Feb. 15, 2024
Recognizing the work of Black professionals and experts in computing is critical in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable field, especially when Black voices have historically been under-represented and marginalized. Angela Stewart, an assistant professor with the Department of Informatics and Networked Systems, shared how students, faculty, and staff at SCI can recognize Black voices and achievements in computing for Black History month and beyond.
“Professionals and students can continue to recognize the achievements of Black professionals in computing by reading and citing the work of Black scholars!” emphasized Stewart. “I personally am inspired by the work of Nicki Washington, Ruha Benjamin, Timnit Gebru, and Joy Buolamwini. Black scholars are also under-represented on sites like Wikipedia. Join or start a Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon to add and edit pages for Black computing professionals.”
Stewart also stresses the importance for Black professionals and students in the field to care for themselves and have self-compassion in a field where they are under-represented and marginalized.
“Take time to rest and do things that bring you joy. It can be emotionally taxing to be one of the few Black people in your organization. So prioritizing your well-being is not just important, but critical to your thriving.”
Additionally, both SCI and the University host events throughout the academic year to highlight academic and professional diversity. In the fall 2023 semester, SCI’s Black Voices in Computing exhibit (shown below) showcased the historical neglected of Black researchers in computing through a series of augmented reality (AR) checkpoints. The exhibit, open to all Pitt students, was a collaborative effort between SCI undergraduate students and faculty, including Stewart.
Learn more about Stewart and her work here.
--Alyssa Morales
