David Drummond (Google SVP Corporate Development) – 1st Annual Diversity Affluence Brunch in Silicon Valley (Apr 2015)


Chapters

00:00:34 Journey from Segregation to Success: Van Jones' Path to Social Change
00:03:25 Nurturing Entrepreneurial Talent in Underserved Communities
00:05:38 Economic Shifts in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities for Minorities
00:10:21 Coding Genius and Potential in the Black Community
00:13:59 Bridging the Gap: Empowering Youth of Color in the Tech Industry
00:16:54 Empowering Youths through App Development: A Path to Economic Success
00:19:44 Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion in the Tech Sector
00:22:08 Closing Prison Doors, Opening Doors of Opportunity

Abstract

Van Jones: A Portrait of Activism, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment in the Tech Era

Abstract

Van Jones, a figure synonymous with resilience, activism, and innovation, presents a compelling narrative that merges his family’s history of overcoming racial barriers with his personal journey into activism and entrepreneurship. His approach to social change, particularly within the black community, focuses on creating equitable opportunities in education and technology. This article delves into Jones’s multifaceted career, underscoring his initiatives like Yes We Code and Cut 50, and his vision for empowering young adults of color through coding education, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform.

Background and Motivations

Van Jones’s story is rooted in a family history marked by racial challenges and triumphs. His father, Willie Anthony Jones, was born during segregation and poverty. Despite these barriers, he joined the military to fund his education, eventually becoming a college president. This determination to overcome adversity fuels Van Jones’s commitment to ensuring fair opportunities for all, particularly in education and technology.

Activism and Problem-Solving

Jones identifies as a problem-solver, a trait evident in his approach to activism. He underscores the importance of proposing solutions while highlighting problems, a philosophy that has guided his numerous successful initiatives.

Entrepreneurial Approach

Jones’s unique approach to activism is entrepreneurial. His inclination to start organizations rather than join existing ones stems from his self-proclaimed “bad attitude” towards traditional employment. This strategy has allowed him to drive change more effectively.

Van Jones’s Journey

Jones’s journey is marked by his struggle to fit into conventional employment roles due to his ardent advocacy for justice. Eva Patterson’s recognition of his potential led to the foundation of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, which has been instrumental in closing youth prisons and reducing the youth prison population in California.

Importance of Entrepreneurship

Jones stresses the critical need for more black entrepreneurs. He believes that entrepreneurship is key to wealth creation and value generation, particularly in the modern economy.

Creating Models for Black Entrepreneurs

Jones advocates for developing models to support black entrepreneurs. These models would provide essential resources, mentorship, and networks, fostering an environment conducive to success and innovation.

Impact of Technology on Black Labor

Jones raises concerns about the impact of technological advancements on job opportunities for African-Americans and other marginalized groups. He highlights the risk of traditional jobs being supplanted by technology, potentially rendering black labor irrelevant in certain sectors.

Rethinking Strategies for Black Empowerment

Reflecting on his political experiences, Jones emphasizes the limitations of relying solely on traditional civil rights strategies for black empowerment. He advocates for a more comprehensive approach, integrating entrepreneurship and technology.

Entrepreneurship as a Path to Black Empowerment

Jones views entrepreneurship as a vital strategy for combating the challenges posed by technological disruption. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging young people to engage in tech-related ventures and acquire relevant skills.

Expanding Hustles and Embracing Technology

Jones encourages black youth to expand their horizons beyond traditional pursuits like sports and music, urging them to embrace technology and entrepreneurial ventures for economic empowerment.

Addressing Inequality in the Digital Economy

Jones acknowledges the potential of the digital economy to exacerbate inequality. He calls for a balanced approach that combines entrepreneurship with efforts to address broader societal issues.

Yes We Code Initiative

The Yes We Code initiative, spearheaded by Van Jones, is designed to train 100,000 young adults of color as top-level computer coders, addressing the lack of nurturing technological genius in the black community. Through hackathons in cities like Detroit, Oakland, and Pittsburgh, Yes We Code has unearthed the brilliance of young people of color. These individuals, despite coming from disadvantaged backgrounds and underfunded schools, have demonstrated remarkable intelligence, creativity, and tenacity. The hackathon participants focus on solving real-world problems often overlooked by Silicon Valley, such as issues in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, creating innovative solutions like apps to track court dates and platforms for foster children to choose their own donated clothes. Yes We Code also addresses the digital divide, helping young people with great ideas but lacking tools, training, and technology to transform their concepts into viable solutions or businesses.

Opportunities for Black Professionals in Tech

Van Jones highlights the presence of outstanding programs addressing various segments of the tech pipeline. Yes We Code, inspired by the late musician Prince, does not aim to solely provide coding education but to support and align existing initiatives. Prince suggested the need to create more black Mark Zuckerbergs to address the lack of diversity in tech. Collaborating with organizations like Code 2040, Level Playing Field Institute, All Star Code, Black Girls Code, and Hidden Genius Project, Yes We Code focuses on different demographics and educational levels. They aim to establish a substantial scholarship fund to provide financial assistance to these organizations, thereby dispelling misconceptions that African-American, Latino, and Native American youth lack interest in coding.

Breaking Down Barriers

Addressing the underrepresentation of black professionals in both technical and non-technical roles is vital. Encouraging diverse hiring practices and expanding networks can help tech companies tap into a broader talent pool.

Expanding Perspectives

Promoting diversity in tech requires broadening perceptions of excellence and actively seeking diverse candidates. This approach can drive innovation and utilize the full potential of a diverse workforce.

Cut 50 and Opening Doors of Opportunity

Jones’s Dream Corps organization focuses on initiatives like Cut 50, aiming to halve the prison population, and Opening Doors of Opportunity, which provides job training and mentorship for at-risk youth. Criminal justice reform has garnered bipartisan support, with various stakeholders advocating for reduced mass incarceration.

Dance-Off Rematch

On a lighter note, Jones humorously challenges David Drummond to a dance-off rematch, a nod to their past encounter, showcasing Jones’s engaging personality.

Conclusion

Van Jones’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to social justice. Through his work in activism, entrepreneurship, and technology, Jones has become a pivotal figure in empowering young adults of color and advocating for systemic change. His initiatives and approaches offer a blueprint for addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities in the modern digital economy.


Notes by: Simurgh