TULSA, Okla. — Against the backdrop of a freezing February, 28 determined students gathered at Atlas School for the Black Futures Hackathon, an initiative that fused Black History Month with hands-on technology training.
More than just a competition, the event provided students with real-world coding skills, a deeper understanding of Tulsa’s Black entrepreneurial history, and the confidence to see themselves as future leaders in tech.
The Urban Coders Guild, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science education, hosted the event. Founded to bridge the racial and economic gaps in the tech industry, the organization has carved out a crucial role in empowering Black and marginalized students in Tulsa through coding programs and mentorship.
More than just a coding event
The Black Futures Hackathon challenged students to:
- Research and honor historic Black Wall Street businesses
- Develop hands-on experience in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills
- Visualize themselves as technologists, innovators, and entrepreneurs
This immersive experience was not only an opportunity to learn industry-aligned STEM skills but also a way for students to draw inspiration from the legacy of Historic Greenwood District, home to the nation’s original Black Wall Street.
Black Futures Hackathon builds future tech leaders
The 28 students who participated represented multiple schools across Tulsa, including non-TPS institutions and homeschooling communities. The majority of participants (76%) identified as Black/African American, but the event also welcomed Latino, Indigenous, and Asian students, emphasizing inclusivity in the future of technology.
Notably, 19 of the participants identified as female, highlighting the importance of bridging the gender gap in STEM fields.
Tech Equity in Tulsa’s Future
As Tulsa grows as a federally designated tech hub, initiatives like the Black Futures Hackathon are critical in ensuring that historically excluded communities have access to education, mentorship, and real-world opportunities in technology.
Without intentional investment in STEM pathways for Black and marginalized students, the promise of Tulsa’s tech growth could mirror past patterns of exclusion.
“Imagine a future where the next generation of tech leaders emerges from every Tulsa neighborhood—where young people from historically excluded communities aren’t just working in tech, but shaping its future,” Urban Coders Guild founder Mikeal Vaughn wrote in a recent op-ed. “By committing to inclusive education today, we can make that vision a reality.”
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