Author: bdpatoday

BDPA, formerly known as Black Data Processing Associates, was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania over 40 years ago in 1975 to promote professional growth and technical development in underserved communities for those in or entering information and communications technology (ICT) oriented fields of interest and related industries. bdpatoday (ISSN 1946-1429) is a monthly serial periodical published in Washington, D.C. by participating local BDPA Chapters of National BDPA (NBDPA) within their respective media markets by local chapter Communications Committees. bdpatoday is emailed to BDPA members, BDPA corporate sponsors, or electronically delivered to BDPA Chapters and Chapter Interest Groups (CIGs) via social media as a benefit of membership. Popular Technology TV (PTTV) features the latest TECH-Inclusion innovations and multimedia STEM programming content produced for video streams and television programs by Industry with bdpatoday and National BDPA's Washington, D.C. Chapter for general audiences.

BDPA Atlanta Captures Chapter of the Year Honors for 2022

ATLANTA—One of the nation’s leading technology inclusion conferences, BDPACON22, powered by BDPA adjourned Saturday, August 20, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia, with BDPA Atlanta, the association’s Host Chapter, capturing Chapter of the Year honors and top awards for 2022.

This year’s 44th annual BDPA Technology Conference (BDPACON22) and Career Expo theme was “Honoring our Legacy, Accelerating the Pace.” For BDPA, 2022 is a great year for community action refocusing on technological barriers, tech-inclusion challenges, and failed workforce policies facing underserved communities. BDPA continues to raise community awareness as the association explores better solutions with new opportunities from diverse and  innovative STEM perspectives.

BDPA Tech and Policy

National BDPA’s Atlanta Chapter President, Ms. Sheneeka Ward (center), receives a House Resolution from Georgia’s House of Representatives commending BDPA during Opening Ceremonies of BDPACON22. The association’s resolution was signed by Pedro Marin, Ranking Member of Georgia’s House Science and Technology Committee. His committee in Georgia’s General Assembly is responsible for legislation that promotes the appropriate and safe development and use of science and technological advances across the state. (L-R) Jose A. Marquez-Leon, National President and CEO of TechLatino: Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA) and proclamation presenter; Sheneeka Ward, President, BDPA Atlanta; and Stephanie Gloster, BDPA Vice President, South Region. Photo © 2022 BDPA

Increasing STEM and cybersecurity engagements with local non-profits, small businesses, HBCUs, JROTC units, and media remain very high priorities for the association as planning for their 50th anniversary in 2025 and supporting sponsored events begin to unfold in FY23.

To review events or an agenda item from BDPACON22 or to plan for BDPACON23 next year in Atlanta, registrants and BDPA Members may visit https://conference.bdpa.org.

For media inquiries, requests may be made by emailing: info@bdpa.org or info@bdpatoday.org .

About BDPA

2016 HSCC World Coding Champions | BDPA Atlanta

Established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1975 as Black Data Processing Associates, BDPA is an international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students in the fields of information technology, computer science, data science, and related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. BDPA Members and mission partners engage in serving local communities through professional outreach events, technology conferences, research and development (R&D) summits with youth STEM competitions, while advocating and charting the future direction of information and communications technology (ICT) industries. For corporate, professional, or student engagements, visit BDPA.org.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Review BDPACON22 events —plan to embrace BDPACON23 next year in Atlanta!

Top Coders from St. Louis Capture Third Consecutive World HSCC Championship

ATLANTA—One of the nation’s leading technology inclusion conferences adjourned Saturday, August 20, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia, with the High School Coding Competition (HSCC) team from National BDPA’s St. Louis Chapter capturing its third consecutive world HSCC championship.

bdpatoday February 2022 | Black History Month Special Edition

This year’s 44th annual BDPA Technology Conference (BDPACON22) and Career Expo theme was “Honoring our Legacy, Accelerating the Pace.” For BDPA, 2022 is a great year for community action refocusing on technological barriers, challenges, and policies facing underserved communities. BDPA continues to raise community awareness as the association explores better solutions with new opportunities from diverse and  innovative perspectives.

BDPA St. Louis Mission Partners and Chapter Executives (file photo credit: BDPA St. Louis)
BDPA St. Louis | Missouri

Increasing STEM and cybersecurity engagements with local non-profits, small businesses, HBCUs, JROTC units, and media remain very high priorities for the association as planning for their 50th anniversary in 2025 and supporting sponsored events begin to unfold in FY23.

To review events or an agenda item from BDPACON22 or to plan for BDPACON23 next year in Atlanta, registrants and BDPA Members may visit https://conference.bdpa.org.

For media inquiries, requests may be made by emailing: info@bdpa.org or info@bdpatoday.org .

About BDPA

Established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1975 as Black Data Processing Associates, BDPA is an international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students in the fields of information technology, computer science, data science, and related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. BDPA Members and mission partners engage in serving local communities through professional outreach events, technology conferences, research and development (R&D) summits with youth STEM competitions, while advocating and charting the future direction of information and communications technology (ICT) industries. For corporate, professional, or student engagements, visit BDPA.org.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Review BDPACON22 events —plan to embrace BDPACON23 next year in Atlanta!

National I.T. Showcase Winners for 2022 Announced—HBCUs Capture Top Collegiate Awards at BDPACON22

ATLANTA—BDPACON22, one of the nation’s leading technology inclusion conferences, adjourned Saturday, August 20, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia, with a new cohort of I.T. Showcase winners selected from the nation’s colleges, universities, and high schools. Annual showcases feature white papers, oral poster presentations, selection panels from ICT Industry judges, and new scholarships for finalists. This year’s cohort follows.

Student Members from BDPA’s Houston Chapter and Prairie View A&M University at BDPACON22
High School Round

Jonathan Bryant • BDPA Detroit
1st Place – Utilizing 3D CAD To Design and Test Charging Adapters for Use In Charging Electric Vehicle
Awarded: $2,500

Sai Nirmal Sarva • BDPA Atlanta
2nd Place — Technology for People with Speech Development Issues
Awarded: $1,250

Javon Jennings • BDPA Huntsville
3rd Place — The Use of International Writing Systems to Enhance Password Security
Awarded: $750

Collegiate Round

Dallyn Reden • Prairie View A&M University • BDPA Houston
1st Place — Securing Invasive Virtualization Attacks
Awarded: $2,500

Olaoluwa Adewoye • Bowie State University • BDPA Washington, D.C.
2nd Place — Cluster Array Configuration through interconnection of Raspbian Systems
Awarded: $1,500

This year’s 44th annual BDPA Technology Conference (BDPACON22) and Career Expo theme was “Honoring our Legacy, Accelerating the Pace.” For BDPA, 2022 is a great year for community action refocusing on technological barriers, challenges, and policies facing underserved communities. BDPA continues to raise community awareness as the association explores better solutions with new opportunities from diverse and  innovative perspectives.

Increasing STEM and cybersecurity engagements with local non-profits, small businesses, HBCUs, JROTC units, and media remain very high priorities for the association as planning for their 50th anniversary in 2025 and supporting sponsored events begin to unfold in FY23.

To review events or an agenda item from BDPACON22 or to plan for BDPACON23 next year in Atlanta, registrants and BDPA Members may visit https://conference.bdpa.org.

For media inquiries, requests from BDPA Chapters and journalists may be made by emailing: info@bdpa.org or info@bdpatoday.org .

About BDPA

BDPA’s Houston Chapter at BDPACON22 with Norman Mays (center), co-author of The BDPA Story

Established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1975 as Black Data Processing Associates, BDPA is an international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students in the fields of information technology, computer science, data science, and related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. BDPA Members and mission partners engage in serving local communities through professional outreach events, technology conferences, research and development (R&D) summits with youth STEM competitions, while advocating and charting the future direction of information and communications technology (ICT) industries. For corporate, professional, or student engagements, visit BDPA.org.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Review BDPACON22 events —plan to embrace BDPACON23 next year in Atlanta!

U.S. Senate approved the promotion of Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley to the rank of General

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley was confirmed by the Senate on Monday to be appointed to the rank of General and will be promoted to his next rank in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. this Saturday.

Langley’s promotion will mark the first time a Black Marine had served as a four-star general in the 246-year history of the Marine Corps. At his promoted rank, Langley will serve as the commander of U.S Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Stuttgart, Germany, and will command all U.S. military forces in Africa.

A full-spectrum combatant command, AFRICOM is responsible for all U.S. Department of Defense operations, exercises, and security cooperation on the African continent, its island nations, and surrounding waters. The area of responsibility consists of 53 African states, more than 800 ethnic groups, over 1,000 languages, vast natural resources, a land mass of 11.2 million square miles (three-and-a-half times the size of the U.S.), and nearly 19,000 miles of coastland. AFRICOM began initial operations Oct. 1, 2007, and became fully operational Oct. 1, 2008.

Langley is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana and graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington. He commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in 1985 as an Artillery Officer. Langley has commanded Marines at every level from platoon to regiment, serving in Okinawa, Japan and Afghanistan.

As a General Officer, Langley has held billets including Deputy Commanding General for II Marine Expeditionary Force, Commanding General for 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Commander for Marine Forces Europe and Africa, Deputy Commanding general for Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, and Deputy Commander for Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command.

Lt. Gen. Langley’s formal military education includes the U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School and College of Naval Command and Staff. He holds multiple advanced degrees including a Master’s Degree in National Security Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

— Sources and photos: Headquarters Marine Corps and U.S. Africa Command

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select here for the latest information on NSIN at BDPACON22

A Leading Community Tech-Inclusion Conference Returns—BDPACON22 heads to Atlanta

ATLANTA—One of the nation’s leading technology inclusion conferences is back and in-person from Thursday, August 18, 2022, through Saturday, August 20, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia.

This year’s 44th annual BDPA Technology Conference (BDPACON22) and Career Expo theme is “Honoring our Legacy, Accelerating the Pace.” In special ceremonies throughout the year, BDPA continues to honor its co-founder, the late Earl A . Pace, Jr., who passed away in February.  For the association, 2022 marks another  special year for recovery, advocacy, and co-hosting local BDPA Chapter reunions while developing stronger partnerships with Industry.

For BDPA, 2022 is a great year for community action refocusing on technological barriers, challenges, and policies facing underserved communities. BDPA continues to raise community awareness as the association explores better solutions with new opportunities from diverse and  innovative perspectives. Increasing STEM and cybersecurity engagements with local non-profits, small businesses, HBCUs, JROTC units, and media remain very high priorities for the association as planning for their 50th anniversary in 2025 and sponsored events begin to unfold.

BDPA Onsite Registration
Onsite registrations during BDPACON

BDPA’s annual career fair is free and open to the public. To attend BDPACON22, registrations are requested to participate in career fair engagements, workshops, or to receive special invitations from industry-sponsored events. Join BDPA at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, for a few days of signature events and powerful engagements with Industry by visiting https://conference.bdpa.org.

For media, an all-access Press Pass registration may be requested by emailing: info@bdpatoday.org .

About BDPA

Established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1975 as Black Data Processing Associates, BDPA is an international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students in the fields of information technology, computer science, data science, and related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. BDPA Members and mission partners engage in serving local communities through professional outreach events, technology conferences, research and development (R&D) summits with youth STEM competitions, while advocating and charting the future direction of information and communications technology (ICT) industries. For corporate, professional, or student engagements, visit BDPA.org.

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Google + BDPA

RSVP Google+BDPA Meet & Greet
Google is proud to be supporting BDPA, its community, and the 44th annual Technology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on August 18 – 20, 2022! 

The White House on U.S. Senate’s Passage of the CHIPS and Science Act

WASHINGTON—Today the Senate passed an historic bill that will lower costs and create jobs.  As Americans are worried about the state of the economy and the cost of living, the CHIPS bill is one answer: it will accelerate the manufacturing of semiconductors in America, lowering prices on everything from cars to dishwashers.  It also will create jobs – good-paying jobs right here in the United States.

ICYMI | bdpatoday® 07.23.22

It will mean more resilient American supply chains, so we are never so reliant on foreign countries for the critical technologies that we need for American consumers and national security. I want to thank Senators in both parties for their hard work on this legislation.

For decades, some “experts” said we needed to give up on manufacturing in America.  I never believed that.  Manufacturing jobs are back. 

Thanks to this bill, we are going to have even more of them.  The House should promptly pass it and send this bill to my desk.

— The White House

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Google’s new office is a love letter to Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA—Google has been a part of Atlanta for more than 20 years. There are more than 1,000 full-time Google employees in Georgia — in two offices in Atlanta and a data center in Douglas County — helping to build and support our products, and help our partners and customers across the South and nationally.

We recently opened our doors to the newest office space in Midtown Atlanta at the 1105 West Peachtree building. This new Google office encompasses 19 floors spanning 500,000 square feet, and is a part of our broader investment in local communities across the U.S.

Atlanta has a rich civil rights history and is home to top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and tech talent. Continuing our long-term investment here will help support our Black Googler community in Atlanta, in line with our racial equity commitments.

Inspired by the city’s legacy for social change, our office was designed as an homage to the people of Atlanta, with each floor an ode to Atlanta’s cultural, musical and artistic history. We worked with more than 50 local and diverse companies to design and build the new space, including artwork from more than 20 local artists.

A giant heart outlining the Google Atlanta sign greets you in the lobby. One of the staircases features a rainbow design — in support and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community — inspired by the city’s nearby rainbow crosswalks. The WERD Cafe, our Googler cafeteria, is named for the first Black-owned and programmed U.S. radio station.

The lobby is decorated with warm vibrant colors and a relaxed sitting area with music memorabilia, a record player and a boombox. The ATL office lobby greets you with a mix of fun design and an emphasis on music. From record players to boomboxes, it’s a reflection of Atlanta’s musical history.

The lobby with, vibrant colors and relaxed sitting area, greets you with a mix of fun design and an emphasis on music. From record players to boomboxes, it reflects Atlanta’s musical history.

Our commitment to Atlanta extends far beyond the walls of our new office. In 2021, Google products helped provide $13.21 billion of economic activity for tens of thousands of Georgia businesses, nonprofits, publishers, creators and developers.

Today, we’re announcing a $1 million commitment to the Urban League of Atlanta to support their work in training underserved communities throughout Georgia. This grant will help jobseekers get digital skills training and place them in high-growth jobs.

On top of this, to bring equitable opportunities to more Georgians, we’re partnering with local community organizations and universities. We’re working with HBCUs like Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College to attract top talent, and partnering with the Technical College System of Georgia to offer Google Career Certificates to 22 colleges across the state at no cost.

Lastly, we are partnering with Mayor Andre Dickens and the Atlanta BeltLine to launch the Atlanta BeltLine Marketplace, an effort to help local Black, Latino and women-owned small businesses reach new customers by retrofitting rail cars into retail space. We’re providing Wi-Fi for the rail containers, a complete suite of Google Nest products, Chromebooks and free digital skills training.

We look forward to continuing to support and partner with our customers, employees and local communities in Atlanta for years to come.

by Matthew Pritchard
Google Atlanta Co-Site Lead and Global Business Organization Lead

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Google @ BDPACON22
Google @ BDPACON22

Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group Acquires Black News Channel for $11 Million

LOS ANGELES—Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group (AMG) is proud to announce that the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court, (Case No. 4:22-bk-40087-KKS) issued an order approving the sale of “substantially all of” Black News Channel (BNC) “assets free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances and interests” to AMG’s networks division. AMG is acquiring BNC out of bankruptcy for $11 million from billionaire Shahid Khan owner of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars franchise. Khan invested over $100 million into BNC.

Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group
Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group

AMG’s acquisition of BNC will add 300 million linear and digital subscribers to the AMG portfolio of assets — which includes 12 television networks such as The Weather Channel, digital platforms Local Now, HBCU GO, Sports.TV, theGrio Streaming App and The Weather Channel Streaming App. AMG has also invested over $1 billion in the last 3 years to acquire 27 ABC–NBC–CBS–FOX network affiliate broadcast television stations nationwide.

BNC has carriage on traditional linear packages via Comcast, Charter, Cox, DISH, DirecTV, and Verizon. BNC currently enjoys approximately 45 million linear subscribers and Allen plans to grow the distribution to approximately 80 million linear subscribers over the next 6 months.

“We are excited to have been selected to acquire the Black News Channel, which has approximately 300 million linear and digital subscribers,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. “Allen Media Group will deliver a best-in-class network to serve the underserved African-American community and the advertisers who want to reach this extremely valuable audience. Also, we appreciate the opportunity to provide cable operators, satellite companies, telcos, and digital platforms diversity of ownership, voices, and viewpoints on their programming line-ups by having a 100 percent African-American owned network.”

In 2016, AMG purchased The Grio, a highly-rated digital video-centric news community platform devoted to providing African-Americans with compelling stories and perspectives currently underrepresented in existing national news outlets. The Grio features aggregated and original video packages, news articles and opinion pieces on topics that include breaking news, politics, health, business and entertainment. Originally launched in 2009, the platform was then purchased by NBC News in 2010. The digital platform remains focused on curating exciting digital content and currently has more than 100 million annual visitors.

— Source and photo: Allen Media Group (AMG)/PRNewswire

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BDPACON22

NCCoE Announces Technology Collaborators for the Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography Project 

Gaithersburg, MD—The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) will be joined by the following technology collaborators in the Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography  Project: 

  • Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) 
  • Cisco Systems, Inc. 
  • Cryptosense SA 
  • Crypto4A Technologies, Inc. 
  • InfoSec Global 
  • ISARA Corporation 
  • Microsoft 
  • Samsung SDS Co., Ltd. 
  • SandboxAQ 
  • Thales DIS CPL USA, Inc. 
  • Thales Trusted Cyber Technologies 
  • VMware, Inc. 

During an initial phase, these collaborators will work with the NCCoE to demonstrate the use of automated discovery tools to identify instances of quantum-vulnerable public-key algorithm use, where they are used in dependent systems, and the function they support.   

Each of these organizations responded to a notice in the Federal Register to submit capabilities that aligned with desired solution characteristics for the project. The selected collaborators signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), enabling them to take part in a consortium where they will contribute expertise and hardware or software to help create a reference design and build example standards-based solutions.   

To learn more about this project, visit the Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography project page.   

Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

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BDPACON22

 

ITSMF Founding Member and Chair Emeritus Carl Williams passes away at 84

DURHAM, NC—Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) Founding Member and Chair Emeritus Mr. Carl Chanson Williams passed away at the age of 84, on July 2, 2022. Mr. Williams of Durham, North Carolina, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.

With a Bachelor of Science degree from State University of New York-Brockport and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rochester, Mr. Williams’ career included duties as Manager, Finance Systems, for the Xerox Corporation, in Rochester, NY; Director, Information Management, American Can Company, Greenwich, CT; and Vice President, Information Technology, for the Amoco Corporation in Chicago, IL prior to its merger with BP in 1998. 

Mr. Williams served as an executive director for Concerned Association Rochester, New York, 1971-1975; board of directors for Stamford Community Arts Council, 1983-1984; as a trustee with Roosevelt University, 1995-1997 and University of Rochester, since 1999; and he served with the Executive Leadership Foundation, since 2000.

Mr. Williams also was a member of the Executive Leadership Council since 1993; member of the Society for Information Management (executive council 1980-1983, president 1985, president council since 1986); and served with the Executive Leadership Council on its foundation board of trustees. He was an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University, since 1991.

Mr. Williams is survived by his wife Clare; his daughter Ryan Michelle Bathé; his son-in-law Sterling K. Brown; his grandchildren, Andrew and Amaré Brown; and his sisters, Juanita Collins and Sylvia Torrey.

In lieu of flowers, the family desires that donations be made directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

About ITSMF

The Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF), formed in 1996, began with a conversation between a few prominent technology executives who discovered that only 3% of information technology management roles were held by Black professionals. Studies suggested that not enough Black professionals were positioned for senior-level technology positions. This discussion sparked those executives, most of whom were CIOs of major corporations, to action as they were compelled to reach, teach and nurture aspiring technology professionals.

Under the leadership of Mr. Carl Williams, this IRS 501(c)(3) organization began recruiting Black professionals who ranked among the Who’s Who in technology, along with companies and individuals that boldly dared to disrupt the status quo and seek more diversity, equity and inclusion among technology executives.

For over 25 years, ITSMF has remained the premier national organization dedicated exclusively to cultivating executive talent among Black technology professionals. The organization is extremely proud of their history, encouraged by today’s progress and excited about the work still needed to fulfill tomorrow’s promises.

— Source and photos: ITSMF

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