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Researchers have developed algorithms that accurately depict coily Black hair in computer graphics — a historic advancement for Black characters in media. According to The Guardian, AM Darke, an associate professor in the department of performance, play, and design at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Theodore Kim, a professor of computer science at the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, co-authored the study. Despite increased representation and numerous papers published on computer graphics algorithms over the past 50 years — particularly regarding hair — Kim noted that representations of Black hair have remained relatively unchanged. Due to a lack of appropriate formulas, animators have struggled to accurately depict textures like type 4C hair , characterized by tightly coiled curls. “There’s only one or two hairstyles that people gravitate towards because they find that it’s culturally approved,” Kim said. “The vast diversity of type four hair is then...
Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Washington, D.C ., has long been a hub for Black individuals seeking community and opportunity. Known affectionately as “Chocolate City,” the area is home to a thriving population of Black professionals who live, work, and play in the region. D.C. is not only the home of prestigious HBCUs like Howard University but also serves as the political heart of the United States, with most career opportunities tied to government work. Companies such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte offer consulting roles that bridge the gap between the private sector and government. As interest grows from both the government and the technology industry to strengthen their collaboration, career opportunities at the intersection of these sectors — at the federal, state, and local levels — are expected to rise. This is an emerging opportunity that aspiring professionals should pay attention to. In this article, I’ll...
A Michigan-based venture capital fund focused on investing in businesses owned by people of color has joined forces with a renowned investment firm, paving the way for expanded growth and a more significant impact for both organizations. According to Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, the New Community Transformation Fund has partnered with Michigan Capital Network, which will manage fund’s, daily operations, and offer strategic guidance. Discussions between the two Grand Rapids firms began months ago. Paul D’Amato, CEO and managing director of Michigan Capital Network, said it “made sense” for both organizations from the start of the process. “We share their goal of creating access to capital for people of color because we know that business growth, entrepreneurship and capital investment strengthens our economy and makes our state more attractive to other businesses looking to relocate,” D’Amato said, Crain’s Grand Rapids reported. Through the affiliation, which gives the venture...
Co-founders Audrey Djiya and Peter Nsaka have secured funding from Fearless Funding. TechCrunch reports that the pair became connected while attending Stanford University. Djiya attended its school of business, while Nsaka studied computer science. Although they pursued different educational journeys, they were united by a shared mission: solving the complexities surrounding international commerce. Their focus became streamlining the movement of goods across borders, addressing issues such as inefficient supply chains, inconsistent regulations, and barriers to trade. Their unique perspectives and expertise became the foundation for tackling the challenge with innovation and collaboration. For Djiya, she had taken note from her family, who were entrepreneurs. “Growing up watching family members move goods cross-border, the challenges around international commerce really stuck with me,” she told the outlet. Nsaka made his own observations while at Shopify. He took on the role in 2020...
In a world where things move at lightning speed, just coasting on your current skills won’t cut it anymore. Especially for Black professionals—whether you’re a millennial hustling for a promotion or Gen Xer looking to pivot into new industries—upskilling is the key to leveling up. It’s not just about staying in the game; it’s about dominating it. Learning new skills doesn’t just set you up for the next step; it helps you rise, thrive and own your space—especially in fields where we’re still pushing for more representation. Whether you want to transition into leadership , explore new industries or simply sharpen your expertise, upskilling gives you the power to reshape your career path. And for Black professionals, this journey isn’t just about stacking up certificates—it’s about busting down doors where diversity still lags. Why UC Berkeley Extension is the Move for Your Next Chapter When it comes to upskilling, UC Berkeley Extension offers certificates that will help you thrive in...
The visibility from “Shark Tank” led to remarkable growth for The Transformation Factory founder Alexiou Gibson. Gibson is behind the sea moss brand, which was inspired by his personal health journey that resulted in a 300 pound weight loss from taking the algae in his daily lattes, CNBC reports. “Like most teens, I believed that I was invincible,” Gibson shared on “Shark Tank.” “I thought I would be fine and had time to get healthy later. It wasn’t until my doctor told me that I wouldn’t live to see my 30th birthday that I understood how serious I needed to be about living.” Recognizing the great power of sea moss through his 10-year health battle, the company website notes, The Transformation Factory now sells various sea moss gels in flavors dragon fruit, pineapple, mango, and strawberry banana. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Transformation Factory (@seamosstransformation) Gibson pitched his company while on “Shark Tank” in 2022 and scored a $600,000 deal from...
Waza has raised $8 million to improve the financial technology sector in Africa. TechCrunch mentions that emerging economies tend to buy more from other countries than they sell, leading to an increase in demand for U.S. dollars to trade internationally. Combined with limited supply, trading can be more expensive. The outlet also notes that Africa’s lack of technological solutions worsens the issue. Thus, Waza’s efforts are timely for Africa because it exists to ensure Africa-based companies and traders can have liquidity and more seamless B2B payments using U.S. dollars, euros, and Great Britain pounds, per the company website. Within its first month of operations, the company’s payment volume reached $280,000, according to TechCrunch. In May 2024, those numbers had dramatically increased, with $70 million in monthly payment volume equating to $700 million in annualized transaction volume, Co-Founder and CEO Maxwell Obi confirmed to TechCrunch. “Cross-border payments in the context...
Our relationship with artificial intelligence (AI) technology has the power to transform human interaction and this professional wants us to use it to our advantage. Tanneasha Gordon has had a first-hand look at how AI has come in to change our relationship with technology as well as how markets and businesses operate at scale. With more than 17 years of advising on privacy, she leads the charge at Deloitte US Data & Digital Trust by building durable ad privacy and compliance solutions along with advising content compliance, data governance, and security. As a go-to leader in times of crisis, Gordon has no issue with the ever-evolving landscape of technology. She helps to direct companies with developing remediation strategies, interpreting requirements, assessing readiness, and a host of other qualities needed to push the needle forward in the space. “As we move from simple AI systems to complex foundational models and usher in AGI – understanding how this technology can benefit...
The life of Wallace Peeples, also known as Wallo267, is a testimony of defying the odds. After serving a 20-year prison sentence, the Philadelphia, PA, native has been actively transparent about his journey. Wallo267 has become known for his unshakeable honesty and for being an avid advocate for those affected by the criminal justice system. His passion for amplifying such issues brought him to his new C-suite role. In February 2024, Reform Alliance announced that Wallo267 would lead its marketing department as chief marketing officer (CMO). View this post on Instagram A post shared by REFORM Alliance (@reform) Wallo267 shares with AFROTECH™ that the appointment happened organically after Reform Alliance co-founder and billionaire Michael Rubin recognized his marketing acumen. “Rubin was interested in me, seeing I just always have been a natural, organic guerrilla marketer out here — no budget marketing. I’ve always done it,” Wallo267 told AFROTECH™ in an interview. “And, he went to...
Starting a business and becoming an entrepreneur is an option for anyone regardless of their education level, socioeconomic status and more. It may be hard for some to believe, but there is legitimacy to becoming successful with just a dollar and a dream . There are many testimonials out there of people who have gone from rags to riches, sharing stories on how they turned their ideas into a real business with hard work and determination. The best business books are the ones that not only share a success story, but also teach the reader how they can write a success story of their own. Many of the books below are also written by Black authors who specifically highlight the past and present struggles of Black Americans leading successful businesses. Discover which of these books is the most inspiring or resonates the most or combine the knowledge from them all to put to good use in the industry. Here are 10 of the best business books that tell these stories and help inspire anyone to...
