In this week’s computing lessons students will find out about some of the pioneering Black Computer Scientists.

These leaders of industry are people that most of us have never heard of, but they have played an integral role in the development of the modern computer technology that we rely on today.

They include:

Katherine Johnson – A Physicist & Mathematician who worked for NASA in the 1950s

Roy L. Clay, Snr – A key character in developing Hewlett-Packard’s computer development business

Clarence “Skip” Ellis – The first African-American to earn a Ph.D in Computer Science

Mark Dean – Co-Creator of the IBM personal Computer

John Henry Thompson – His early work has helped to bridge the gap between art and technology, which is the foundation for video games

Kimberly Bryant – Founder of Black Girls Code