Decoder with Nilay Patel Black Software author on technology’s role in racial justice
Feb 9, 2021
In this episode, Charlton McIlwain, a Professor at NYU and author of Black Software, dives into the vital role technology plays in racial justice. He discusses the contributions of Black communities to tech and the historical roots of surveillance technologies used in policing. McIlwain emphasizes the need for equity in digital spaces and the importance of recognizing Black culture in online activism. Additionally, he explores the creator economy's dynamics and how technology can empower marginalized communities to innovate and challenge systemic issues.
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Early Black Online Communities
- Charlton McIlwain discusses discovering a group of Black creators in the early internet era.
- One, William Morrell, first went online in 1978, revealing a deeper history.
Invisibility of Early Black Users
- Early Black internet users were largely invisible to tech developers.
- This lack of visibility meant there was no feedback loop in early internet development.
Value Exchange and Black Culture
- Black communities create enormous cultural value online, which often becomes mainstream.
- However, platforms often fail to return this value to Black creators.
