Celebrating Black History Month
During Black History Month, we pause to celebrate and understand Black histories. This year’s theme is Black Resistance. This theme is a reminder to everyone of all the ways that Black Americans have experienced oppression in all forms throughout history.

The 1950s and 1970s in the United States was defined by actions such as sit-ins, boycotts, walk outs, strikes by Black people and White allies in the fight for justice against discrimination in all sectors of society — from employment to education to housing. Black people have had to consistently push the United States to live up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all.
Systematic oppression has sought to negate much of the dreams of our griots, like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, and our freedom fighters, like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Septima Clark, and Fannie Lou Hamer fought to realize. Black people have sought ways to nurture and protect Black lives, and for autonomy of their physical and intellectual bodies through armed resistance, voluntary emigration, nonviolence, education, literature, sports, media, and legislation/politics. Black-led institutions and affiliations have lobbied, litigated, legislated, protested, and achieved success.
Celebrating Important Black Tech Pioneers
This month, we are highlighting and celebrating important Black tech pioneers that shaped history in mathematics, science, and technology.

Melba Roy Mouton (1929–1990)
American mathematician

Dr. Gladys West (1930–Present)
American mathematician

Katherine Johnson (1918–2020)
American mathematician

Mary Jackson (1921–2005)
American mathematician and aerospace engineer

Constance Baker Motley (1921–2005)
American jurist and politician

Annie Easley (1933–2011)
American Computer Scientist

Evelyn Boyd Granville (1924–Present)
American Mathematician
Important Facts
- Every year, ASALH selects an overarching theme for Black History Month. The very first Black History Month theme was Civilization: A World Achievement. The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance. Black Resistance shines a light on historic and modern oppressions against African Americans. Advocating for equity has long been a form of resistance. Resisting acts of discrimination, injustices, and racism plays a critical role in African Americans’ well-being.
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established to provide higher education opportunities to Black Americans. Established in 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was the very first HBCU. Today, over 100 HBCUs exist.
HBCUs, established before 1964, honor their mission to educate Black Americans. HBCUs teach Black history, recognize and honor Black American experiences, and uplift the rights of and needs within Black communities. - The month-long celebration may have started in the United States, but it’s recognized in Canada as well. Additionally, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands celebrate it in October.
The Importance of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging in Product Management
As product leaders, we have the incredible requirement to build products that will shape and alter society for the better. The question at hand is, are we building for everyone?
Our Speakers and Community
Honoring and uplifting the voices and contributions of black speakers and community members during Black History Month.

Cyronne Counts
Director of Programs, Women In Product

Julie Wenah
Associate General Counsel and Product Lead, Civil Rights, Meta • Board of Directors, Women In Product

Shanea Leven
Founder & CEO, CodeSee

Brittany Edwards
Co-Founder, IncorpHERated

Tosin Adeniji
Product Lead, Affirm

Ngozi Ofoche
Reality Labs Privacy Product Specialist, Meta

Sydni Craig-Hart
CEO, Smart Simple Marketing

Erin Teague
Director and Global Head of Sports, Movies and Shows Product Management, Youtube

Lisha Bell
Economic Opportunity Fund Manager, PayPal

Maryanna Quigless
Director of Product Management, Meta

Mave Houston
Head of UXR, Disney

Ivor Horn
Chief Health Equity Officer, Google

Jasmine Lawrence
Senior Product Manager, Everyday Robots

Melika Hope
Product Management leader

Tara King-Hughes
Vice President of Tech and Innovation, Vital Voices Global Partnerships

Kasha Stewart
Director of Product, Adobe

Laura Teclmarium
Senior Director of Product Management, LinkedIn

Lisa Gelobter
CEO and Founder, tEQuitable

Adesola Sanusi
Chief of Staff, Okra

Ronke Majekodunmi
Director of Product Management, Promevo

Joan Walters
Senior Product Manager, AI Heyday by Hootsuite

Ebony Shears
Group Head of Product, North America, Sportradar

Cori Shearer
Senior Product Manager, Growth, Headspace

Yvette Lapompe
Director of Product, PREMION

Nonya Collier
Sr. Manager, Global Product Commercialization for Inclusive Hiring, Indeed.com

Yetunde Dada
Director of Product Management, QuantumBlack

Britney Morgan
Head of Product, Mae

Safiya U. Noble
Professor, UCLA

Mamuna Oladipo
VP of Product, Shopify

Malaika Paquiot
Avalanche Insights Chief Product Insights

Jazmin Tanner
Lead Product Manager, Wikimedia Foundation

Monica Ugwi
VP, Head of Product + UX + Docs, RudderStack

Maxine Williams
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Meta