February is here, and it’s time to say Happy Black History Month! This month is a celebration of the achievements, culture, and heritage of Black Americans who have shaped history, from the civil rights movement to groundbreaking technological advancements.
Black History Month is a time to reflect on the often-overlooked achievements of Black inventors. As we honor the pioneers of African American history, we also spotlight modern leaders shaping the tech industry’s future.
Technology is at the heart of innovation in America and the world, and Black communities have produced some of the most influential minds in the field. In the spirit of celebrating Black History Month, let’s highlight six Black tech founders who are making a difference.
These Black visionaries have created companies that:
- Provide services
- Increase accessibility
- Drive technological advancements.
Let’s see how these leaders impact the industry, Black Americans, and beyond.
How Black History Month Started
In African American History, Black History Month started back in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History created Negro History Week. Woodson is often called the “Father of Black History” and wanted to highlight the contributions of Black people and get their stories included in American history.
The second week of February was chosen to honor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two major players in the fight for Black freedom.
As the civil rights movement grew, the celebration expanded. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially declared Black History Month and urged Americans to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black people in history.
Today, the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world celebrate Black History Month as a time to reflect, learn, and celebrate Black excellence.
6 Black-Owned Tech Brands
1. Yellow Tail Tech: Closing the IT Skills Gap
As the founder and CEO of Yellow Tail Tech, Jubee Vilceus is on a mission to equip individuals—especially from Black communities—with in-demand technical skills.
With a background in IT and a passion for education, Vilceus started Yellow Tail Tech to offer a structured Linux program and AWS training so more Black people can enter and thrive in the IT industry.
Under his leadership, Yellow Tail Tech has provided career-focused resources and mentorship to help Black people get into tech. The company’s mission aligns with the larger goals of Black History Month—to empower and uplift the African American life in the community through knowledge, education, and opportunity.
2. Career Karma: Helping People Transition into Tech
Getting into the tech industry can be challenging, but Ruben Harris, co-founder and CEO of Career Karma, is making it more manageable. Harris launched Career Karma to connect career changers with coding boot camps and mentors and create a pathway into high-paying tech jobs.
With a strong focus on Black communities, Harris ensures underrepresented groups get career growth opportunities. His work is crucial in addressing the limited representation of Black people in tech, offering mentorship and access to the tools to help close racial employment.
3. Calendly: Revolutionizing Scheduling Worldwide
The genius behind Calendly is Tope Awotona, who made scheduling easy. Born in Nigeria and later moving to the U.S., Awotona faced many challenges but remained determined to build a successful business. He bootstrapped Calendly with his savings and turned it into one of the most successful Black-owned tech companies in the world.
Awotona’s persistence and ingenuity reflect the achievements and resilience of many Black Americans in tech. His story shows how Black entrepreneurs shape the industry and redefine what’s possible for Black-owned businesses worldwide.
4. Blavity: Amplifying Black Voices in Media and Tech
Morgan DeBaun is a digital media and tech powerhouse. As the co-founder and CEO of Blavity, she is an African American woman entrepreneur who founded the company to create a space where Black stories, news, and culture could thrive.
Since then, her company has expanded into conferences like AfroTech, which connects Black tech professionals and entrepreneurs. By merging media and technology, DeBaun is amplifying Black voices, reshaping the landscape of both industries, and increasing representation in a space where it has been lacking.
5. Esusu: Breaking Down Financial Barriers
Abbey Wemimo and Samir Goel, co-founders of Esusu, are tackling financial barriers head-on. Their fintech company helps renters build credit by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus, which benefits Black communities with limited access to financial services.
Their work embodies the spirit of Black History Month—creating opportunities and fighting for economic justice. Using technology to close the wealth gap, they’re empowering individuals and whole communities to build generational wealth, proving that fintech can be a force for change.
6. Jopwell: Increasing Diversity in the Workforce
Porter Braswell and Ryan Williams co-founders of Jopwell, are changing the game in diversity hiring. Their career advancement platform connects Black, Latin, and Native American professionals with top employers to increase inclusion in corporate spaces.
Beyond Jopwell provides career tools, mentorship, and networking. Braswell and Williams are working to break down barriers for Black people in the workforce, creating a more inclusive corporate culture and advocating for systemic change in hiring practices.
Black Excellence in Tech
As we celebrate Black History Month, we must acknowledge important people in black history and their legacy in technology. From early pioneers like Frederick Douglass, who used literacy and education as tools for empowerment, to modern Black tech founders of tech companies, the contributions of Black people in tech are shaping our world and making life easier for us.
The history of Black excellence in technology goes back decades. Figures like Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made Black woman millionaire, and Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Negro History Week (which later became Black History Month) paved the way for today’s Black innovators. Their impact extends far beyond their lifetimes, proving Black ingenuity and perseverance is key to progress.
To the Future
The success of these Black founders is just the beginning. As we celebrate Black history, we must also look forward. Encouraging more Black entrepreneurs, increasing access to STEM education, and supporting black-owned businesses are all key to a more inclusive tech industry.
In the spirit of Black History Month, let’s celebrate these achievements and take action to support the next generation of Black tech leaders. Whether through mentorship, investment, or awareness, we all have a role in building a more equitable and innovative future.
Once again, Happy Black History Month! Let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and support the future of Black excellence in tech.
Ready to get into tech? Book a 10-minute intro call with Yellow Tail Tech today and start your tech career.
