Equity Black Girls Code's developing story offers a complicated look at lots of different things
Aug 24, 2022
Dominic-Madori Davis, a TechCrunch reporter, sheds light on the controversies surrounding Black Girls Code following the ousting of founder Kimberly Bryant. They discuss the complexities of leadership changes and the impact of a toxic workplace on governance. Davis emphasizes the significance of fair media representation, particularly for underrepresented founders. The conversation navigates biases in reporting and the systemic challenges faced by Black women in tech, offering a profound look at transparency and accountability in the industry.
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Black Girls Code Controversy Timeline
- Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code, was suspended in December 2021 after allegations of a toxic work environment.
- She was officially fired eight months later and subsequently filed a lawsuit, while the organization's website was allegedly hijacked.
Founder Control and Equity Structure
- Founder protection through dual-class shares is common in startups, giving founders more control.
- Black Girls Code, as a non-profit, likely had a different structure, potentially giving Bryant less leverage.
Bias in Founder Accountability
- The swift ouster of Kimberly Bryant raises questions about due process and bias against Black founders.
- This contrasts with situations where white male founders have faced less severe consequences for misconduct.