Hip Hop icon MC Lyte wants to help Black girls code.

Black Girls Code has new leadership. According to a press release, on Oct. 24, Cristina Jones was announced as the nonprofit organization’s CEO. Under her new role, Jones will lead in Black Girls Code’s expansion, including its curriculum and age limit.

Last Friday, the Black Girls Code (BGC) board announced that founder and CEO Kimberly Bryant has officially been removed from her position as a leader and board member of the organization, according to Insider. In addition, the outlet reports that she has taken legal action against the nonprofit and three board members. As previously reported by AfroTech, last December, Bryant was accused of possessing a leadership style that was threatening and borderline abusive. An investigation into the matter was launched after allegations were brought forth by former employees and volunteers. Bryant has repeatedly denied the claims made against her and has used social media to keep those following her journey in the loop. According to a spokesperson for BGC, “The Board believes the decision to remove Ms. Bryant as CEO and as a board member is in the best interests of the organization, the girls it serves, its employees, and its donors. BGC has been focusing its efforts on moving forward and...

Chloe x Halle are coming to a Twitch near you! In a press release announcement, it was revealed that the multi-talented duo is taking part in an all-female-led livestream gaming event on Monday, Dec. 20 @ 7:30 p.m. PST as part of LG’s Only on OLED campaign, which has partnered with Black Girls CODE. This not-for-profit organization focuses on providing technology education for Black girls. Chloe x Halle will face-off in an exhilarating 90-minute Twitch battle and will be coached by Evil Geniuses Creator Collective stars Lisa Wallen and Aruuu. As part of the campaign, LG will also be supporting and highlighting the presence of women in tech. This gaming challenge follows LG’s Only on OLED Fortnite battle between Megan Fox and Grammy-winning producer DJ Khaled. Chloe x Halle has come a long way since their days of posting videos on YouTube. Since getting signed to Beyoncè’s label, the duo has become seemingly overnight sensations and has begun branching out their business model to...

The crypto space just received a huge nudge from one of the most prominent artists in history. Mariah Carey will be teaming up with cryptocurrency platform Gemini — founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss — in an effort to bolster financial empowerment for women, Rolling Stone reports. The Winklevoss founders felt convicted to work with the “We Belong Together” singer due to her global influence and peaking activity in financial instruments. In a video posted to Mariah Carey’s social platforms, she credits Gemini’s free educational resources such as Crytopedia, for her now acquired knowledge regarding better investment practices using cryptocurrency. https://www.instagram.com/p/CVN0qhYoKd8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link To encourage her fans to tap in, the global star will be gifting fans $20 in the form of bitcoin when users sign up with the code “MARIAH.” A portion of the trades will be allocated toward Black Girls CODE, a nonprofit on a mission to train one million Black girls on...

Sensationnel is giving back in a huge way! The leading wig and hair extensions manufacturer is donating $100,000 to four organizations that support and uplift Black women, children, and students. Those organizations include Black Girls Code, The Loveland Foundation, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and United Negro College Fund (UNCF). “Black History Month is a time to reflect and honor the history of those who made great strides and contributions towards the advancement of the Black community,” said Sensationnel Vice President, Louis Choi in a news release. “With respect for the past, we have chosen to highlight those who currently push for a better future. The four organizations were specifically chosen as they support Black Women, children, and students who are sure to make huge impacts on the world.” Since its inception in 2011, Black Girls Code has managed to work to close the gap between those with regular access to digital technology and those without it. The organization’s...

The Entertainment Software Association and its philanthropic arm, the ESA Foundation, have announced a new initiative to benefit Black Girls CODE. In a press release announcement, it was revealed that the $1 million, multi-year initiative will support educational and mentoring programs for girls and young women interested in technology. This initiative is also in line with Black Girls CODE’s mission to teach coding and technology skills to one million girls and young women by 2040. “The partnership between the ESA Foundation and Black Girls CODE is tailor-made for this moment,” said Anastasia Staten, executive director of the Entertainment Software Association Foundation, in the press release statement. “We believe our program will have a lasting impact on girls and young women who otherwise might never have considered careers in the video game industry. And the most exciting part for me is that, beyond their generous financial support, some of the world’s leading video game...

Angie Jones, a veteran of the tech industry and an avid creator of online coding courses, has made history as she was named as a new Java Champion. OMGGGG! Wow, this is a dream come true!!! Thank you so much 😭 Wait, I gotta go tell my Java college professor. He's gonna be over the moon! 😂🙏🏾 https://t.co/P5HtHs4gls — Angie Jones (@techgirl1908) July 2, 2020 Oracle defines Java Champions as “an exclusive group of passionate Java technology and community leaders who are community-nominated and selected under a project sponsored by Oracle. Java Champions get the opportunity to provide feedback, ideas, and direction that will help Oracle grow the Java Platform. ” In fact, the group is so exclusive that there are only 299 members globally, period. Jones was the first Black woman ever to be selected for the honor. To many in the Java world, Angie is no stranger . For almost two decades, Jones has been in the industry, is active on social media, and teaches several courses on Test Automation...