Knowledge Is Power: Books For Tech Majors

For Black tech majors looking to expand their knowledge and gain insights into the tech industry, there are several excellent books that offer a blend of technical expertise, personal stories, and career guidance. Here's a curated list of books to consider:

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly:

- This book sheds light on the incredible contributions of Black women mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race. It's an inspiring story of overcoming barriers in the tech field.

Brotopia: Breaking Up the Boys' Club of Silicon Valley" by Emily Chang:

- Emily Chang explores the gender disparities in Silicon Valley and the tech industry at large. While not specifically focused on race, it offers valuable insights into the challenges of breaking through in tech.

"Black Software: The Internet & Racial Justice, from the AfroNet to Black Lives Matter" by Charlton D. McIlwain:

- This book delves into the history of Black technologists and their role in shaping the internet and digital activism. It's a must-read for those interested in the intersection of technology and social justice.

"Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code" by Ruha Benjamin:

- Ruha Benjamin examines the ways in which technology can perpetuate racial biases and offers strategies for creating a more equitable tech future.

"Brother From Another Planet: Notes of a Negro Neuroscientist" by William H. Calvin:

- William H. Calvin's memoir provides a unique perspective on being a Black neuroscientist. It offers insights into the challenges faced by Black professionals in STEM fields.

"The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses" by Eric Ries:

- While not focused on race, this classic book is essential for tech majors interested in entrepreneurship. It introduces concepts of agile development and lean methodologies.

"The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey to Mastery" by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas:

- A timeless resource for software developers, this book offers practical advice and best practices for becoming a more effective and skilled programmer.

"The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win" by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford:

- This novel explores the world of IT and DevOps, offering valuable insights into modern software development and operations practices.

"Cracking the Tech Career: Insider Advice on Landing a Job at Google, Microsoft, Apple, or any Top Tech Company" by Gayle Laakmann McDowell:

- A comprehensive guide to landing a job in top tech companies, this book provides essential tips and strategies for tech majors entering the job market.

These books cover a wide range of topics, from the history of Black technologists to career advice in the tech industry. Reading them can help you gain a deeper understanding of the field, navigate its challenges, and find inspiration in the stories of those who have succeeded in tech-related careers.