Saluting Black Innovators in Tech
John “JT” Thompson
John Henry Michael “JT” Thompson is the inventor of the Lingo programming language, which is used in Adobe Director. He also served as a Chief Scientist at Macromedia. His work has influenced interactive multimedia development, desktop applications, and CD-ROMs.
Lisa Gelobter
Lisa Gelobter is a pioneer in web animation. She played a significant role in developing Shockwave, an early multimedia platform. Her work helped shape the visual experience of the early web and paved the way for modern web technologies.
Dr. Frank S. Greene Jr.
Dr. Frank S. Greene Jr. is a computer scientist and entrepreneur. He co-founded the software company Technology Development Group (TDG), which focused on database management systems. His innovations have had a lasting impact on the field of data management.
Clarence “Skip” Ellis
Clarence “Skip” Ellis was a pioneering computer scientist. He made significant contributions to human-computer interaction, including the development of the first WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) text editor. His work improved user interfaces and accessibility.
Dr. Mark Dean
Dr. Mark Dean is a computer scientist and engineer. He co-invented the ISA bus, a critical component in personal computers. His innovations continue to shape modern computing, and he holds several patents related to PC architecture.
Mary W. Jackson
Mary W. Jackson was NASA’s first Black female engineer. Her determination and resilience opened doors for women and minorities in STEM fields. She advocated for equal opportunities and made significant contributions to aeronautics research.
Dr. Jesse Earnest Wilkins Jr.
Dr. Jesse E. Wilkins Jr. was a mathematician and physicist. He made groundbreaking contributions to nuclear physics and mathematical modeling. His work advanced our understanding of atomic nuclei and quantum mechanics.
Dr. Edward A. Bouchet
Dr. Edward A. Bouchet was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in physics in the United States. His achievements in academia and research broke barriers and inspired future generations of scientists.
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson was a mathematician and a key figure in NASA’s early space program. Her precise calculations were crucial for the success of space missions, including John Glenn’s orbital flight. Her story was featured in the film “Hidden Figures” and highlighted the vital role of Black women in space exploration.
