Technology Directory
We’re gathering Black‑owned tech, electronics, and digital innovation brands to feature here. This page is currently being updated as we add verified companies and resources. Check back soon for new additions.
Automotive
Technology is no longer optional; it’s the infrastructure of modern life. From AI tools that help us work smarter to apps that organize our days, tech is shaping how we communicate, create, and navigate the world.
But tech doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The best tools are the ones that simplify your life, not complicate it. Whether it’s building a website, managing finances, or staying connected, technology should feel intuitive and supportive.
For Black creators and entrepreneurs, tech is a powerful equalizer; giving us platforms to build, share, and scale our ideas without gatekeepers. The future is digital, but it’s also deeply human.
Automotive culture is evolving fast; from electric vehicles to smarter safety features to cars that practically drive themselves (but still need us to pay attention). For everyday drivers, the focus is shifting from horsepower to practicality, affordability, and long-term reliability.
For Black consumers, automotive choices often come down to trust, value, and community recommendations. We want cars that fit our real lives: commuting, caregiving, road trips, and the occasional “I need to clear my mind” drive with the windows down and the music up.
Automotive isn’t just about machines; it’s about mobility, independence, and access. It’s about choosing vehicles that support our lifestyle, not complicate it. And yes, it’s also about keeping that car clean enough so you don’t have to apologize when someone gets in.
McKinley Thompson Jr.: The Designer Who Put Vision in Motion
McKinley Thompson Jr. When we talk about automotive history, the spotlight usually lands on the cars — the chrome, the horsepower, the iconic silhouettes that shaped American culture. But behind every legendary vehicle is a designer whose imagination made it possible. And one of the most important, yet often overlooked, visionaries in that story is McKinley Thompson Jr., the first African American automotive designer in the industry.
Thompson didn’t just break a barrier; he broke it with style, innovation, and a quiet confidence that reshaped what was possible for Black creatives in engineering and design.
A Vision Born in the Great Depression
McKinley Thompson Jr. grew up during a time when the automotive industry was booming, but opportunities for Black Americans were not. Yet even as a young boy in Queens, he saw cars not just as machines, but as moving sculptures — objects that blended engineering with elegance.
Legend has it that in 1934, he saw a silver Chrysler Airflow gliding down the street and felt something shift. That moment wasn’t just inspiration; it was direction. It was the spark that told him, “I can do that. I should do that.”
And he did.
Breaking Into Ford — And Breaking Ground
In 1956, Thompson entered and won a national design competition that opened the door to Ford Motor Company’s design studio. This wasn’t just a job; it was a historic moment. He became the first Black designer in the automotive industry, stepping into a space where no one who looked like him had ever been invited, let alone hired.
At Ford, Thompson worked on projects that shaped the future of American cars, including:
- The Ford Mustang
- The Ford Bronco
- The Thunderbird
- Advanced concept vehicles that pushed the boundaries of design
His fingerprints are on some of the most iconic vehicles in American history; cars that defined eras, inspired generations, and still turn heads today.
Designing the Future — Literally
Thompson wasn’t just sketching cars; he was imagining mobility in new ways. One of his most ambitious projects was the Gyron, a futuristic concept car that balanced on two wheels and looked like something straight out of a sci‑fi film.
He also led the design of the Ford Cougar II, a sleek, aerodynamic prototype that showed how far American design could stretch when creativity wasn’t boxed in.
Thompson’s work wasn’t loud or flashy — it was intentional, thoughtful, and ahead of its time. He designed with purpose, clarity, and a deep understanding of how people move through the world.
A Legacy Rooted in Representation
Thompson’s career wasn’t just about cars; it was about visibility. He walked into rooms where Black designers had never stood, and he stayed long enough to make sure the door didn’t close behind him.
His presence at Ford challenged stereotypes, expanded the narrative of who belongs in design and engineering, and quietly paved the way for future generations of Black creatives, innovators, and problem‑solvers.
In many ways, Thompson’s legacy mirrors the spirit of Black excellence:
- Innovate even when the world isn’t watching
- Create even when the blueprint doesn’t include you
- Leave the door open wider than you found it
Why His Story Matters Today
In a world where design and technology shape everything, from mobility to culture; McKinley Thompson Jr.’s story is a reminder that brilliance has always existed in our community, even when the industry wasn’t ready to acknowledge it.
His work teaches us that:
- Representation isn’t just symbolic; it’s structural
- Creativity is a form of leadership
- Design is a cultural contribution
- Innovation is a legacy
Thompson didn’t just design cars. He designed opportunity.