Editor’s note: As Black History Month comes to a close, we are reflecting on the pioneering achievements of Black professionals in the IT and digital trust spheres. Here are five memorable quotes from Black leaders in the field. Find out more about ISACA’s efforts to create a healthier and more inclusive digital world for all through the One In Tech foundation.
“My head is not in the sand. But my thing is, if I can’t work with you, I will work around you. I was not about to be [so] discouraged that I’d walk away. That may be a solution for some people, but it’s not mine.”
-Annie Easley, NASA computer scientist (the “human computer”)
“The great economic equalizer of our generation, the revolution of this generation, is indeed technology. And by embedding these skills and abilities in our youth today, we can change the nation—one girl, one woman and one generation at a time.”
-Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code
“I think every one of us has the power to be a genius. I was not born a genius; it was nurtured in me by my father.”
-Philip Emeagwali, High-Performance Computing Pioneer
“Many times I’ve felt it’s really to our advantage that we don’t fit in and that we don’t have that seat at that table. That to me is often a benefit because it allows us to step back and really observe in quite an objective way as to where the gaps are and what’s needed for change. Being part of the group spoils your perspective because there’s a need to confirm, but invention requires you to be different. … It’s fine to be the only one—but you don’t want to remain in that position—you want others to come along. I make sure that the generation behind me can climb the ladder as well.”
-Marian Croak, Vice President of Engineering at Google
“If someone is blocking your ideas and advancement, find a different way to expose your proposals, innovations and request. There is often someone at the next level or an associate manager that is willing to listen. To break through, you often have to be better than the rest. This takes a lot of work, but it is achievable.”
-Dr. Mark Dean, computer scientist and engineer, chief engineer of the original IBM PC