Happy Black History Month! It is essential to honor and celebrate the achievements of Black individuals who have shaped industries Innovation & Tech Today champions around 365 days a year—technology, STEM, and sustainability.
Throughout history, many Black figures have broken barriers, made groundbreaking contributions, and inspired future generations to dream big. Here are some Black individuals whose contributions in these fields continue to impact and transform the world!
Pioneers in Tech
1. Mark Dean
Mark Dean, an engineer and computer scientist, is widely recognized for his groundbreaking work at IBM, where he co-invented the personal computer (PC) and was integral in developing the first color computer monitor. As the first Black person to hold the position of an IBM Fellow, Dean’s innovations in the field of computing laid the foundation for the modern personal computer. His inventions, such as the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) system bus, revolutionized how computers are built and operated.
Dean didn’t just change the game with hardware design—his dedication also played a big part in bringing more diversity to STEM. His work has inspired so many Black engineers to jump into tech careers.
2. Dr. Gladys West
Dr. Gladys West is a mathematician and a key figure behind the development of GPS technology. Her work in the 1950s and 1960s on satellite geodesy, which involved using mathematical algorithms to model the Earth, was crucial to the creation of modern-day GPS systems. Her mathematical modeling played a pivotal role in enabling navigation and mapping systems used by billions today.
Dr. Gladys West’s groundbreaking work shows how much Black women have contributed to advancing technology. Her legacy keeps inspiring new generations of mathematicians and scientists.
Innovators in STEM
1. Dr. Mae Jemison
Dr. Mae Jemison made history— she was the first African American woman to travel to space! As a physician, engineer, and astronaut, Jemison’s achievements are a testament to her dedication to STEM fields. She flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992, paving the way for more diverse representation in NASA’s astronaut program.
Beyond her space exploration achievements, Dr. Jemison is also an advocate for STEM education and founded the Jemison Group, which focuses on science and technology development, particularly in areas that can improve the quality of life for marginalized communities. She remains a powerful role model for women and people of color pursuing careers in science and technology.
2. George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver was a pioneering agricultural scientist and inventor who transformed the American South’s agricultural landscape. Known for his work with peanuts, sweet potatoes, and crop rotation, Carver developed hundreds of innovative agricultural products that helped improve soil quality and reduce dependency on cotton monoculture.
His research pushed agricultural science forward and played a big role in sustainability by promoting eco-friendly farming practices. How we approach farming and environmental conservation today is still inspired by Carver’s work.
Advocates for Sustainability
1. Dr. Robert Bullard
Often referred to as the “father of environmental justice,” Dr. Robert Bullard has been a trailblazer in advocating for equal protection from environmental hazards for all people, particularly those in marginalized communities. As a sociologist and author, Bullard’s research highlighted the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by Black and low-income communities, such as toxic waste sites, air pollution, and unsafe water.
Through his work, Bullard has helped drive policy changes and brought attention to how environmental issues tie into racial and social justice. His advocacy is still shaping how we approach sustainability.
2. Dr. Ingrid Waldron
Dr. Ingrid Waldron is a leading scholar and advocate for environmental justice in Canada! Her work has focused on the disproportionate environmental impacts experienced by Indigenous and Black communities, especially in areas where industrial developments have led to environmental degradation. Through her research and activism, Dr. Waldron has highlighted the connections between environmental harm, public health, and social inequalities.
On top of her academic work, Dr. Waldron has been a strong advocate for policy reforms that promote sustainable and fair environmental practices. Her efforts have helped empower marginalized communities to stand up for their right to a healthy environment.
As we celebrate their achievements, let us also recognize the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion in all industries, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Here’s a list of Black-led charities you can support during Black History Month.
