TLDR
- Melissa Bradley, a DC venture capitalist, is featured in a new video series titled “Black in Tech 2024: A Dream Promised… and Deferred.”
- The video series aims to shed light on the experiences, challenges, and advice of Black technologists in the industry.
Article Summary
DC venture capitalist Melissa Bradley, a prominent figure in the startup scene, is the first subject of a new video series called “Black in Tech 2024: A Dream Promised… and Deferred.” The series is intended to provide insights into what it’s like to be Black in the tech and startup world, especially considering the current challenges facing Black professionals in the industry.
In the wake of the 2020 protests, there were promises made by the tech world and corporate America to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues. While some progress was made, the concept of DEI is now facing scrutiny and cutbacks in 2024. There is a growing belief that race-based solutions to systemic inequalities could be seen as discriminatory under the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment.
Venture capital firms that support Black women entrepreneurs are facing legal challenges, leading to decreased funding and staffing issues. In this challenging environment, the “Black in Tech” video series aims to amplify the voices of Black technologists, starting with Melissa Bradley. In her video, Bradley shares her experiences, emotions, and valuable advice on building a successful startup.
The series seeks to highlight the journeys, tips, and aspirations of Black professionals in the tech and startup fields, offering a platform for discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry.