Black History Month is a time to reflect on the immense contributions African Americans have made across disciplines. Among these fields, technology has often served as a quieter but equally impactful showcase of innovation. From game-changing inventions to advancing the sciences, African American visionaries have shaped the tech landscape in powerful ways, despite facing systemic barriers to recognition and opportunity.
This month, we look back on the groundbreaking work of African Americans in technology, celebrating their vital contributions, while also recognizing how their legacies pave the way for greater diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields today.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson: Revolutionizing telecommunications
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, a renowned physicist, became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT in 1973. Her work in theoretical physics contributed to significant advancements in telecommunications, including technologies we all use today, such as caller ID and call waiting. These innovations have forever impacted how we connect and communicate.
Otis Boykin: A genius behind modern electronics
Otis Boykin’s impactful career includes more than two dozen patents, but his work in resistors is what cemented his legacy in modern electronics. His improved electrical resistors are used in a variety of devices, including radios, computers, and the control unit for pacemakers, saving millions of lives worldwide. Boykin’s genius laid the groundwork for many of the gadgets and systems we depend on daily.
Dr. Mark Dean: Father of the modern computer
You can thank Dr. Mark Dean for the computer or smartphone you’re reading this on. A trailblazing engineer at IBM, he co-created the first personal computer as well as the ISA bus, which allowed devices like printers and modems to connect to a PC. He also holds over 40 patents, underscoring his profound influence on computing as we know it.
Lisa Gelobter: Animating the internet
Ever shared a GIF to express yourself online? You have Lisa Gelobter to thank. A computer scientist who played an integral role in the development of Shockwave, an early platform enabling web animation, Gelobter’s work laid the foundation for animated media and the GIFs we all know and love. Her contributions remind us of how Black innovators have been driving creativity in the tech world.
Representation matters, especially in industries like technology where racial and gender disparities persist. When young tech enthusiasts see someone like Katherine Johnson or Dr. Mark Dean breaking barriers, they begin to believe they can do the same. An inclusive tech industry will help unlock greater creativity and inspire innovation in the figure. At the intersection of history and innovation lies a powerful opportunity to champion diversity and ensure that every voice has a chance to contribute to the technologies of tomorrow.