Target Gen Z Black Girls for Technology…Not Negativity
We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.
~Jimmy Carter
Negative experiences are the norm for black girls. These experiences result from abuse, criminalization, adultification, or bias. They are targeted for the way they talk, how they dress, how their hair looks, and their skin complexion. These negative attacks occur at school and in their communities. As a result, race and gender challenge them even at a young age. But what if we started seeing them as an untapped resource needed for the future of technological advances?
Many may ask… why do we need more black girls in technology? One reason is that technology outpaces the salary of many other fields. In addition, by pursuing technology, black girls can help solve some of the most challenging issues we face. Yet, black girls are ignored in the attempt to produce technology professionals.
So how do we address this issue? First, black girls must be made aware of technology and its benefits. Gen-Zers were born in the age of technology. Many of them use it daily. However, many black girls never consider it a career. They do not know how promising the future of technology can be for them.
Unfortunately, the educational system doesn’t prepare black girls for the challenges of technology careers. We must help them understand the technology areas and how they can apply them to personal interests. Identifying with a field in which they see no benefit is tricky. However, careers in technology provide opportunities to address poverty, healthcare, and climate issues. It is the perfect opportunity for them to contribute to society. Especially the black community.
Now that we are in a time of transformation, we can seek policies and procedures that will attract and retain the interest of black girls in technology. Next, we can close the wealth gap and create a system that prevents biases. In addition, educators and parents can promote public awareness of supporting black girls by sending positive messages. Finally, we can develop strategies that work. Technology is advancing, and we need people who can represent everyone as it grows. Now is the time to target Gen Z black girls! So next time we hear the negativity that’s targeted toward black girls… Slay What Ya Hear!… and speak on the positive elements of them choosing technology as a career.
Dr. Misty grew up and currently lives in South Alabama. She lives about an hour south of Montgomery, which hosted several civil rights icons. Her childhood consisted of poverty and survival. She knew education was the only way out. As a black woman, she has experienced unconscious bias and racial microaggressions. This bias occurred in her pursuit of higher education and professional roles. She has had people ask to touch her hair, which implied that her hair was different, and they could touch it. She has experienced a store worker following her around in a store. Following her suggested that she did not belong. These experiences left her feeling terrible. Just imagine these types of behaviors and their impact on students of color.
As an educator with over 20 years of experience, she has held various positions. She’s worked as a social caseworker, special education teacher, school administrator, and director of special education. From her expertise, she quickly learned that she needed to focus on the experiences of students of color. She addressed the calling on her life! The desire to promote effective learning and inclusion for children of color. There seems to be a gap in information on how educators reach these students. In March 2021, Mocha Sprout developed out of the desire to help educators achieve sustainable growth and become culturally responsive by creating new viewpoints. She is a thought leader, equity strategist, trainer, and coach. Her mission is to help others understand and transform their perspective of educating students of color.