October marks Black History Month across the United Kingdom, a time to amplify and celebrate Black voices for their invaluable contributions to our society. This year, in honour of Black History Month, we spoke with both academics and students to explore their experiences as Black individuals in the tech industry.
Technology has undeniably transformed society in countless ways. Yet, while the tech sector has made significant advancements, it continues to struggle with reflecting the diversity of the British workforce in terms of inclusion and representation. Organisations have made efforts to improve the presence of Black employees and leaders within technology-related roles, but the progress has been slow, and much more remains to be done.
According to the 2023 Diversity in Tech annual report, while Black people make up 13% of London’s population—one of the world’s leading cities for creating, developing, and deploying technology—only 4% of the UK’s tech workforce identifies as Black. The situation is even more challenging for Black women, who comprise just 0.7% of the UK’s IT workforce. The survey highlights that, despite the growing recognition of the importance of diversity, representation remains marginally low at just 4%. This disparity makes it essential for organisations to seek a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the racial, ethnic, and cultural disparities within their environments and to take meaningful, decisive action to improve access and engagement where it is needed.
These figures may seem like mere statistics, but they represent untapped potential, unheard voices, and missed opportunities. Research consistently demonstrates that diverse teams excel in innovation, creativity, and profitability. Underrepresentation of Black talent is not only a moral and ethical issue but a fundamental flaw in business strategy. By failing to cultivate diverse workforces, businesses miss out on the very qualities that drive growth and success in an increasingly global and competitive market.
This October, we conducted interviews with both lecturers and students to delve into their personal experiences navigating the tech industry. Through these conversations, we aim to gain insight into the challenges and triumphs encountered by individuals within this dynamic field.
Dr Samuel Onalo – Lecturer in Computer Science
Dr Samuel proudly identifies as Black African, with his roots in Kogi State, Nigeria. From an early age, he had a strong desire to work in cyber security, fuelled by a natural interest in the sciences and digital technology. Initially, his childhood aspirations were to become either an aeronautic engineer in the air force or a state security service agent, at the Nigerian equivalent of the CIA. However, as he grew older and his passion for technology deepened, his focus shifted towards cyber security.
Reflecting on his journey, Samuel shared, “What has mattered most to me is making a meaningful impact on humanity while doing something I love. Keeping people safe in today’s increasingly interconnected digital world is one way to achieve this.” He credits his career inspiration to figures like early Black inventors Garrett Morgan and Frederick McKinley Jones, as well as contemporary Nigerian scientists like Dr Philip Emeagwali and Dr Gabriel Oyibo, a Nobel Prize nominee in Mathematical Physics, with whom Samuel shares a heritage.
When discussing the challenges Black people face in the tech sector, Samuel highlighted an ongoing cycle of difficulties. “Some might broadly call it systemic,” he explained. “The most common issues include microaggressions, stereotyping, tokenism, lack of mentorship, cultural barriers, and both conscious and unconscious biases.”
These challenges are especially prevalent within the tech industry, where Black professionals often face a lack of recognition. Samuel remarked, “Many key inventions remain uncredited to the Black professionals who created them. Systemically, these contributions are either ignored or unaccepted by the wider scientific and technological community. This not only discourages current professionals but can also dissuade younger generations from pursuing similar paths, knowing they may face the same treatment. A prime example is Dr Oyibo, the inventor of GAGUT.”
Samuel is a strong advocate for the role of education in preparing Black students for careers in STEM suggesting incentivisation through scholarships, financial aid, as well as mentorship schemes championed by educated and successful Black people as well. He believes education provides essential empowerment, noting, “I always say that the one treasure no one can steal from you is the knowledge stored in your mind. The ability to become whatever they aspire to, in their own time and way, is only possible when the mind is sufficiently developed through education.”
Despite the challenges, Samuel remains optimistic about the future. He reflects, “Positive changes are already being made globally, and we are moving in the right direction concerning inclusivity and equality. However, it’s crucial that the significant wrongs of the past, such as the lack of recognition for Black professionals who have made remarkable contributions, are openly acknowledged and rectified. This will help rebuild trust in the scientific and tech communities, potentially encouraging more Black people to contribute. It’s achievable, but only time will tell when it becomes a reality.”
Shadavia ‘Dai’ Bucknor – BSc Computer Science student
Shadavia ‘Dai’ is a British Caribbean with Jamaican roots, hails from Kingston and has always embraced a diverse range of career possibilities. Reflecting on her early interests, Dai shared, “Since childhood, I’ve loved technology and knew I would eventually go into robotics. I think growing up with creativity at the forefront influenced my decision, as tech provides endless opportunities for creation and innovation.”
As a young Black woman in STEM—fields where people like her are significantly underrepresented—Dai has faced particular challenges. She reflected, “The biggest challenge I encounter is misogynoir, as I’m seen not just as Black but also as a woman, and that brings its own set of biases. There’s often an assumption of incompetence when I ask for help, which stems from how Black women are perceived at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Stereotypes about the intelligence of Black people persist, and tokenism is another issue, where some companies focus on diversity for marketing rather than valuing actual contributions. This continues to harm Black professionals in the sector.”
Dai noted that growing up, STEM opportunities weren’t always made readily available to her, but she now sees a greater effort to encourage young Black men and women to pursue careers in the field. Looking to the future of technology, she hopes for greater cultural appreciation in technological advancements. Dai remarked, “There are countless innovations around the world that go unnoticed simply because of where or by whom they were made, only to be recognised centuries later. It’s sad to see this happen, and even more so that it continues today.”
Okikiade ‘Ade’ Adeyemi – BSc Cyber Security student
Okikiade ‘Ade’ identifies as Black British with a deep connection to his Nigerian heritage. Reflecting on his early career aspirations and interests, he shared, “I’ve had a passion for tech from a young age and always knew I wanted to build a career in the field. At one point, I considered biomedical engineering, but my passion for technology ultimately prevailed, and I realised it was the right path for me.”
Echoing Dr Samuel’s views on education, Ade highlighted its pivotal role in shaping future careers: “Education is crucial in introducing Black students to the broad opportunities within STEM. Early exposure to STEM fields, coupled with mentorship and targeted initiatives, is vital as the world becomes more driven by technology. It’s essential to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to not only keep up but also contribute to technological innovation and progress.”
Ade’s own determination and focus on STEM led him to a role as an IT Infrastructure Intern at New Balance. While he enjoyed his experience at the footwear company, he acknowledged elsewhere that not all Black employees share the same positive experience. He stated, “Employers should view all employees equally, focusing on their skills, qualifications, and potential, rather than their ethnicity or background. Creating an environment where everyone feels valued for their contributions is key—people should be judged on the quality of their work, not their identity.”
Looking ahead, Ade envisions a future where diversity and inclusion are embedded in the tech sector, ensuring equal opportunities for all. He said, “I see a future where everyone has the chance to demonstrate their abilities without facing bias. In this future, people are treated with respect and valued for what they bring to the table, regardless of their background.”
Stephanie Ozuo – Employability Manager
Stephanie Ozuo, a British-Nigerian, grew up in a household where career paths associated with status or financial security were heavily encouraged. Professions like law, engineering, and medicine were particularly promoted. She recalls, “Because I was ‘talkative’, law seemed like the natural path for me. I never imagined a career in tech until a university friend encouraged me to aim higher and apply for tech graduate schemes. I took their advice and ended up securing a graduate position at a global IT firm.”
Reflecting on the challenges facing Black people in tech, Stephanie observed, “The most pressing issue is the lack of pipelines and structures that not only retain Black talent but also propel them into leadership and senior roles. At a time when technology shapes society more than ever—from public service access to recruitment and security processes—it’s crucial for tech to reflect the diversity of its users.”
Stephanie is passionate about shifting the narrative on diversity. “We need to move away from the idea of ‘diversity hiring’, which can feel like a charitable gesture, to recognising that the future of technology is inclusive by necessity. Instances like photo recognition software failing to detect darker skin tones or automated taps not responding to Black skin underscore the urgent need for inclusivity.”
She also addressed algorithmic bias and its impact on marginalised communities during job searches. “At Black Tech Fest, I learned that Black candidates were disproportionately failing the ‘culture fit’ component of psychometric tests used in hiring. These faceless, algorithm-driven assessments, designed to reduce manual application screening, are often riddled with bias, leaving behind talented individuals from Black, Asian, and working-class backgrounds.”
Looking to the future, Stephanie envisions more Black entrepreneurs creating their own companies to combat bias, raise awareness, and empower people with the digital skills essential for thriving in today’s economy.
Ivan Phillips – Technical Specialist (Media)
Ivan is mixed race with roots in both Wales and Georgetown, Guyana, blending his white and Black Caribbean heritage. He always had a fascination with technology and how things were built, but unlike today's growing opportunities for underrepresented young people, he didn’t have access to learning tech skills during his upbringing.
"I’m self-taught in everything I know," Ivan shared. "I struggled with science subjects as a teenager, so I decided to take a different path in my BA, studying Philosophy and TV/Film with the aim of becoming a cinematographer. However, that proved to be a difficult career to break into, and I didn’t find much success in that field. Years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I made the decision to return to university. I worked my way into a job as a production assistant at a major voice acting studio and eventually found my way to the University of Staffordshire London. I believe that if you hold onto your belief and keep pursuing it in any way possible, you'll eventually find a way to do something you love. Success is never a straight path."
Ivan shared on how his racial identity has shaped his experiences in the tech industry, “I think my identity has influenced my journey in many ways. There’s a meme about ‘what people think I do’, and it captures this perfectly—people’s perceptions of you and your abilities will always differ. While your own experiences, specialities, and insecurities are what matter most, you still have to balance how others see you. It’s made even more complicated in an industry that relies heavily on presenting a professional persona. My advice is to stay true to your beliefs and fight for what benefits you. Everything else is just noise."
Being mixed-race has brought its own set of challenges and opportunities. Ivan remarked, "I’ve been fortunate to make a difference when I’ve taught students or connected with them on a personal level, whether through my heritage or my background. Growing up as a nerdy kid in North London wasn’t easy, and I wasn’t always taken seriously by those I wanted to impress. That frustration, however, drove me to push harder, to prove wrong those who doubted me or dismissed my potential."
Ivan has drawn inspiration from Black role models who have shaped both his career and personal outlook. Among them are Corey Brotherson, who attended the Games in the City festival as an industry expert, and Xalavier Nelson Jr. Ivan reflected, “Corey is an amazing role model and an all-round brilliant human being. He works across games, movies, and graphic novels. I’ve had the privilege of working with him on an incredible computer game project centred around the experiences of the Windrush generation, which resonates deeply with my own heritage. Xalavier, meanwhile, runs a groundbreaking games company at the forefront of video game production. He’s directed some fantastic indie games, including El Paso and Elsewhere, which won a D.I.C.E. Award this year.”
Looking ahead, Ivan is optimistic about the future of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. "It’s always going to be a battle to get others to recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion in improving our sector. In some ways, it feels harder now than it was five or ten years ago. But it’s a push and pull—so long as we keep fighting for respect, we’ll make progress. I’m really excited about the new wave of diverse talent coming through, not just in terms of ethnicity but also gender and socio-economic backgrounds—especially from our own university’s campus. I’m proud to have played a small role in helping keep the door open for the next generation.”
As we continue to honour Black history throughout the year, not just during Black History Month, we are reminded of the importance of not just amplifying Black voices but also ensuring their rightful place in shaping the future of the tech industry. The stories and insights shared by Black academics and students reveal both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. While progress has been made, the underrepresentation of Black talent remains a critical issue that limits the full potential of the industry.
Diversity and inclusion go beyond token gestures—they are fundamental to driving innovation, eliminating groupthink, fostering creativity, and ensuring long-term success. The tech industry thrives on diverse perspectives such as these, and by actively addressing racial disparities and promoting inclusive practices, we open the door to new ideas, solutions, and growth.
By continuing to look towards the future, it’s clear that change is possible, but it requires collective effort and commitment. By providing opportunities, mentorship, and recognition for Black professionals and aspiring technologists, we can build an industry that reflects the diverse society it serves. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s also essential for the continued evolution and competitiveness of the tech sector.