Charlton McIlwain - The Internet & Racial Justice

Charlton Mcllwain, a professor at NYU, discusses his book 'Black Software', which explores the Black Lives Matter movement and its digital strategies. The book highlights African-American pioneers in technology and their contributions to the internet. It also reveals the intertwined history of civil rights and computing, showing how early computing systems were used to address racial issues. The narrative serves as both an uplifting story of hidden figures and a reminder of the dual nature of digital tools.

What was the primary focus of Charlton Mcllwain's book 'Black Software'?

• The evolution of computer hardware

• The development of social media

• The Black Lives Matter movement and its digital strategies

• The history of the internet

Who were the hidden figures mentioned in the first story of 'Black Software'?

• Early web designers

• Famous internet entrepreneurs

• African-American pioneers in technology

• Digital marketing experts

What role did African-American culture play in the early web, as discussed in 'Black Software'?

• It was used primarily for educational purposes

• It was only present in niche communities

• It was central to the early web's content

• It was largely ignored

What misconception does the second story in 'Black Software' aim to correct?

• That African Americans did not contribute to technology

• That digital tools were first used in the 1980s

• That civil rights and computing were unrelated

• That the internet was invented in the 2000s

How were early computing systems used in relation to racial issues, according to 'Black Software'?

• To promote racial equality

• To solve urban problems related to race

• To develop new entertainment platforms

• To enhance educational opportunities

What was the initial purpose of the computing systems as per the historical context provided in 'Black Software'?

• To develop new business models

• To address racial issues in urban areas

• To improve communication

• To enhance military operations

What does 'Black Software' remind us about the tools built by African-American pioneers?

• They were designed for entertainment

• They were primarily for government use

• They were initially used against African Americans

• They were only for educational purposes