Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™.

The tech industry has been experiencing a wave of layoffs, with many companies citing economic uncertainty and restructuring as the reasons. However, this trend has disproportionately affected Black tech professionals, who are already underrepresented in the industry. According to a report by Layoffs.fyi, Black employees are 1.5 times more likely to be laid off than their white counterparts.. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges faced by Black tech professionals in the current job market and provide guidance on how to stay resourceful and adaptable in the ever-changing tech landscape.

The Rise of Layoffs for Black Tech Professionals

The recent layoffs have been particularly devastating for Black tech professionals, who have worked hard to break into the industry. Some of the most notable layoffs include:

  • Twitter’s layoffs, which affected 25% of its Black employees.
  • Meta’s layoffs, which impacted 20% of its Black workforce.
  • Google’s layoffs, which affected 15% of its Black employees.

Why Are Black Tech Professionals Being Disproportionately Affected?

There are several reasons why Black tech professionals are being disproportionately affected by layoffs:

  • Lack of representation in leadership: With fewer Black leaders in tech, there are fewer advocates for Black employees during layoffs.
  • Limited professional networks: Black tech professionals often have smaller professional networks, making it harder to find new job opportunities.
  • Bias in performance evaluations: Unconscious bias can affect performance evaluations, leading to Black employees being unfairly targeted for layoffs.

Staying Resourceful in the New Tech Space

While the current job market may seem bleak, there are steps Black tech professionals can take to stay resourceful and adaptable:

  • Upskill and reskill: Invest in courses and training programs to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends.
  • Build a strong online presence: Create a professional online presence, including a LinkedIn profile and personal website, to showcase skills and experience.
  • Network and build relationships: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals to build a strong network.
  • Consider entrepreneurship: With the rise of the gig economy, consider starting a side hustle or freelancing to diversify income streams .

Initiatives Supporting Black Tech Professionals

  • Black Tech Unplugged: A community providing resources, support, and networking opportunities for Black tech professionals.
  • The Last Mile: A program providing training and job placement services for Black and Latino tech professionals .
  • Code2040: A non-profit organization providing coding education and career opportunities for Black and Latino students .

The current layoffs are a wake-up call for Black tech professionals to be proactive and adaptable in the ever-changing tech landscape. By upskilling, building a strong online presence, networking, and considering entrepreneurship, Black tech professionals can stay resourceful and thrive in the new tech space.

—

Jon Exume is a seasoned technologist with over 20 years of experience. He serves as President and Executive Director of Technologists of Color, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.