Christian Barksdale diversity in technology

Elijah McCoy was an African American engineer and inventor who held 50 patents for various devices, including improvements to lubrication systems and household tools like the folding ironing board and the lawn sprinkler. Born into slavery, McCoy had a strong passion for engineering and mechanics from a young age. When he was 15, his parents sent him to Scotland to complete an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering. Due to racial discrimination, companies refused to hire him as an engineer, so he worked on the railroad instead. This job, however, turned out to be valuable it led to his invention of the automatic lubricator for steam engines, earning him his first patent. Today, honoring pioneers like McCoy is an important step in addressing racial bias in technology and recognizing the lasting impact of African American engineers.
 

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson made history as the first Black woman to earn a doctorate from MIT. Her work led to key innovations like caller ID and call waiting things we now take for granted but that helped shape modern communication. Getting there wasn’t easy. During her time at MIT, she faced racism, sexism, and classism. Still, she pushed through, determined to prove that Black women belong in science and engineering. She earned her bachelor’s in physics and went on to achieve even more. Today, women especially Black women in tech still face many of the same challenges. It’s not just about race; it’s also about gender. To create real change, we need to start by understanding those struggles, including how pay inequality holds women back. There’s no quick fix, but progress is possible if we commit to tackling these issues one step at a time.