In 2025, it’s hard to imagine going through even a single day without technology. Whether it’s to help us learn, work, or have fun, technology plays a major role in how we live our daily lives. From using a Maps app to navigate a new city, playing Fortnite on the weekend, hopping on a quick Teams call with your colleague, or even sending a funny GIF, we owe a great deal to the innovative Black pioneers who have helped shape these technologies.  

This Black History Month let’s explore the stories of eight remarkable Black innovators who have truly changed the world we live in.

1. Dr. Gladys West: The Mind Behind GPS

Dr. Gladys West’s groundbreaking work in satellite geodesy and mathematical modeling revolutionized how we navigate the world. As a trailblazer in technology, her calculations laid the foundation for GPS, a tool that powers everything from your phone’s navigation to global shipping and emergency response systems. West also made history as the fourth Black person hired by the U.S. Navy, where she broke barriers with her intellect and innovation. 

Despite her monumental achievements, Dr. West’s contributions went largely unrecognized for decades, overshadowed by biases tied to her race and gender. Yet her perseverance and brilliance not only transformed modern technology but also paved the way for future generations of innovators to thrive in fields once closed to them. 

Source: SCRIPPS News 

Watch to learn more about Dr. Gladys West’s remarkable contributions.  

 

Source: Defense.gov 

Air Force Lt. Gen. David “DT” Thompson presents Gladys West with an award as she is inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame during a ceremony in her honor at the Pentagon, Dec. 6, 2018. 

2. Jerry Lawson: The Father of Modern Gaming

In 1976, Jerry Lawson changed the world of gaming forever. He created the first cartridge-based video game system, the Fairchild Channel F, which revolutionized the hobby and earned him the title: The Father of Modern Gaming.  

Prior to his work, video games were locked into individual consoles, and every new game required a whole new machine (wasteful and clunky compared to the sleek PS5s in our living rooms today!). Lawson’s cartridge-based system enabled players to easily switch between games, paving the way for the gaming industry we know today.  

His legacy lives on, and we celebrate him for revolutionizing gaming forever. Lawson once said,  

The whole reason I did games was because people said, 'You can't do it. ' I'm one of the guys, if you tell me I can't do something, I'll turn around and do it. 

Source: BuzzFeed Multiplayer  

3. Katherine Johnson: Mathematical Genius and Space Pioneer

While Katherine Johnson is often celebrated for her pivotal role in the success of NASA’s space missions, her contributions to programming and early computing are equally impressive. Johnson’s work with IBM computers helped calculate the trajectories for space flights, ensuring that astronauts were safely sent to the moon and beyond. 

Her groundbreaking work not only advanced space exploration but also laid the groundwork for computational sciences and the software that powers space missions today. Johnson’s legacy serves as a reminder that technology and innovation are key to exploring new frontiers, both in space and here on Earth. 

Source: National Geographic 

Watch to learn more about Katherine Johnson’s achievements. 

4. Mark Dean: Transforming Personal Computing

Mark Dean’s role in the development of the IBM personal computer was nothing short of revolutionary. As a co-inventor, Dean helped bring computing from the corporate world into homes and schools across the globe, forever changing how we work, learn, and interact. 

His contributions also include the development of the first gigahertz processor, significantly boosting computing speed and performance. Without Dean’s innovations, personal computers might not have become the ubiquitous devices we rely on today. 

Source: Spark Fun  

5. Lisa Gelobter: Innovator of Web Animation

If you’ve ever shared a GIF with a friend or seen an animated ad pop up online, you have Lisa Gelobter to thank. Gelobter played a key role in developing early web animation technologies, including the creation of the GIF format. 

Her work paved the way for the dynamic, multimedia-rich internet we enjoy today, where content is interactive, engaging, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re sending a quick meme to a friend or watching an animated video online, Gelobter’s contributions are a key part of how we experience the web.

Source: Connected Nation

6. Philip Emeagwali: Revolutionizing High-Performance Computing

Philip Emeagwali’s work with supercomputers has had a profound impact on the development of high-performance computing and the internet infrastructure we rely on daily. His creation of algorithms that harnessed the power of parallel processing changed the way computers handle massive amounts of data. 

Emeagwali’s contributions laid the foundation for innovations that drive everything from scientific simulations to the speed and efficiency of internet data transmission. His work continues to influence how data is processed and managed on a global scale, powering everything from modern research to online services. 

Source: The African History 

7. Timnit Gebru: Advancing Ethical AI

In an age where artificial intelligence is becoming more integrated into our daily lives, Timnit Gebru is working to ensure that these systems are developed ethically and equitably. As a co-founder of the Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (DAIR), Gebru is dedicated to addressing the biases that can emerge in AI systems, ensuring that technology works for all people, not just a select few. 

Her work on the ethics of AI is helping shape the future of this technology, ensuring that it serves humanity in fair and responsible ways. Gebru’s contributions remind us that innovation should always consider its broader impact on society. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: @TEDx 

8. Marian Croak: Voice of Modern Communication

Marian Croak’s work with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology has fundamentally transformed the way we communicate. Her innovations made it possible for voice and video calls to be transmitted over the internet, allowing for the global connectivity we rely on today. 

Thanks to Croak’s work, we can easily connect with friends, family, and colleagues across continents, whether through video calls, online meetings, or voice chats. Her contributions have reshaped communication, breaking down barriers and making the world feel a little smaller and more connected. 

Source: Nu Origins  

Honoring Their Legacy 

The incredible contributions of these eight innovators are a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and vision. Their work has not only shaped the technology we use today but has also paved the way for future advancements that will continue to impact the world for generations to come. 

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to recognize the lasting influence of these pioneers and remember that innovation thrives when diverse voices are heard and included. The world is richer for their contributions, and their stories serve as an inspiration to us all.