American History: Celebrating Black Journeys in Tech is a bold, truth-telling restoration of the real story of American innovation-one where Black technologists are not side notes, but the foundation. It uncovers the pioneers whose inventions power modern life, connects their legacy to today's builders, and challenges the systems that continue to leave entire communities behind in the age of AI.
This book is written for the young people who feel technology is out of reach. For the students who were never told that the foundations of modern computing were shaped by Black minds. For the workers who feel displaced in their own country. For the communities left behind in the race for innovation. For the leaders who still believe in the promise of America-a promise that must include all of us.
Across history, personal narrative, and a powerful anthology of modern Black technologists, the book shows that the next century of innovation is already unfolding-and we cannot afford to be spectators. It restores the record, maps the moment, and hands the baton to a new generation.
We are not outsiders to technology.
We are not late to the table.
We are not exceptions.
We are not anomalies.
We are foundational.
And it is time for the world to know it.
Jones, Dwight D.: - "Dwight D. Jones Sr. is a veteran technologist, author, speaker, and mentor with 40 years of experience in technology, including 23 years at Microsoft, where he has helped lead and deliver some of the company's most complex and pioneering initiatives across networking, cloud, collaboration, security, and AI.Dwight has lived every major wave of modern computing - from mainframes and on-premises infrastructure to the internet, cloud, and now artificial intelligence. His career spans global enterprises, telecommunications, financial services, and government, including foundational work supporting Microsoft's cloud journey, the launch of Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Federal, and enterprise-scale security and reliability initiatives.Beyond his technical leadership, Dwight is widely known as a force multiplier and champion for people. Over the course of his career, he has mentored thousands of technologists and helped open doors for underrepresented talent across the industry. More than 20 Microsoft employees have publicly credited his first book, A Black Journey in Tech, as a catalyst for earning promotions, clarity, and confidence in their careers.Dwight is the author of multiple books that consistently receive 5-star reviews for their honesty, depth, and practical guidance. His writing blends lived experience, history, faith, and strategy - offering readers not only inspiration, but a roadmap. His work is frequently cited as both a mirror for those who felt unseen and a bridge for the next generation entering technology.A lifelong learner and sought-after speaker, Dwight is known for his ability to translate technical complexity into human impact, and to connect legacy, leadership, and innovation with purpose. He believes technology is not foreign to Black communities - it is part of our inheritance - and his mission is to ensure the full truth of American innovation is known, honored, and carried forward."
