Every February, Black History Month recognizes the contributions of African Americans to American history. This year, in honor of Black History Month, we’ll take a look at some of the most influential Black creators in the fields of software development and design. From pioneers in programming to visionary designers, these individuals have made a positive impact on the tech industry and continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Historic Black Programmers

Clarence Ellis

Clarence Ellis was an early pioneer in the field of computer science. He was one of the first African Americans to earn a Ph.D. in computer science; further, he was a leading figure in the development of computer science as an academic discipline. Ellis was a professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology and was known for his research in the fields of artificial intelligence and computer graphics. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for much of the technology we take for granted today.

Lisa Gelobter

Lisa Gelobter is a software engineer, entrepreneur, and digital media pioneer. She was among the early developers of Shockwave, a multimedia platform that revolutionized the way people interacted with the Internet. She has gone on to work at startups and major tech companies and is now the CTO of a venture-backed education technology company. Additionally, Gelobter is known as an advocate for diversity and inclusion within the information technology industry.

Roy Clay

Roy Clay is an entrepreneur and software engineer who is widely recognized as a pioneer in the tech industry. He founded Raster Technologies, one of the first Black-owned software companies, and he has since held executive positions at major tech firms such as Hewlett-Packard and Intel. Clay is known for his contributions to the development of computer graphics and computer-aided design (CAD) software. Like Lisa Gelobter, he advocates for diversity in the tech industry.

Marian Croak

Marian Croak is a computer scientist and engineer who has made significant contributions to the fields of telecommunications and computer networking. At Bell Labs, she developed groundbreaking voice-over IP (VoIP) technology, and she has received numerous accolades for her work.

Historic Black Designers

Aaron Douglas

Aaron Douglas was an African American painter and graphic artist who is widely recognized as one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance. He was known for his distinctive style, which combined elements of African art and European modernism, and for his powerful images that depicted the struggles and triumphs of African Americans. His work influences artists and designers to this day, and he is considered a pioneer of modernist African American art.

See an example of Aaron Douglas’ illustration work here:

Archie Boston Jr.

Archie Boston is a graphic designer and art director whose contributions to the field of design are widely recognized. He was the first African American art director at a major advertising agency and is known for his innovative designs and his ability to bridge the gap between art and commerce. Boston’s work has received numerous awards, and young designers and artists look to him for inspiration.

See an example of Archie Boston Jr’s graphic design work here:

Charles Dawson

Charles Dawson was a graphic designer and art director who made important contributions to advertising and design. He was the first African American to lead a creative department at a major advertising agency and is known for his innovative designs and his ability to connect with diverse audiences. Like Aaron Douglas, Dawson is considered a trailblazer of modernist African American design, and his work continues to influence designers and advertisers.

See an example of Charles Dawson’s graphic design work here:

Gail Anderson

Gail Anderson is a graphic designer, art director, and educator who is recognized for her innovative designs and her ability to communicate complex ideas through typography and imagery. Anderson has worked at some of the top design studios and advertising agencies, and her work has received numerous awards and honors. In addition, she is a sought-after speaker who has taught at several universities and design schools, and young designers seek inspiration from her work. Anderson is considered one of the leading voices in the design industry.

See an example of Gail Anderson’s design work here:

The individuals highlighted in this post are just a few of the many Black creators who have made significant contributions to the fields of software development and design. From pioneers in programming to visionary designers, these individuals have overcome significant barriers and challenges to make a lasting impact on the tech industry. Their contributions continue to inspire the next generation of tech leaders and remind us of the importance of diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. During Black History Month and beyond, we celebrate the achievements of these trailblazers and honor their legacy.

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