The underrepresentation of Black technologists in the IT industry not only hampers innovation and creativity but also perpetuates systemic inequalities. To bridge this diversity gap and empower Black tech professionals at every level, various organizations have emerged with the mission to promote inclusivity, provide networking resources, and offer career advancement opportunities. In this article, we will explore 17 professional organizations that are dedicated to advancing the careers of Black IT professionals and increasing their representation in the tech industry through training, mentorship, and community building.

American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE):
AABE ensures that African Americans and other minorities have a voice in energy policies, regulations, and technologies. The organization offers scholarships, career resources, and training opportunities, with a focus on sustainable development and addressing energy-related challenges.

Black & Brown Founders:
Black & Brown Founders aims to empower Black and Latinx entrepreneurs by providing access to knowledge, tools, and tactics for launching startups without relying on venture capital. The organization offers online resources, events, and mentorship to support the growth of businesses owned by people of color.

Black Code Collective (BCC):
BCC creates a safe space and community for Black software engineers, addressing the challenges faced by Black technologists working in predominantly white environments. By advocating for equitable opportunities, BCC fosters connections, support, and empowerment among Black professionals in the tech industry.

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA):
Founded in 1975, BDPA is an international organization that supports underrepresented minorities in IT and computer science fields. Through conferences, scholarships, mentoring programs, and community outreach initiatives, BDPA aims to increase representation in tech and create pathways for future talent.

Black Founders:
Black Founders provides resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to empower Black entrepreneurs in the tech industry. By organizing events, conferences, and hackathons at historically Black colleges and universities, Black Founders strives to increase representation and unlock opportunities for Black startup founders.

Black Tech Nation (BTN):
BTN focuses on providing Black technologists with access to resources, networks, and opportunities in the tech industry. Through initiatives such as talent pipelines, support for Black tech entrepreneurs, and community hubs in various cities, BTN fosters connections and facilitates career growth for Black professionals.

Blacks in Technology (BIT):
BIT aims to bridge the divide and promote equality for Black workers in the tech industry. Through training, education, networking, and mentorship programs, BIT supports career advancement and creates a community of Black technologists, while also engaging allies, partners, and sponsors to drive change.

Blacks United in Leading Technology (BUiLT):
BUiLT focuses on diversity, equity, and equality in the tech industry by offering community-focused activities, events, and programs. The organization supports Black technology workers and strives for equity in the workplace, consumer market, and investment landscape.

Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN):
BPTN serves as a platform for Black tech professionals to connect, network, and share resources. With a community of over 50,000 members, BPTN offers mentorship, events, and summits to support career growth while also helping corporations enhance diversity in their talent pipelines.

Black Women Talk Tech:
Black Women Talk Tech supports Black women founders and technologists, providing opportunities for their ideas to be heard, seen, and invested in. Through annual conferences, partnerships with corporate sponsors, and a strong community, the organization aims to foster the growth of Black women in the tech industry.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is a professional organization dedicated to empowering Hispanic and Latinx IT professionals. With chapters across the United States and internationally, SHPE offers networking opportunities, career development resources, technical training, and mentorship programs. The organization aims to increase the representation and advancement of Hispanic and Latinx professionals in the tech industry by fostering a supportive community and providing access to valuable resources and opportunities.

Women of Color in Technology (WOCinTech) Chat
Women of Color in Technology (WOCinTech) Chat is a platform that highlights and supports women of color working in technology fields. The organization features a directory of women of color in tech, showcasing their accomplishments and expertise. WOCinTech Chat also hosts events, webinars, and mentorship programs to foster collaboration, skill-building, and career advancement for women of color in the tech industry.

Association of African American Vendors in Technology (AAAVT)
The Association of African American Vendors in Technology (AAAVT) is a professional organization that focuses on promoting economic opportunities for African American IT professionals and technology vendors. AAAVT provides networking events, business development resources, contract opportunities, and strategic partnerships to support the growth and success of African American entrepreneurs and IT vendors. The organization advocates for increased representation and economic empowerment within the tech industry.

National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Technology Committee
The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Technology Committee is a branch of NABA dedicated to supporting Black professionals in technology-related roles within the accounting and finance fields. The committee offers networking opportunities, professional development resources, and educational programs to advance the careers of Black IT professionals in finance and accounting. NABA's Technology Committee also works to increase diversity and inclusion in the accounting and finance sectors.

Black Information Systems Professionals (BISP)
Black Information Systems Professionals (BISP) is a professional organization that focuses on empowering Black IT professionals and promoting excellence in the field of information systems. BISP offers networking events, professional development workshops, and mentorship programs to foster career growth and leadership opportunities for Black IT professionals. The organization also advocates for increased representation and equal opportunities for Black professionals in the tech industry.

National Society of Black IT Professionals (NSBITP)
The National Society of Black IT Professionals (NSBITP) is a national organization dedicated to supporting and advancing Black IT professionals across various industries. NSBITP offers networking events, career resources, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities to empower Black IT professionals to excel in their careers. The organization also collaborates with industry leaders and employers to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech workforce.

AfroTech
AfroTech is a platform and community that celebrates and supports Black entrepreneurs, technologists, and professionals. Through conferences, workshops, networking events, and online resources, AfroTech provides a space for Black individuals in the tech industry to connect, share knowledge, and access opportunities. The platform aims to inspire innovation, collaboration, and success within the Black tech community.

Black Girls CODE
Black Girls CODE is a nonprofit organization that focuses on empowering and inspiring young Black girls to pursue careers in technology and computer science. Through workshops, coding boot camps, hackathons, and mentorship programs, Black Girls CODE introduces girls to coding and provides them with opportunities to develop their skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. The organization aims to increase the representation of Black women in the tech industry and equip them with the tools and resources necessary to succeed.

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-managed organizations in the United States, dedicated to supporting and promoting the success of Black engineering students and professionals. NSBE offers various programs and initiatives, including mentorship, scholarships, career fairs, technical competitions, and professional development resources. Through its network of chapters and alumni, NSBE aims to increase the number of Black engineers and technologists and empower them to excel in their careers.

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA)
Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) is a professional organization focused on advancing the careers and skills of Black professionals in the information technology and computer science fields. BDPA offers networking opportunities, professional development programs, mentorship, and scholarships. The organization also hosts annual conferences, hackathons, and technology competitions to provide a platform for Black IT professionals to showcase their talents and connect with industry leaders.

National Society of Black IT Professionals (NSBITP)
The National Society of Black IT Professionals (NSBITP) is a national organization dedicated to supporting and advancing Black IT professionals across various industries. NSBITP offers networking events, career resources, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities to empower Black IT professionals to excel in their careers. The organization also collaborates with industry leaders and employers to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech workforce.

Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE)
Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE) is an organization that focuses on the representation and advancement of Black women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. BWISE offers networking events, mentoring programs, leadership development initiatives, and community outreach efforts to support Black women in their STEM careers. The organization also provides resources and platforms for sharing experiences, knowledge, and opportunities within the Black women STEM community.

These organizations play a vital role in supporting, empowering, and advocating for Black IT professionals and technologists. Through their efforts, they strive to increase representation, provide professional development opportunities, and foster inclusive communities within the tech industry.