From Printing Press to Pixels: Black Journalists & Innovators Who Changed the Game

Throughout history, Black excellence has shaped journalism and technology, breaking barriers and setting new standards. From fearless reporters exposing injustice to brilliant minds engineering the future, these pioneers remind us that storytelling and innovation go hand in hand.

Today, we celebrate 8 Black journalists and 8 Black innovators in technology whose impact has shaped the world we live in.

Trailblazing Black Journalists

Black journalists have long been at the forefront of truth-telling, often risking their careers (and lives) to shine light on stories that mainstream media ignored. These pioneers paved the way for today’s voices in media, ensuring that Black stories are told, heard, and respected.

1. Ida B. Wells – The Investigative Powerhouse

Before the age of viral journalism, Ida B. Wells was dragging injustice with the receipts. Born into slavery in 1862, she became one of America’s first investigative journalists, using her newspaper, The Memphis Free Speech, to expose the horrors of lynching. Her fearless reporting laid the foundation for modern investigative journalism.

2. Ethel Payne – The First Lady of the Black Press

Ethel Payne’s coverage of civil rights and international affairs set the standard for advocacy journalism. As a columnist for The Chicago Defender, she held presidents accountable and brought Black struggles to the national stage.

3. Chuck Stone – The Advocate with a Pen

A veteran journalist and editor, Chuck Stone used his platform to advocate for Black rights. His influence in the press even led to his direct involvement in negotiating peaceful surrenders for fugitives during the civil rights era.

4. Alice Allison Dunnigan – Breaking White House Barriers

Alice Allison Dunnigan became the first Black woman to receive White House press credentials. At a time when Black journalists were often ignored, she boldly questioned presidents about racial injustice.

5. Robert Abbott – The Publisher Who Sparked the Great Migration

Abbott’s Chicago Defender wasn’t just a newspaper—it was a movement. His publication encouraged Black families in the South to move north for better opportunities, playing a critical role in the Great Migration.

6. Gwen Ifill – The PBS Trailblazer

Gwen Ifill shattered glass ceilings as the first Black woman to moderate a U.S. vice-presidential debate. As a journalist, she was respected for her sharp analysis and ability to cut through political noise.

7. Claudia Rankine – The Storyteller of Race & Identity

Claudia Rankine is a journalist, poet, and essayist who explores race in America through powerful storytelling. Her work reminds us that journalism isn’t just about reporting—it’s about shaping cultural narratives.

8. Nikole Hannah-Jones – Rewriting American History

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones made waves with The 1619 Project, which reframes U.S. history by centering slavery’s impact. Her work has sparked nationwide conversations on education and systemic racism.

Black Innovators Who Revolutionized Technology

While Black journalists have changed how we consume stories, Black innovators in tech have shaped how we interact with the world. From computers to AI, these pioneers have transformed industries with their genius.

1. Mark Dean – The Architect of Modern Computing

Imagine computers without color screens. Sounds bleak, right? Thankfully, Mark Dean co-created the technology that gave us color PC monitors. As one of IBM’s top engineers, he holds over 40 patents, including key innovations in microcomputer technology.

2. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson – The Mind Behind Fiber Optics

Dr. Jackson’s research helped develop technologies like fiber-optic cables, caller ID, and touch-tone phones. Basically, if you’ve ever used a smartphone, you owe her some gratitude.

3. Katherine Johnson – The NASA Human Computer

Without Katherine Johnson’s calculations, the Apollo missions may not have made it to space. Her mathematical genius helped NASA launch successful space explorations, making her an essential figure in the Space Race.

4. Lisa Gelobter – The Queen of GIFs

Ever sent a GIF in a group chat? You can thank Lisa Gelobter for that. She played a crucial role in the development of animation technology and helped launch Hulu.

5. Roy L. Clay Sr. – A Silicon Valley OG

Dubbed the “Godfather of Black Silicon Valley,” Clay was instrumental in developing Hewlett-Packard’s early computers. His advocacy also helped bring more Black engineers into the tech industry.

6. Dr. Marian Croak – The Voice of the Internet

When you make a WhatsApp or Zoom call, you’re using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology—one of Dr. Marian Croak’s many innovations. With over 200 patents, she’s a force in the world of internet communications.

7. John Henry Thompson – The Creative Coder

Thompson developed Lingo, a programming language used for multimedia and video applications. His work in the 80s and 90s helped shape digital media as we know it today.

8. Kimberly Bryant – Championing Black Girls in STEM

Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls Code, a nonprofit that empowers young Black girls to pursue careers in technology. Her work is closing the diversity gap in STEM fields.

The Legacy Lives On

The contributions of these Black journalists and innovators are far from history—they’re blueprints for the future. Their work continues to inspire new generations of writers, creators, and engineers to push boundaries and tell stories that matter.

As we celebrate their legacies, let’s also support Black voices in media and tech by amplifying their work, funding their innovations, and ensuring that the next Ida B. Wells or Mark Dean has the opportunities to thrive.

💡 Who inspires you the most from this list? Drop their name in the comments!