Myth-busting has never been an easy task, particularly when it seems that the latest game in business is feigning that excellent people of color do not exist in a particular industry. The resulting excuse for their absence is that, therefore, they cannot be included. Is this belief a very convenient way to guard the ranks in order to generate greater prosperity for the insiders — or just a sad side effect of the all-too-small social circles of the business elite? Regardless of its origins, we must begin to move quickly past this prevalent phenomenon, particularly in the area of technology, because in that sector diversity truly offers the very best advantage in the form of ideas and creativity.
This is important to the very growth of the technology industry’s development, which is critical to the economic expansion of our country.
There are many interesting and intelligent people of color contributing in a number of ways within the tech space, although to look at most magazine articles and industry panels, one would not know it.
A prime example is a recent selection of panelists for an important conference that started out with an all-male line up of 22 speakers — none black, by the way — at an upcoming tech-related super-event called the Edge Conference. The event is sponsored by FinancialTimes Labs, Google and Facebook. A firestorm of commentary quickly developed in the tech world between those who believe the organizers are completely oblivious to the importance of including diverse perspectives and those that feel that the organizers are well within their rights to pick who they see as “the best.”
Criticizing the methodology used in selecting the speakers rather than promoting quotas, a blog post by tech developer and designer Aral Balkan was a particularly important and a thoughtful part of the analysis simmering over the issue. He urged his fellow white male technology insiders not to see diversity as a burden, but as a tool of perspective expansion.
Yet, no matter how well-meaning some input on the controversy has been, perhaps the most unfortunate part of the Edge embroilment is that most of the discussion has taken place between white males. It might strike some as ironic that they are actually deciding if diversity matters among themselves. Therein lies the crux of the problem today. This situation demonstrates the social hierarchy of ethnicity currently in place in the tech sector, because it is still white men deciding who get to determine what is valid and why. In addition, the Edge conference has caused outrage among many women (and their supporters) who are also facing the issue of being excluded from playing in the digital sandbox.
All too often either type of “outsider” can be eclipsed by a sandstorm of discouragement, get elbowed out of the way, or simply be ignored while hearing that there is no need for you on the playground, when in reality you just are not seen. This creates a dangerous new “invisible man” (and/or woman) effect, to steal a phrase from African-American novelist Ralph Ellison who first chronicled the pain of the minority experience.
Why do leaders in the tech sector and in the press continue to say “they can’t find any” of us when the time comes for showcasing bleeding edge thinkers and doers with visibility?
“First, organizers of these tech events need to consider diversity while planning their speaker schedules,” Sibyl Edwards, president of D.C. Web Women, explained to theGrio. “Planning ahead will give them time to find and secure people of color for key speaking slots and panels — and not only those panels pertaining to diversity. Unfortunately, many conferences and events are locked in before the organizers notice it is lacking women and African-American speakers. I can’t tell you how many times conference organizers reached out to me just days before the conference asking for a recommendation for a woman or African-American to speak at their event. Diversity is treated as an afterthought.
“Another problem: in an attempt at diversity, event [and] conference organizers keep drawing from the same well,” she continued. “That is why you see the same small handful of African-American techies speaking at various events over and over and over again. There is no attempt at finding fresher voices. A huge part of the problem is the fact that many of the thought leaders in the tech community are not in contact with many African-Americans in tech. Whether that is by choice or due to external factors is up for debate, but I have attended a number of tech events, and I will say that most of them have few people of color in attendance. This simply needs to change.”
Indeed, Edwards’ observations about tech sector events could easily be applied to radio and television appearances, print articles and more regarding African-American inclusion. We agree with Edwards — this must change.
Potential industry rock stars need visibility as a vital part of the equation that drives their brand. Having a voice is key, particularly at tech industry events and in the press. Still, in 2013, is the “M.I.A.” factor for people of color in tech — whether it is participating on panels or attending conferences — is a big issue. Let’s begin to change this disparity right now with this article, which will help out the next time the women and people of color need to fuel diversity can be found.
Here are 10 people to watch in the digital space that we bet the mainstream tech community has overlooked. Hip, bright, innovative, provocative — and now made even more visible. Yes, there are cutting edge people of color and women in tech. Spread the word…
Lauren DeLisa Coleman is part of the new technorati-to-watch. She is a mobile strategy specialist and analyst specializing in the convergence of Gen X, Y with hip tech platforms, and the author of the new e-book, Rise of the Smart Power Class. Follow her on Twitter at @mediaempress.