This year the Drupal Association celebrated Black History Month by recognizing achievements of Black Americans in the fields of technology and computing. We chose the landmark innovators featured in our social media because their impact on our sector was significant. Their accomplishments have directly impacted the ability of Drupal to have been conceived in the first place, for it to have an online space to exist, for it to evolve, for the Drupal community and the Drupal Association to communicate and collaborate, and the way technology itself has transformed our global society.
Today, we take computers, coding, and the internet for granted, seamlessly integrating them into our daily lives. However, the digital world as we know it would not exist without the imagination, brilliance, and determination of early innovators. These visionaries—scientists, engineers, business leaders, and developers—pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible, creating technologies that shaped the modern world.
In the realm of technology, boldness and creativity are essential. Developing something entirely new requires not only technical expertise but also the courage to challenge conventional wisdom and take risks. The individuals who laid the foundation for computing did so in an era when access to resources, education, and opportunities was far more limited—especially for those from marginalized communities.
These pioneers also faced systemic racism, discrimination, and exclusion, yet they persevered. Despite encountering barriers that sought to inhibit their progress, they made groundbreaking contributions that revolutionized computing. Their resilience and dedication not only changed the course of the internet and personal computing, they helped open doors for future generations, ensuring that technology would become a more inclusive and expansive field.
For your reading pleasure, here are each of the posts compiled into a single blog:
Known as the 'Godfather of Silicon Valley,' Roy Clay Sr. was a pioneer in early computing. He played a crucial role in leading Hewlett-Packard’s entry into the computer market, helping shape the industry’s future. Beyond his technical achievements, he was a strong advocate for diversity in technology, mentoring and opening doors for Black engineers in Silicon Valley. The importance of Silicon Valley itself cannot be understated - it is the site of the precursor to the internet in 1969. Clay had been recruited by Packard five years earlier and he wrote the software for the first HP commercial computer. HP was a major player in Silicon Valley, solidifying it as the epicenter of computing at the time.
Frank Greene Jr., was a pioneer whose contributions continue to shape the tech industry. Greene revolutionized semiconductor technology in the 1960s and later founded a venture capital firm to support minority- and women-led startups. His impact bridges both technology and equity, opening doors for future generations. Without his contribution, it is unlikely that computers would have moved as quickly from commercial to personal use.
Lisa Gelobter is a computer scientist known for pioneering internet technologies like Shockwave, which sparked web animation. She contributed to online video and helped launch Hulu. Lisa's diverse experience also includes working at the White House's U.S. Digital Service and as Chief Digital Service Officer for the Department of Education. She is now CEO and Founder of tEQuitable, a platform promoting inclusive workplaces. Her work promoting the ascent of online video directly allows Drupalists to easily share visual context.
Photo from: Teen Enterprise
A key figure in modern computing, Dr. Mark Dean was instrumental in developing IBM’s early personal computers, holding three of the company’s original PC patents. Dr. Dean, now in his 60s, was the first African-American to become an IBM Fellow, which represents the highest level of technical excellence. He also led the team that created the first 1-GHz microprocessor, revolutionizing computing power. With over 20 patents to his name, his innovations continue to shape the technology we use today.
Clarence “Skip” Ellis led the team that developed Officetalk—the first system to use graphical icons and ethernet for workplace collaboration. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern tools like Google Docs, shaping the way we work and communicate online. The Drupal Association and the Drupal community frequently use collaborative technologies to share ideas and work together across space and time.
We sourced the ideas for these specific pioneers from: https://www.purpose.jobs/blog/celebrating-black-history-black-leaders-in-tech