CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new tech program is seeking solutions to disparities in the workplace. Despite the growing popularity of tech jobs, Black talent is extremely underrepresented.
According to the NAACP, Black professionals only account for about 7% of the tech workforce.
Now, a group called Dark Mode is working to strengthen representation in Charlotte's tech industry.
This month Dark Mode will launch a 12-week boot camp to encourage more Black students and workers to get into technology.
It will be an introduction to UX Design, also called user experience design, which includes the process of designing web and mobile-based products.
Lusenii “Lou” Kromah is the founder of Dark Mode, a former Twitter engineer, and a Charlotte native who is working to make changes in the industry.
“If you look at stories in society you don't see Black leaders, Black roles as UX designers, Black engineers, Black designers, Black architects, Kromah said. "Those stories just don't exist in society."
Kromah says boot camps can serve as an alternative pathway to a career in technology, while also inspiring others to create their own upward mobility.
“Not only are we building technical talent, there needs to be more black entrepreneurship because a lot of times when you graduate from college you don’t have a lot of black communities to work for," Kromah said.
The boot camp is in-person and there is a cost. It runs from Feb. 26 to May 15.
Dark Mode also offers social events for professionals to connect.
For more information about the boot camp and other events, visit this website.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.