Get A New Attitude

I am always amazed when people gleefully proclaim that they are computer illiterate. Some even wear it as a badge of honor. The minute you asked them if they know how to do something remotely related to technology they quickly announce: “Oh you know I don’t know anything about computers” or "When it comes to computers I am TOTALLY ILLITERATE!"

Usually they are wearing a big bright smile and not giving any indication that they are ashamed or embarrased by their lack of technical unnderstanding. This needs to change.  Particularly in the African American community.  This is not something to brag about.  So let us stop it. 

You may as well announce to the world that you ARE illiterate or that you are no good at reading, writing, and arithmetic, the so-called basics. Technology is a new literacy. If you don't believe me pick up a copy of New Literacies by Michelle Knobel on Amazon.  Say it with me;  TECHNOLOGY IS A NEW LITERACY.  President Barack Obama recently stated:  Leadership tomorrow depends on how we educate our students today, especially in science, technology, engineering and math.


As we all know when it rains in America it is a hurricane in Black America. Everything bad we experience more and everything good we experience less. The statistics on the number of African Americans attending college versus how many are in prison come to mind.

Hurricane Technology is raining down upon us right now.  A recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education laments "Black people are so underrepresented in computer science that the term "black computer scientist" might be considered an oxymoron".

It does not have to be this way.  Why are we so proud that we are behind in technology?  What is holding us back from grabbing hold of this thing called technology and mastering it and becoming innovators and creators the way we took music and created jazz and rap.

There is no doubt that our creativity is still there.  We need to direct some of our energies to the areas that are reframing the way we live our lives and interact in the world.  The next time someone asks you if you know something about technology, do me a favor, think about it for a second and if your usual response would be the joyful proclamation, "Nope I have no idea".

Instead ask them why is that technology useful or important.  Further, ask them how did they learn how to do it and if they would be willing to help you or connect you with someone to help you grow and learn a new skill.  Then the next time you are asked that question you can gleefully respond with the same smile you gave before, but this time your smile will be a smile of pride emanating from what you know instead of what you don't.

Until Next Time,

Kai Dupé

3 Social Networks for African American Engineers

One of the findings of recent research studying the problems of why African Americans are under represented in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is that African Americans are not the beneficiaries are support communities that help to deal with the challenges of pursuing careers in technology.

Recent research indicates that “social networks are ubiquitous among the middle classes, and provide vital paths to privilege and opportunity for them, students of color typically experience the opposite –that is, the ubiquity of network barriers and entrapments along with the resulting absence of an informed, active network is limiting, to say the least“ (Margolis, 2008, p.92).

It should not be surprising that building networks is crucial to the success of programs at the college level if the goal is to support under represented learners. These directives are based on the import of supportive communities where students in these groups can strengthen each other’s learning and provide help and support for each other (Margolis, 2008).

However, there are several organizations that are available to African Americans that provide exactly the support communities needed. Here are three that are doing a great job in this area. They are The Black Data Processing Associates (BPDA), The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and Blacks in Technology (BITS.net).

BDPA has chapters all over the country including chapters in Houston and Dallas. The organization works with several major corporations to provide scholarships to students and work to secure grants to fund their myriad of programs such as their High School Computer Competition (HSCC).

Each year they organize their national technology conference, which boasts a job fair, workshops, an awards banquet, and the crowning of the HSCC winner. You can learn more about BDPA by visiting their website at http://www.bdpa.org/

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), with more than 35,700 members, is one of the largest student-governed organizations in the country. NSBE now includes more than 450 College, Pre-College, and Technical Professional/Alumni chapters in the United States and abroad.

NSBE’s mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community." You can learn more about NSBE by visiting their site at visit http://www.nsbe.org/.

The Blacks in Technology Portal (BITS) mission from their site is to build a forum and development network that extends throughout the U.S. With a “one BIT at a time approach”, Blacks In Technology will serve as a catalyst for changing the mindset of African Americans with regards to the field of technology by giving a voice to those who want to be heard and mentoring those who want to learn. You should visit BITS at http://www.blacksintechnology.net/   The founders and publishers encourage us to join their site because:

Knowledge is power. We invite you and others in the community to share your knowledge, information, skills, and experiences. Whether it’s tips or tricks, basic or advanced, every “bit” of knowledge is good knowledge. Everyone has some knowledge to share, from networking, systems administration, programming to career advancement strategies. We welcome your thought-leadership and expertise to build this value-add community through interactive knowledge sharing. Knowledge sharing is empowering.

This site is providing precisely the kind of community and supportive network that the research is indicating is needed to aid African Americans be successful when they choose to pursue a career in STEM. The Black Data Processing Associates (BPDA), The National Society of Black Engineers, and the Blacks in Technology portal are three wonderful organizations that have stepped up to provide the experiences and leadership needed to ensure that African Americans are not left behind in the information society.

Is Your Child Being Discouraged From Pursuing a Career in Science?

In a recent study by The Bayer Corporation it has been reported than many minorities as well as women have been discouraged from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM). The report indicates that the culprit is the American educational system.

40% of today's women and underrepresented minority chemists and chemical engineers in the United States say they were discouraged from pursuing a STEM career (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) at some point in their lives, according to the study (Bayer, 2010).

Those surveyed said that this happened to them mostly while they were in college, and the person most likely to discourage them is their instructor. Really? I found this study very interesting because I experienced this while I was an undergraduate student pursuing my computer science degree.

The incident occurred when I approached my advisor about my plans to double major in computer science and business. I needed his advice on adding the business major and to plan my route to register for the courses to reach my goal. I was already majoring in computer science and I wanted to add business administration and get credited for 2 degrees.

I was met with opposition from my advisor. He told me that he did not think I had what it took to complete a degree in computer science, let alone be successful at any attempt to double-major. My first thought was Wow! You can tell all of that about me from letter grades on a piece of paper?

My second thought was where is the encouragement? He suggested that I change my major to one less challenging than computer science and to forget about the idea of double majoring completely. I think not. I politely told him that I appreciate his feedback but I would expect him to help me file the needed paperwork to be registered as a double major and if he could direct me to an appropriate advisor in the business major.

I graduated in 1986 with a double major in computer science and business administration. I have enjoyed a very successful career in computer science and business. I must admit that I was somewhat surprised to learn that this still happens? Is this about the school I chose?

Was it personal for my advisor? Did my advisor think he was doing a good thing by giving me this advice? I do not know what the answer is, but what I do know is that it was not helpful to me. While I am studying the dearth of African American males in computing it is interesting to discover the myriad of social practices that lead to this situation.

How many young men have experienced this discouragement and decided to change majors to one less challenging? Do not fall victim to this type of discouragement. Be strong and move forward toward your goals. If your advisor or instructor is discouraging you find a new one. Find one that is positive and encouraging and who will work with you to encourage your success.