Taking the Leap

My girlfriend, among others, knows how important building a community of excellence in the black community. I've talked with her about it on many occasions. Today I took the first step toward making it possible. I started a Black Techies group on meetup.com to bring black coders and technologists together.

Growing up in "the 'hood" taught me about the importance of encouragement and nurturing in the development of an acute mind. People are like plants, if you put them in a pot that is too small, their growth is constrained. This, I've heard, is the secret of growing a bonsai tree. Constant restriction at the hands of an artful master. However I doubt anyone would argue that the 'hood is an artful master.

In many ways, the inner city presents the same challenges, lack of financial, educational, and encouraging resources. Mentors for some of the really cool and interesting things that kids want to do is limited, and this is something I hope to change. I want kids to know there is a place where they can be challenged to learn and grow. For me personally, that challenge was computer science. For other kids it may be math, or music, or history, but because mine was computer science, I would like to make a difference to kids who are interested in it.

The Black Techies meetup group is a first step. Although it does not meet directly wit kids as of right now. It does provide an avenue to meet other black professionals in technology. I know I can't fulfill the mission alone, and I'm hoping to bring others on board to make it possible. I guess the success of the vision will be judged on its execution, and I look forward to the challenge.

I strongly believe that a better educated black community will make America a better place to be. I hope that my actions are taking us all in that direction. If you're in NYC, I'd love to meet you at the meetup.

-Kyle