Hoppers Lockdown - Confronting Racism in Tech and Infosec

At our last AMA we were asked if we would host a session on how to confront racism in tech and infosec.

This will be an online event. Please sign up to the meetup as normal and keep an eye out for updates. We'll send you a Zoom link closer to the event.

The session will be recorded and will be released as a Vlog, a blog and a podcast.

Seven panelists have been invited to join us from different areas of the industry:

• Annie Mbako from Now Represent
• Beena Puri form the Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• Jahmel Harris from Digital Interruption
• Michaela James from the InfoSec Hoppers
• Oz Alashe from CybSafe
• Tobi Oduola from Keir Group
• Stephen Chapendama from Bantu Security

We will discuss four topics:

• Microaggressions, where they stop and outright racism starts
• Racism in the industry, what this really is and how it can be confronted
• The use of misinformation and social media by white supremacists and the alt-right and how to identify it
• How we encourage black and minority ethnic young people into the industry with so little black visibility

There will be next steps; how we can work together to maintain the push for change, tangible actions, and outcomes.

We have suggestions for what the next steps might be, but we feel now is the time for a wider conversation on how we achieve this. Everyone is welcome and we encourage all to engage and take part in the conversation.

Content Warning

There will be a discussion of targeted racism, violence, neo-nazis and radicalisation.

Moderators and a mental health first aider will be present, and a strict code of conduct will be enforced.