Contrasting Realities: Tech's Paradoxical Marketing of Black Women as Symbols of the Future, While Failing to Protect Them in the Present

Being Black and in Tech means processing the reality of my lived experiences contrasted with the reality of the tech world I work in. The news of Ajike Owens' murder struck a chord not only as a professional but also as a mother. It forces us to confront the harsh truth that safety is not guaranteed for ourselves or our children, even within our own communities. Being Black at work, means we are expected to continue processing the events in the communities (locally and globally) that we are connected to while simultaneously dealing with violence, harassment and microaggressions in the office, virtually and when we return home without little consideration to our mental health.

This incident sheds light on the unequal distribution of protection, thoughtfulness, and consideration within our communities. It highlights the pressing need for addressing issues such as gun violence and the lack of safety measures that disproportionately affect marginalized individuals. Ajike will not be coming home tonight, yet her attacker and the fire arms product she used will be protected.

The tragic and unrelated events and Apple's announcement of a new product using a person of color in it's marketing of the high tech device highlight the stark contrast between the tech world and the lived experiences of marginalized communities, particularly Black people. It is indeed devastating to contemplate that a simple act of retrieving a product could result in such a loss.

As a Black woman in the tech industry, the reality of such incidents resonates deeply and intensifies the fears and concerns that continue to persist . According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2021, reported hate crimes increased to 62% with "African-American Anti-Black or African American hate crimes being the largest bias incident victim category".

Recently companies that market emerging technologies, VR, AI and XR have turned to stock images of Black people with Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) to signal that they are cool, trendy and diverse. However, more often than not the use of these images do not reflect the reality corporate culture for Black Employees (if they have any) or the communities the companies serve through corporate social responsibility programs. Do these images change the culture or perception of people of color? These images may be futuristic but the life we live in the present is in stark contrast to that. Those committing hate crimes try to invalidate that hopeful future by threating our existence.

I am a mother, my heart sank when I read the news. I grieve and process as a parent and as a Black woman. It weighs heavy on me as I have also wondered on my way to work, would I make it there safe?, will me or my child make it home? Can he go outside to play in my community, especially in places where I have relocated for work? If you are an employer, many of your employees could have been Ajike. Often we are asked to relocate to places where our "neighbors" are just as hostile as our peers at work.

The weight of these fears becomes especially heavy when we consider the discrepancy between the diverse users of tech products and the lack of representation and inclusivity within the industry. While many tech companies strive to project an image of diversity, their actions often fall short. Their internal company is seemingly pro-DEI but also overwhelmingly anti-Black. They claim difficulty in finding diverse talent, underfund outreach programs, and fail to create welcoming work environments that foster the growth and advancement of Black employees. The lack of representation at executive, technical and leadership levels further compounds the issue, leaving underrepresented voices unheard, unprioritized and their needs unaddressed.

It is crucial for tech companies to move beyond performative gestures and superficial connections with historically under-resourced communities. Ask yourself before you use that stock image, generative AI or a real model for your diversity photo, does the company reflect the values that would allow this person to exist and thrive in a healthy way? If I asked them to return to office, would they be safe? would asking them to relocate put them in danger?

In the pursuit of innovation and creating products that inspire wonder, it is imperative that tech companies be intentional about not just the images they use in marketing technologies but also by acknowledging and addressing the disconnect between the tech world and the lived experiences of people those images represent. Rather than simply presenting an idealized vision of diversity, companies must recognize and address the very real threats to the safety in the reality that we live in now, not just the future. RIP #AjikeOwens #sayhername