In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, innovation knows no bounds. Yet, for too long, the contributions of African American software engineers have been overlooked and underrepresented.

From founding groundbreaking startups to pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence, these trailblazers have shattered stereotypes and paved the way for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

In this post, we shine a spotlight on 12 remarkable African American software engineers whose work has not only transformed the tech world but also inspired generations to come. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and recognize the impact they've made on shaping the future of technology.

1. Kimberly Bryant: Kimberly Bryant is the founder of Black Girls Code, a nonprofit organization that aims to introduce girls of color to computer programming and technology. Bryant founded Black Girls Code in 2011 to address the lack of diversity in the tech industry and to provide opportunities for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

   
   

2. Tristan Walker: Tristan Walker is the founder and CEO of Walker & Company Brands, a health and beauty company that creates products for people of color. Before founding Walker & Company, Walker held various roles at tech companies like Foursquare and Twitter. He is known for his entrepreneurial ventures and his efforts to increase diversity in the tech industry.

   
   

3. Marlon Nichols: Marlon Nichols is the co-founder and Managing General Partner at MaC Venture Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. Nichols has extensive experience in the tech industry and has worked as an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor to numerous startups.

   
   

4. Arlan Hamilton: Arlan Hamilton is the founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in underrepresented founders. Hamilton founded Backstage Capital in 2015 with the goal of supporting entrepreneurs who are women, people of color, and LGBTQ+. She is known for her efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

   
   

5. Wayne Sutton: Wayne Sutton is the co-founder and CTO of Change Catalyst, a company that empowers diverse, inclusive, and sustainable tech innovation. Sutton is also a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and advisor to startups. He is known for his work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

   
   

6. Morgan DeBaun: Morgan DeBaun is the co-founder and CEO of Blavity, a media company that focuses on black millennials. DeBaun founded Blavity in 2014 to provide a platform for black voices and perspectives. Under her leadership, Blavity has grown into a successful media company with a strong community following.

   
   

7. Jewel Burks Solomon: Jewel Burks Solomon is the co-founder of Partpic, a visual recognition technology company that was acquired by Amazon in 2016. Solomon founded Partpic in 2013 to help users identify and find replacement parts using photos. She is known for her entrepreneurial success and her efforts to promote diversity in the tech industry.

   
   

8. Kaya Thomas: Kaya Thomas is an iOS developer and the creator of the We Read Too app, which helps users discover books written by authors of color. Thomas created We Read Too in 2014 to address the lack of diversity in children's literature. She is known for her advocacy for diversity in tech and her contributions to the iOS development community.

   
   

9. Kathryn Finney: Kathryn Finney is the founder and Managing Director of digitalundivided, an organization that supports black and Latinx women entrepreneurs. Finney founded digitalundivided in 2012 to provide resources, mentorship, and funding to underrepresented founders. She is known for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

   
   

10. Rodney Williams: Rodney Williams is the co-founder and CEO of LISNR, a technology company that enables data transmission through sound. Williams co-founded LISNR in 2012 to provide a secure and efficient alternative to traditional wireless communication methods. He is known for his entrepreneurial success and his contributions to the tech industry.

    
    

11. Clarence Wooten: Clarence Wooten is the founder and CEO of VentureFund.io, a platform that helps startups raise capital from investors. Wooten is a serial entrepreneur and investor with a successful track record of building and scaling tech companies. He is known for his expertise in entrepreneurship and his contributions to the startup ecosystem.

    
    

12. Brian Brackeen: Brian Brackeen is the founder and former CEO of Kairos, a facial recognition technology company. Brackeen founded Kairos in 2012 to provide facial recognition software for businesses and developers. He is known for his entrepreneurial success and his contributions to the field of facial recognition technology.

    
    

As we come to the end of Black History Month through the achievements of these remarkable individuals, it's evident that their contributions extend far beyond the realm of code and algorithms. Through resilience, determination, and unwavering passion, they have shattered barriers, challenged norms, and opened doors for future generations of African American software engineers.

Their stories remind us of the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and propelling progress forward. As we look to the future, let us continue to celebrate and uplift the voices and talents of all underrepresented groups in the tech industry, ensuring that the next generation of innovators reflects the rich tapestry of our society.

Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make their mark.