Representative Barbara Lee on Tech Diversity, the Digital Divide, and Cannabis Equity

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, representing California’s 13th District, recently participated in TechCrunch Sessions: Justice. The discussion covered critical tech industry concerns often overlooked, including insufficient diversity, the frequently cited “pipeline problem,” equitable digital access, and inclusion within the legal cannabis market.

Representative Lee has served the 13th Congressional District – encompassing Oakland and neighboring East Bay communities – since 1998. Throughout her tenure, she has been a dedicated member of the Congressional Black Caucus, an organization celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, and one that continues to exert a significant influence nationally.

“The original members truly served as the moral compass of Congress,” Lee stated. “These thirteen representatives consistently championed justice – specifically racial justice – on every issue. Their founding principles extended beyond the African American community, advocating for all marginalized groups within the United States. Advocating for justice for African Americans inherently means striving for equality for all who have been denied the promise of the American dream.”

Addressing the Shortage of Diversity in the Tech Sector

Representative Lee, alongside Representative Maxine Waters and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus, has engaged with tech companies in Silicon Valley and New York to confront the issue of diversity. In 2015, as part of the TECH2020 initiative [PDF], they met with the CEOs of major corporations to discuss diversity challenges and the difficulties the industry faces in achieving greater representation within their workforces.

The conversation surrounding diversity in tech has been ongoing for years. Published diversity reports demonstrate the persistent struggles companies encounter, and sometimes, a reluctance to address these issues. Representative Lee affirmed that she and her colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus are closely monitoring the industry. She also elaborated on the federal government’s potential tools for incentivizing equitable hiring practices.

• Apple unveils new initiatives linked to its $100M commitment to racial equity and justice.
• Facebook appoints a Vice President of Civil Rights.
• Airbnb establishes revised diversity objectives.

Debunking the “Pipeline Problem”

The term “pipeline” is often used by company leaders to explain the lack of diversity in their employee base. However, this justification is demonstrably inaccurate.

• An analysis of the purported ‘pipeline problem’.
• Black Tech Pipeline demonstrates the fallacy of the ‘pipeline problem’.
• Exploring alternative perspectives on the pipeline.

The Importance of Investing in Diversity

Kapor Capital, based in Oakland, California, and the investment division of the Kapor Center for Social Impact, successfully raised $125 million for its third fund. The firm’s investment strategy prioritizes startups dedicated to building diverse teams and fostering inclusive cultures.

• Kapor Capital secures $125 million in funding.
• Investing in diverse founders is essential for responsible investment.
• Venture capital firms are actively seeking ways to support Black founders and investors.

Cannabis Legalization and Equitable Access

A disproportionately high number of Black individuals remain incarcerated for drug-related offenses. As more states legalize marijuana – with New Jersey being the most recent example – the cannabis industry is experiencing substantial growth. However, Black Americans are frequently excluded from benefiting economically from this expansion. As co-chair of the Cannabis Caucus, Representative Lee is developing strategies to ensure equitable access to capital within the burgeoning legal cannabis market.

• Five venture capital firms with optimistic outlooks for cannabis in 2021.
• 2020 marked a pivotal year for the cannabis industry.

The complete discussion transcript is available here.

TechCrunch Sessions: Justice – Key Discussions

Recent TechCrunch Sessions: Justice events featured a range of important conversations. These centered around innovation and its intersection with societal challenges.

Alt-Financing and Venture Capital

A significant portion of the discussions focused on alternative financing models. Investors explored the evolving role of venture capital in supporting innovative solutions.

The conversation examined how these financial approaches can address systemic issues and foster economic opportunity.

Supporting Returned Citizens

Another key theme revolved around reimagining pathways for individuals re-entering society after incarceration. This included discussions on technology’s potential to aid in successful reintegration.

Participants considered how to leverage innovation to overcome barriers faced by returned citizens and promote equitable access to resources.

Session Overview

The TechCrunch Sessions: Justice events provided a platform for exploring the intersection of technology, justice, and social impact.

These discussions highlighted the potential for innovation to drive positive change within the justice system and beyond.

Further Exploration of Session Topics

• The role of technology in reducing recidivism rates was a key point.
• Discussions also covered the ethical considerations of using AI in criminal justice.

Investment strategies focused on companies addressing systemic inequalities were also analyzed.