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Black Innovators Redefine Success Across Tech, Film and Science in 2024

A 13-year-old's cancer research, a YouTuber's tech empire, and Hollywood's fairer contracts prove Black excellence is thriving. Yet the road to equity remains steep.

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Black Innovators Redefine Success Across Tech, Film and Science in 2024

Black entrepreneurs and innovators are making waves across industries, from tech to entertainment. Recent achievements include groundbreaking deals, scientific discoveries, and record-breaking funding rounds. These developments highlight both progress and ongoing challenges in representation and chat in the tech industry.

In entertainment, filmmaker Ryan Coogler struck a landmark deal with Warner Bros. The agreement reshapes traditional studio contracts, giving him greater creative control and a fairer share of revenue. Meanwhile, comedian Kevin Hart's Coramino Fund opened a $10,000 grant for the third consecutive year, aiming to bridge the AI skills gap for underrepresented groups.

Tech and social media personalities continue to dominate. Marques Brownlee, known online as MKBHD, has built a business empire with over 19.6 million YouTube subscribers through tech reviews. Kai Cenat, another digital star, boasts over 43 million combined followers and ranks as the fourth-most-followed streamer on Twitch.

Young innovators are also stepping into the spotlight. Camarria Williams, a 13-year-old from Chicago, discovered a potential cancer-fighting compound in goose droppings. At Yale, two juniors secured $3.1 million in just 14 days to develop Series, an AI-driven social network.

Despite these successes, disparities remain. Only 17 Black billionaires appeared on Forbes' 2024 list, with eight of the top 10 based in the U.S. Black-owned businesses with employees still represent a small fraction of major brands. Meanwhile, platforms like GoFundMe have become critical for financial recovery, helping many Black entrepreneurs stay afloat.

UrbanGeekz recently published its third annual UrbanGeekz 50 list. The ranking spotlights leaders in tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship, further celebrating Black excellence in these fields.

From scientific breakthroughs to multimillion-dollar funding, Black innovators are reshaping industries. Yet the low number of Black billionaires and the reliance on crowdfunding for business survival underscore persistent gaps. These achievements and challenges together paint a picture of progress still in motion.

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