UKBlackTech create stock photo's featuring BAMEs using tech
by Startacus Admin
A lack of BME in Tech representative images led to UKBlackTech driving a simple but effective solution to shoot a series of stock images featuring BAMEs using tech.
After speaking to a wide cross section of BME in Tech, as well young BME individuals who aspire to enter the tech sector, UKBlackTech clearly identified that BME (Black and minority ethnic) do not see themselves represented in the media and images that exist of the tech sector.The few images that are available tend to be of PoC in the tech sector in America, and as such there are not many that directly represent or appeal to a British audience. The images that do exist of British Black and minority ethnics in tech are often difficult to access and are not necessarily of high quality.
After pinpointing this issue, a number of individuals including Nene Parsotam (Senior Art Director of Vine Creatives) Julian Hall (founder of Ultra Education and Startup Dash), Debs Durojaiye (General Organiser for AfroTech Fest), Deborah Okenla (Founder of Your Startup – Your Story) and Andy Ayim (current lead on the project www.Twiiged.io) came together in collaboration with UkBlackTech to create an effective solution to tackle this issue.
The simple but effective solution was to facilitate a photoshoot (shot in Dec 2017) featuring individuals of Black and minority ethnics, adults and children alike, using tech and being in tech spaces.
There were two focus areas – adults and children. The adult shots focused on BME individuals in boardroom, meeting environments, interacting with different forms of tech, and working within the tech space. The Children’s shots featured children of BME backgrounds, interacting with different forms of tech, specifically VR headsets, laptops, computers, as well as interacting with adults and each other.
UKBlackTech are dedicated to finding ways to increase the profile of Black and minority ethnics in tech, as well creating solutions to problems 
encountered in the pursuit of this.
Startacus previously featured UKBlackTech in our article on diversity in tech communities and platforms and should be commended for driving forward with this simple but very effective solution.
Projects like this and the recent initiative by a group of young Brixton activists who recreated film posters with black leads are a step in the right direction. Finding decent stock images of BAMEs using tech is indeed pretty tough and we will ourselves be sure to make the most of this opportunity to better represent the true diversity of the UK tech scene and to help drive an inclusive tech economy.
The UKBlackTech photos are available Creative Commons Attribution - License which means that you may copy, distribute, and display the images as long as you attribute UKBlackTech or www.ukblacktech.com.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The EverLearner launches a GoFundMe campaign to help disadvantaged children in the UK who are struggling to complete their online learning
10 startups solving challenges the aerospace sector faces are selected for the latest ATI Boeing Accelerator. We took a look at the cohort
Whether you're recruiting for a small tech startup or a large well-established organisation, these tips will help you stay on top of your game
AlphaBeats is a startup that's created an innovative way to help us all us fight stress while we unwind listening to our favourite music
Whirli is an innovative toy subscription service providing you with access to a huge ever-changing toy box
.jpg)
To help businesses make their employees feel secure in the current lockdown, Jayne Harrison, Head of Employment Law at Richard Nelson LLP outlines the legalities that they should adhere to
.jpeg)
If, like many of us you're working from home at the moment, here are a few basic tips to help you do just that - in comfort
The award winning Lloyds Lab incubator is back and is currently seeking innovative startups to join its latest cohort, Cohort 6.
The f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign that's showcasing the inspirational female entrepreneurs who are running small businesses and supporting their communities
Bankhouse Media, the leading full-service digital marketing agency expands its offering and sets up a Belfast base in Glandore
Published on: 3rd March 2018
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Supporting disadvantaged children with their online learning 19th Jan 2021 The EverLearner launches a GoFundMe campaign to help disadvantaged children in the UK who are struggling to complete their online learning
- Innovative InsurTech startups take note - Lloyds Lab wants to hear from you 14th Jan 2021 The award winning Lloyds Lab incubator is back and is currently seeking innovative startups to join its latest cohort, Cohort 6.
- Female Entrepreneurs Powering Economy and Communities Celebrated 13th Jan 2021 The f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign that's showcasing the inspirational female entrepreneurs who are running small businesses and supporting their communities
- PayDashboard secures funding boost for its innovative payslip platform 12th Jan 2021 The London-based fintech innovator, PayDashboard, receives Innovate UK Funding to support its growth in the financial wellness space
