What is
the Black Tech Pledge

The Black Tech pledge is a pledge that provides a standard of hiring, promoting, retaining, developing, and celebrating Black tech workers. 

The Black Tech Pledge is a non-legally binding sign of intent to promote diversity and inclusion of Black professionals, and is a joint effort among several Black lead non-profit organizations. This is a call to action for business leaders and companies across the country and the globe to create an inclusive work environment & promote career growth for Black people. 

The Pledge also provides an opportunity for those companies and organizations that have already vocalized their commitment to diversity and inclusion, to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and particularly for Black people. 

By signing the Black Tech Pledge, your organization will vocalize its commitment to create (or maintain) a more inclusive environment for people of African descent. By signing the Black Tech Pledge, you become a signatory of a symbolic badge of pride that represents the commitment to the advancement and promotion of Black people in technology and within your organization. This increases your appeal as an employer, partner, and industry leader. This pledge will not only increase visibility of your commitment, but it will establish credibility among Black consumers and organizations, which will ultimately drive business growth and success

Amidst the recent reversal of affirmative action, the disparities in the Los Angeles tech industry become even more glaring. Black people, who make up over 13% of the US population and are significant consumers of technology products and solutions, continue to face significant underrepresentation in the Los Angeles tech workforce, with only 5% of technology professionals being Black. These disparities are not limited to employment opportunities but also extend to access to technology, such as broadband and hardware, within our communities in Los Angeles.

Furthermore, the lack of diversity in C-level positions and board rooms in the Los Angeles tech industry is alarming, with less than 2% of leaders being Black, and even fewer being women of color. When examining local statistics, the dearth of diversity becomes even more evident.

In light of these challenges, it is incumbent upon us to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of African descent in the Los Angeles tech industry. We must provide the necessary opportunities for Black individuals to develop careers in technology, ensure equitable access to technology resources, and utilize technology for the advancement of humanity as a whole. Despite the recent shift in affirmative action policies, our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the Los Angeles tech industry remains unwavering. Through collaborative efforts and the Black Tech Pledge Campaign, we aim to overcome these hurdles and create a tech industry in Los Angeles that truly reflects the rich diversity of our society.