STEM Diversity and the Lack of High-Profile Black Tech Icons

Introduction

Ask any Black person to name a successful entrepreneur, and they will likely mention Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, or Jeff Bezos. However, if you ask them about David Steward, Robert Smith, or Tope Awotona, most would struggle to recognize these names. This lack of awareness is a major cultural issue that directly impacts Black participation in the upper echelons of STEM entrepreneurship.

Representation Matters—But Only If It’s Recognized

There is no question that representation matters. Seeing successful individuals who share one's background can serve as motivation and provide a tangible roadmap for success. However, if representation exists but is unknown to the majority of the Black community, its impact is rendered null and void. The presence of Black tech billionaires and multi-millionaires means little if their stories are not widely circulated or celebrated.

The Cultural Disparity in Recognizing Black Success

Within the Black community, figures like Michael Jordan, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Magic Johnson, Oprah Winfrey, and Tyler Perry are household names. They have achieved incredible success in sports, entertainment, and media—industries where Black excellence has historically been more visible. Yet, Black entrepreneurs in the technology sector who have reached similar heights remain obscure to the larger community.

This disparity is problematic because it subconsciously reinforces the idea that success in STEM and tech entrepreneurship is out of reach for Black individuals. It is not that these Black tech icons do not exist—it is that their stories are not being told in the same way.

The Need for a Cultural Mindset Shift

The Black community must make a conscious effort to elevate STEM entrepreneurs to the same pedestal as entertainment and sports figures. Just as young athletes look up to LeBron James or Serena Williams, young Black aspiring tech entrepreneurs should have David Steward, Robert Smith, and Tope Awotona as role models. This requires a shift in cultural priorities and a deliberate push for awareness within Black media, schools, and community organizations.

Why This Matters for Economic Empowerment

Changing the internal cultural mindset of the Black community towards STEM and tech entrepreneurship will have a profound impact. Increased awareness of successful Black tech leaders will inspire more Black youth to pursue STEM fields, leading to greater participation in high-paying careers and business ownership. This, in turn, translates into increased economic power and self-empowerment within the community.

Action Steps for Change

  1. Media Representation – Black-owned media outlets must actively highlight and celebrate Black success in tech and STEM entrepreneurship.

  2. Community Education – Schools and mentorship programs should introduce students to Black STEM entrepreneurs from an early age.

  3. Social Media Engagement – Leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share success stories of Black tech leaders can increase awareness among younger generations.

  4. Parental and Community Influence – Parents and community leaders should emphasize STEM success stories as much as they do for sports and entertainment.

  5. Institutional Support – Black-led business organizations and professional networks must promote and support Black tech founders more prominently.

Mindset Matters

Ultimately, the Black community must recognize that visibility influences aspiration. If the next generation sees STEM and tech entrepreneurship as viable paths to wealth and success, they will be more likely to pursue them. While racial barriers in STEM still exist, internal cultural reinforcement of Black excellence in tech can serve as a powerful tool for dismantling those barriers.

It’s time to place Black tech entrepreneurs on the same pedestal as our entertainment and sports icons. The future of Black economic power depends on it.

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