling existing disparities and building a more inclusive technological future.
“With increased investments in Black tech talent and entrepreneurship, the industry has the potential to benefit from a richer, more diverse range of ideas and innovation that drive progress for everyone,” James said.
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship Lab. The Lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.
