We Need More Black People In I.T.

[@youhgv2010]

Glad to see a black person in an industry. Where is not enough of us, and he is being loyal to his community! B1

[@popz2049]

I'm 13 yrs in, worked my way up from desktop support > server > network engineer > security consultant. I got my start by stealing a A+ certification book in the 9th grade and reading it during the summer. It can be done, keep pushing.

[@MzCynt08]

LJ that's where I'm at now studying A+. The training is offered in my job for free but you have to be in IT already. Applied n they offered me an OPS spot with conditions that didn't pan thru.

[@popz2049]

@@MzCynt08 I don't know what your goals or your age but I might recommend skipping A+. If your goal is networking, I would jump straight to CCNA or CCENT.

[@MzCynt08]

@@popz2049 Ok LJ I'll check them out. Thanks!!!

[@kristopherleslie8343]

"Stealing" a book lol man for real.

[@popz2049]

@@kristopherleslie8343 Yea lol, I was in the 9th grade and didn't have any money to buy it. Completely wrong but that's what happened.

[@SunGxdRa]

landed my first IT job out of school with two white homies at a fortune 500. I remember one day at lunch myself and another random black cat had acknowledged each other from opposite sides of the cafeteria. The homie looks at me and says "Is that a black thing? I notice you and the other black people always greet each other". I had to explain to him when you work at a company with multiple buildings on campus but there is only 10 people who look like you, you generally show each other love. Granted you always have a few black folks acting brand new in corporate but from my experience at several fortune 500's I've always received and have always shown mad love to other black people on campus

[@datdude8484guht]

As a POC in IT, I have to constantly try to prove myself to non POC. It's hard getting experience with bigger projects when leaders stereotype you based on the color of your skin. Its hard yo, sometimes I feel like switching careers.

[@raymorris8447]

like a mahfuxxa. This game is racist AF

[@Freakazoid12345]

What is, "POC" ? A non-white person? Why is this channel so racist?

[@briancrawford9922]

I been blessed my first IT job was for a MSP in Alabama that at the time had a black CEO and several black engineers that range from senior design to architect and they gave me my shot in IT. I was a 35 year black male with no experience with a CCNA. They hired and trained me up and I thank them for that opportunity. Now 5 years in the game working on my CCNP: Security. My area I have seen a lot of black IT professionals but we have a good population of black people compared to other areas of the nation.

[@kristopherleslie8343]

Congrats on that. I'm also in Bama and know the "fun" we have here in our part of the dirt. Congrats man and keep it moving forward. Consider making your own business!

[@Freakazoid12345]

Racism pays off!

[@jaimcgee4566]

I am IT consultant, I had to re-search and talk to people , and to understand that I have to get the experience. IT is a long journey.

[@MrRecon775]

Afro Latino here Systems Engineer on the way to SR started as migration tech, desktop support, junior admin, sys admin, and now systems engineer. BLESSED

[@Cecelashell]

That's awesome, congrats on your success! That's gives me hope, I'm starting out as an migration tech and next goal to probably land something more pay; mostly desktop support.

[@DThompsonDev]

This is why I focus on certain areas because we genuinely lack the resources. When I give recourses to someone from lower income areas, they THRIVE. I have helped over 100 People land their first jobs in tech and I want to continue increasing this number dramatically! I know we can do it.

[@sweetblack1216]

I'm working on it right now with the baby steps getting my A+ certification study materials I keep getting distracted but I want to break into IT so bad..sometimes I just lose motivation to keep going

[@c.mchido571]

Keep going!! Some days are like that.. weeks can pass and no motivation to continue.. it happens to just about everybody, even to the professionals at the top..

[@kristopherleslie8343]

Sweet Black, I hear you and I say keep at it. I have a friend who was a model YEARS ago. Beautiful chick, stayed doing model things around our state and region for work. I use to help her with some of her marketing and IT work. After some years passed, I read an article that not only hit some good magazines in our state but a few websites here as well, having her make the top headline. She jumped into IT, finished school, became a parent and got a good job at a bank and revitalized them upon getting hired. She became a show stopper. She had no intentions back in the day when I met her. Keep at it get that A+ if that is your purpose and path. Most of that work and study material is online for free in most cases. Take that exam and pass. Cheer for yourself be happy for a day or two and then get back to work on the next level. Some of the kids I've had a chance to be a guest speaker to and mentor have came back in 1-2 years and have been doing awesome and well beyond my original thoughts. You can and WILL BE the best you. Let us know when you hit that!

[@kristopherleslie8343]

One more thing Du’An Lightfoot is definitely one of the few "blacks" online that teach and mentor. I have been mulling over the idea for years. More or less been sharpening my sword getting ready. What he provides you is insight and wisdom. He is a jewel and he didn't even know it but I'm glad he is living in his purpose, honey you do the same!

[@kingtau]

Don't stop, I'm going through the same thing! I should be working right right now. In fact some of my class mates are working making great money after only a few months to a year. I know I'll get it together and so will you!

[@sweetblack1216]

@@kristopherleslie8343 oh my God thank you so much you've really encouraged me

[@felicityfortuna]

I'm a black woman in my late 30s, switching to IT from a non-tech field. Scheduled to take the first part of the A+ exam in May and the second part in July. The work is out there, we just gotta get at it!

[@thlp6872]

@Goldy Gold - Good luck on your A+ certs. What is your potential path and end goal? Trying to figure out where I want to go. This field is so broad.

[@AriezGirl_78]

@@thlp6872 I agree!

[@dalebrown6148]

People have to be willing to chance on others. I recall looking at a video from Eli the Computer Guy on this exact topic and he suggested that we must network and possibly move to an area where it's equitable for us (paraphrasing).

[@TechTualChatter]

This is what my channel is about, showing that representation of us in this industry. Until college i had never seen anyone that looked like me in this field for a living. At most of my jobs besided when i did helpdesk there were not alot of working for a company. I know one reason is that they just dont want to hire us because i went through this 2 years ago when i got laid off, but im working to change that once im in management. So far i have helped alot of us start off their IT career and I plan to keep on doing it

[@moegreenback6854]

Yo ain’t gotta be sorry bro u just looking out for your own like everybody else out there. IT is competitive and like u said it’s not what you know but who you know. Keep sharing sharing the knowledge.

[@kristopherleslie8343]

It shouldn't be competitive. We should be striving to hit solutions. Competition sometimes leads us to a wrong idea of value and success to a degree.

[@KevinWhiteJr]

I've been in IT for 10 years (law firm IT). One of things that I see is the problem is getting YOUNG black people interested in IT. My son is 14 and I have tried to expose him to tech. You made a point about where you are from and I come from a similar background and there was a part of my life where I lived in Wayne, NJ and I was one of three black kids in the school. After that I moved to Atlanta, GA and it became clear that there was a lot that black kids didn't get exposed too. I made a similar comment on @NetworkBruh video. I liked where I grew up, but I will admit that not having access and opportunity to the IT world early on put me behind the eight ball. I tell my 14 year old that he doesn't need to rap, act or play sports to make money and that his success can be from his mind and not his body. We need more IT exposure in predominately black schools to show these kids that there are other ways out.

[@mabuie]

I have been in IT 22 years and counting, There are so many levels to this issue. I was very fortunate to get introduced to tech back in 1985 in 7th grade. It was extremely rare to see computers in any classroom. We can’t ignore the fact of racism that created the divide of economics and resources and also keeps us as qualified professionals out of the game. Great content man! I enjoy this channel.

[@headinthekloudz]

In my circle I'm the only one trying to become a IT Professional, weed and rap music have heavily impacted minorities. But on that note if your black, white, green, purple and you want something that's gonna keep you in the game, its cloud computing, big data, ML, cybersecurity. Unfortunately ppl in the hood, a majority of them ain't ready to put that work in, for IT Experience/ certifications. Once I get on, im helping those who want help.

[@kristopherleslie8343]

I disagree, people put in work when they need or want to. Plenty of kids and adults want to do something, they often just need a path and destination. For granted drugs and music affect every race and nationality I know it affects ours as well but it's plenty of people able to do what they need to do. It's just a self-choice.

[@TOPHATMUZIK]

I’m trying to make it off the Help desk/ Desktop Support.

[@kristopherleslie8343]

Easy, what is your purpose in life or have you asked yourself that question? Once you identify that, move and give it your all till you meet that ideal. Then keep moving further.

[@popz2049]

I was there brother, get professional level certifications. My blueprint was Video courses, Book, Lab, test prep, then exam.

[@kristopherleslie8343]

@@popz2049 100% legit

[@NIC_Pineiro]

I totally agree with your sentiment and the larger point that minority groups in IT need better representation. Especially WOMEN. I work at an MSP where there is 2 women that work there and they work in HR. Its really sad. I think the responsibility is in large part due to the inadequacies of our public education system. Before going into IT just this year, i was a teacher and can safely say that our schools in this country in large part does not prepare our youth Especially our black and brown youth with the skills and knowledge necessary for the ever shifting job market. We train students in liberal arts but that hasnt been truly valuable in decades. Our public education system pumps out end users not developers. Consumers and not businesses owners. The list goes on. Thanks for this video! I hope to one day pay it forward to my community after becoming a bad ass in IT like yourself. Salute!

[@ariesraine4]

I just transitioned from a career in psychology/social work to Project Management. I took a 6 week Network +/Security + bootcamp this summer and was overwhelmed by the information! I plan on taking my exams for both late Spring. Black Women in IT!

[@Freakazoid12345]

6 weeks?! That's nuts.

[@ariesraine4]

@@Freakazoid12345 I agree!

[@Freakazoid12345]

@@ariesraine4 I'm gonna study for the A+ and it will probably take me 4 months!

[@ariesraine4]

@@Freakazoid12345 I feel like I retained maybe 2% of what we were taught. My motivation to restart studying was they gave us a free testing voucher that expires in June 2021, so I have to pass!!

[@Freakazoid12345]

@@ariesraine4 good luck! Wait, you paid for it and got a, "free voucher" ?

[@gregpride4549]

I just found your channel and I agree with you which is why I started my company over 18 years ago. I was tired of not seeing people who look like me at conferences and at higher levels of the IT field. I have been blessed to have hired and developed black IT professionals, some who have gone on to work for the larger well known corporations and I’m happy about that.

[@LabEveryday]

You are a true leader! Thank you for your service! 🙏🏾

[@gregpride4549]

Thank you. You to are an IT leader also because you’re sharing valuable knowledge. Knowledge that I wish was available when I started back in 1999/2000. I plan to turn my support staff on to your channel. Keep bringing the great content to the people!

[@kevinboss55]

💯💯 percent agree thank u brother for speaking on this and your story is very inspiring #brave #truth 🙏🏿 I’m 25 and I just got my CCNP and I’m on my way to the airforce very soon I felt uncomfortable about joining the IT world bc I felt they would be racist towards me as young black man and not take me seriously I’m not giving in bc the ancestors didn’t #nocomplaining

[@dantewhite7206]

I’m on the way. Graduate this Spring ‘21 majoring in Cybersecurity, minor in IT and Criminal Justice 😎😎😎

[@Cyber2a]

Thank you for speaking up and taking a stand for us in IT. Since I came across your channel last year you inspired me and I'm thankful for your channel. You will continue to do great things in your life and will be a light for many to come!

[@Freakazoid12345]

What do you mean, "...taking a stand for us in IT" exactly?

[@JustCliff]

Just started my first job in IT as a system support specialist. I've been at this company for 6 years and worked my way up from mail room. All throughout my time, I built relationships with the IT team and have a mentor who's been giving me advice. One day he suggested telling my boss that I'm interested in helping out and that I want to start a career in the field. It started as a seed and roughly a year later I'm now here. My next goal is to get my A+ cert followed by CCNA. I watched Network chuck's free CCNA vids and the way he taught was great, it's just not a complete course.

[@MzCynt08]

Hey Du'an! Thanks so much for the encouragement. I definitely want n will succeed in IT.

[@trillrantzo]

I’m currently skilling myself up, I got my CompTIA ITF and Google Professional Cert it’s not much but it’s preparing me to get the A+ and push forward for my vision of myself in cyber security

[@ejay2075]

Im on my way now bro I promise. Telling all my homies and family about this career field as well. This is where all the money is at. I agree with you 1,000 percent. We black folks need to be in this industry like now. Studying for my first cert right now. Feel like I wasted so much time doing college and other odd jobs that didn't do much of anything for me. Folks out here making real money with 2 and 3 years of experience...I gotta get it!

[@LDrumsOhio]

I've worked for two Fortune 500s, lastly as an Infrastructure engineer. There was only one other black engineer, one developer, and one tester and that's it. We have lots of other minorities and many women which is great but I'd love to see more black people to round that out and create more reflective teams.

[@tam6011]

Yeah no one likes Infrastructure but we are here

[@chrismorris6356]

I hear you. I work in education as a network engineer, I was the only one until 6-7 years ago where another African American was hired as a system engineer (PC side) and another hired 3-4 years ago as a programmer. I was given an "opportunity" without experience originally and was offered to go to school by my employer back in the day.....

[@mikeavila6921]

I'm from KC and there wasn't any black IT people. I realized I could do IT back in 2015 worked for Apple support and not im a information security analyst. I do my best to get other IT in the industry. We finally have 3 black IT people at my job now. And one is a young lady. Its pretty awesome

[@sweetblack1216]

Hey I'm in KC myself we should talk

[@networkengineertechchic5018]

Du'An Lightfoot**I agree!! Mentors, resources should not be so scarce!! Great content. Thank you for your service (AF,)!!!***

[@markswift]

I posted some information on IT nonprofits. My city has many. Hope it helps someone on their career journey.

[@Sharkmarshall]

I'm currently trying to get into IT. I just started studying to get my A+ cert. I want to be a network engineer but do not know anything about IT. The difficult part for me is that I don't know anyone in the business to ask about and by being 50 years old, my study habits are not as good it used to be thinking am I too old to start in IT? it's like being on the ground floor looking up at a 1000 story building.

[@ariesraine4]

Never too old to pursue your goals. The time is going to pass by whether you do it it not. Go for it!

[@TheSiliconeslick]

I'm Black and have a Bachelors in IT Network Management. I interviewed for a alot of jobs and got 0. I gave up and now I work for a Smart energy company. My degree helped me get this job but it took 3 years after my graduation date. Maybe I didn't try hard enough but it got very demotivating not getting called back for jobs. I couldn't get a Help desk job, it was pitiful and I think I just sucked at interviews... I guess... I got hired at my current employer by a Black woman who was the program manager.

[@SunGxdRa]

What's that saying? "It's not what you know, it's who you know". Being that blacks don't have the same connections in corporate compared to some other groups, you might have to work a little harder to land positions when you are coming in with no experience. That said, I think it's pretty tough for a majority of graduates to find work in their field. I cant remember the stats for the number of college graduates who are unemployed or never found work in their field of study but it wasn't pretty if memory serves me correct. Congrats on finally landing a job and best of luck on your future endeavors.

[@SuperChannel777]

Im older but I am training myself for an IT position. I hope to be an influencer like yourself one day!

[@datboyspyda7957]

I been seeing your post on Linked. And today was the first time I started watching your KZbin channel. And I wanna say thank you for the contract you put out. It has helped me regain my confidence into wanting to get in and pursue a career in IT again.

[@Practical-IT]

Du'An - I wholeheartedly agree with your position. I have worked with very few black people in technology roles. I have had the opportunity to teach some black IT students a few years back, and it was a great feeling to be able to teach and mentor some upcoming diversity within the IT field. With home networks getting more complex as more "smart devices" become available, it opens opportunities within the community not only to help home users and small businesses, but to have a potential impact on that next generation of young people who may not have otherwise seen an IT person who looks like them. I wish you the best in your endeavors to increase awareness.

[@noorur]

Some of the best network engineers I encountered on LinkedIn are based in Africa, working for large telecommunications companies there, like Vodacom, Safaricom and other African based. When you say you'd like to see more black people in IT, I think it's in the context of USA, not globally.

[@Jinx-ig1fz]

I got started in IT through the military. I'm still in IT in the civilian sector. I tell my friends that IT is not all about fixing computers and that I still make mistakes. I agree that it's about resources and knowing where to get started.

[@cruza.d.2834]

Much love Du'An, you're an amazing resource and have a strong and good voice. Thank you for your dedication to those who look up to you.

[@theyogabios]

We'll stated young Sir, I have very basic IT skills and you Moved me; I also thank Mr. NetworkBruh for sending me to your channel young Sir. I was an Army Infantry man back in the day. Keep it Up.

[@danielleparra4800]

I agree 100%. My mentor was a black man. Navy man with 30 yrs of experience im IT. Im a network engineer now thanks to him.

[@UnpluggedPerformance]

Youre right man, i talk to my friends about it, if we get on average in IT (similar level as asians) we can reverse some of the socio economic inequalities. Im glad to see you on youtube. Makes me more eager to complete my projects and courses

[@goohman]

I live in a major US city (top 10). I've had black coworkers and leadership my entire 8 year career. My current position is the first black CTO I've ever had and my boss is a black woman (first woman manager too). We're often the minority, and even more so in leadership. I've found that we always stuck together and worked well, because of shared experience but we were also the high performers because we've had to work harder to get where we were than others. We all only know 1-2 other black people in technology not counting eachother.

[@betancourt3075]

Latino / Marine. Got started with Microwave repair and laptop repair at geek squad > Desktop Support > Jr says Admin > syadmin > Cyber security Advisor. One this I have learned throughout this journey. If you want it go out and take it, and the occasional smoke checking of peers . I come from a similar background, no one around me in tech. Just the usual drug dealers, police, and teachers. I’ve had the pleasure to work with people of all backgrounds and agree 100%. Having this diversity coming from all walks of life is what drives innovation and provides different perspective to the same problem in the military and IT.We need more minorities in Tech. I’ve had the pleasure of mentors two of my close friends and have gotten them started down this path and help provide them shortcuts to what took me a while via self study/motivation. One day I’ll be a go for a leadership role and will have to claw my way to it , but for now I’ll stay in the trenches. Stay Motivated, Humbled , and Fail forward. Rah!

[@dremaq]

Same here bro.. u are an inspiration and influential to this game! Keep on doing what u doing!!

[@samjones4327]

I’m in total agreement with gem you just dropped king💪🏾I think the black millennial/IOT generation will step up and lead us to a more diverse technical arena seeing as that tech is what they have grown up on and tech is what they know. It may take a minute but we will get there. Peace and blessings💪🏾

[@bubbaboy1830]

Almost broke my phone liking this vid! As usual great stuff & thank you for replying on Twitter 🙏🏾

[@markswift]

There are community development education programs in the Boston area that have IT courses to build skills to climb the career ladder. Info below 1. Just A Start INC Information Technology Career Program 2. Per Scholas is another nonprofit that provides tuition-free technology training to unemployed or underemployed adults for careers as IT professionals. Check out their website for a location near you.

[@twin_rks4717]

Bro I been trying to get into IT for the longest. I’ve had countless of interviews but no call backs.

[@seventhcompactor1505]

It's your resume

[@NoFretA1]

When I moved from a PC tech to a network tech. I had a manager who was a CCIE in security. He was excellent at explaining,making his self available never made me feel like I asked a stupid question. Gave projects to help me grow. That year under him was my biggest jump in Networking. Do it right the first time and you learn nothing if stuff doesn’t break lol. Good guy good Mentor. Good mentors are important.

[@ericmalatji5459]

its costly...I am in South Africa and its hard....I have US FOA certification and CCNA but they are useless in South Africa and my white manager told me to stop studying yet NTT doesnt have such a policy.

[@kristopherleslie8343]

Much love and respect ✊🏽 The people and resources have always been there. The people we look up to for guidance since the early 2000s have been there. If anything the Internet has made some of those people more accessible, like yourself. Because being in IT can be too broad of a statement or indication, while I think if someone wants to learn information and tech cool, but becoming a solution provider and leader or product/service provider are more valuable. Being a worker at some point will lose its luster. Robert F. Smith, David Steward, NAS, Chamillionaire and definitely Angela Benton are a few names that are the movers and shakers in technology. Being the guy or gal that runs the teams or industry, product or service is definitely more important. You can hire IT from anywhere and eventually AI will be involved as well. Definitely use IT as a platform to boost yourself into something bigger and better than just IT. Then you will the options many of us hope and dream for!

[@Witcherworks]

Much needed video Du’An.Once a person could get a cell phone, knowledge was a swipe away! It’s about getting the message out and seeing a different side of IT.

[@Quawnn]

I’ve been subbed for a while now and I love the content. but as a young black man struggling with influence and Inspiration in a field that i see few black men in, this video is insanely well timed. This was what I needed to hear honestly.

[@strappedup24]

Nice video bro. I currently work in the I.T. Industry for a School District. I am trying to further my skill set as we speak.

[@travissanders5371]

Thanks you for sharing this. Definitely feel this too. Thanks for shifting the culture and showing that we can do this.

[@gemstar9523]

I’m on the way ! Studying for my AZ-900 & AZ-104

[@manhalfamazing00]

I work in government. Black mentorship is an issue. Sharing this...

[@ferdztechtv]

Big up bro. I can tell u about my experience in UK in I.T

[@jomojenkins9892]

You are my inspiration and thank you this great message. Peace to you bother

[@paulnsraul4562]

Love your video bro, I’m a IT tech like you

[@M3DiACh1Ck]

We do idk how to get there though☹️ I'm willing to learn. Have no distractions but I don't have the funds to pay for courses and certs. I just got a mike meyers a+ book and I'm planning on taking that cert in January. Any suggestions? I'd love to be mentored by someone like you or another professional in the field.

[@PopstarPhoto]

Is there a community college near you that offers a certificate program otherwise Professor Messer is a good start.

[@M3DiACh1Ck]

@@PopstarPhoto I'm looking into hopefully getting funding or a scholarship to pay for certs and materials. I did complete a certificate in IT fundamentals this year through a community college where I work. I just have to keep going and can't get discouraged. I'm still young and time is on my side 🙂

[@Cecelashell]

@@M3DiACh1Ck Don't give up! You can self learn thru sites like Udemy. You stated you took a course at your community college, if you have an school email, you can sign up for an student account with Comptia. That account can allow you to get vouchers cheaper pay to take the Comptia exams.

[@PopstarPhoto]

@@M3DiACh1Ck Use what ever is at your disposal and feasible to you. I’m making a switch from clinical healthcare back to IT so I’m pursuing a degree because that’s what’s feasible for me. There are to many resources out there today so don’t give up because of money. Years ago when I got my A+ All I had was MIKe Myers. I passed the hardware portion with flying colors so it’s possible for you to do the same with all that is available to you.

[@95gmn]

People were "gatekeeping" this stuff

[@stevecross9159]

Am a IT consultant from the UK 🇬🇧. Your a 💯💯right

[@Freakazoid12345]

He's a what right?

[@tonioyendis4464]

The middle easterners and those from India have flooded the IT market! They are very sharp and capable. They start teaching their kids about technology from grade school. They send their best to work in America.

[@dennisbates885]

Agreed, we need more black people in I.T. Agreed, we need more mentors and mentorship programs. But I am encouraged by what I am seeing. In my mind, what we need are more Influencer's of color. Your channel can lead, it can teach, it can mentor and can expose people from all ethnicities and backgrounds as to what's possible in I.T.. I know it can be a heavy burden, but channels like yours can and will bring about real change.

[@dnk4eva]

💯‼️ brotha !

[@Delliofreight]

Thank you so much I am also on my way as well ...and I always had the question inside as a person of color

[@kb1qzh]

I'm at burn out. failed at everything and seems like for every high point, there's a Marianas Trench of low. Even when trying to seek career and personal help, feels like 20 steps back.

[@84176104]

I agree 100%. I would love to work with you as a black womangaining an education in the industry. I am working on a double Masters in Cyber Security and Cyber Intelligence. I have been trying to get an internship in my field and inevitably I am placed in the front office time and time again. I am working on my two certificates A+ and SECURITY+. I can not use what I have learned and apply it. I get your point and I want to change it. I have offered to volunteer so I can be great and told no.

[@m.k.s.7417]

Also too: especially, for/in: Australia and Africa!?!!!!??

[@ktay5881]

Resources, exposure and access!

[@mckenzieduquesne9675]

Thank you for your post. I'm in IT management and look around the leadership table and not a single person at the table looks like me 🤨

[@kristopherleslie8343]

That shouldn't matter. I'm an IT Director, I see a table full of people my color. That doesn't mean much, the work does. Having people who can help you boost your own confidence and aspirations are what matter. The color, while it would be nice for us to have blacks everywhere, that really doesn't matter to an extent. Imagine if it was like that, then we'd still have the same issue, just from someone else or a different race/culture. Remain balanced and keep pushing for your own objectives. If you have the opportunity to reach and bring someone up, do so. But we can't be colorist, racist, prejudice, sexist as a byproduct, then we defeat our own purpose. As Master P continues to push, own your brand and product. Stop worrying about jobs where "people" are involved to an extent. That could be you making new hardware, software or services to provide for people at their own discretion. While you might have to hear people's feedback as customers, you ain't got to hear people's issues internally unless you build your business that way.

[@mckenzieduquesne]

@@kristopherleslie8343 I am disheartened by your comment. You know nothing about me or my plight in the IT field. I do not need others to validate me or boost my confidence because my work ethic and intelligence speaks for itself and has gotten me to where I am today. I do reach back and bring others along to help and mentor others with their career and personal development. It is brothers like you that feel you should not have to help the next person based on your comments. We all had a door opened or a path created for us. I make sure I pay that forward. What have you done...or are you still thinking about doing something Mr. IT Director? Because it seems like you are in the perfect position to make an impact....

[@kristopherleslie8343]

@@mckenzieduquesne maybe I worded it wrong but think of it like this you can claim no one will influence or help you but that ain’t always the way the world works. You can be the best and still not be anything if ya team fail. Much love and I definitely will relook at what I said. You WILL be successful no matter what bro. No hate.

[@mckenzieduquesne9675]

@@kristopherleslie8343 I DID say someone opened the door for me but it was up to me to not mess up the opportunity. You should really check how negative your words are whether or not you "mean it" that way...but you say it anyway. You tend to be part or the problem and not the solution. What I see in your words is that I am nothing. Again you know nothing about me and just another brother tearing a sister down. It's men like you that fuel me. So thanks for the jet fuel.

[@kristopherleslie8343]

@@mckenzieduquesne9675 if you don’t know me how can I tend to be part of the problem lol. Sorry that’s not me and I figure that’s not a well representation of yourself. I have no hate to you or anyone partner. We all open and close doors based on our choices.

[@tapg6736]

Good message!!

[@deez6005]

As a black man. You have some good content. Keep uploading bro. You can also start a non for profit org and teach black kids or college students yourself. Or tech a few black adults and have them teach the younger. Or you can of course start your own IT company. There are a few black people whom have their own IT company.

[@tam6011]

Yep we need people on the INFRASTRUCTURE side. Openshift, Terraform, Ansible, Openstack, automation. We should talk @Du'An Lightfoot

[@mustang9549]

I’m coming brother...My story is the same is yours man. I just made master sergeant now I’m superintendent of the shop. Kinda just got thrown into it but I’m starting to realize that I can do anything. The military isn’t for everybody but it’s opened up doors I wouldn’t never thought existed.

[@lstyle3210]

That's my goal in the first quarter in 2021!

[@muck11790]

I'm trying get in but it's hard I just failed my test out network pro certification 😞

[@c.mchido571]

Welcome to the club..if you have not failed any exam in I.T certifications then you’re probably not writing the right exams/certs.. some fail same exam 2 or 3 times before passing, but that doesn’t mean they’re dumb. if you fail, try again and again.. keep pushing!!

[@muck11790]

@@c.mchido571 thanks

[@eteold]

We have opportunities...it may not be apparent but for less than $500 one can get some IT manuals for study and voucher for A+.

[@damonaniton]

I am the rare breed who seems to have worked in many environments over my 23 years where I was never the only or 1 of the few black people. Also having had multiple black managers and directors. I have not had the chance to work for any black C level execs but I do personally know quite a few if not most of them in the country through networking organizations.

[@thenurdist7983]

YES WE DO!! Im on my way!

[@Dewane1511]

I second that !!

[@rishireddy8878]

Very challenging to obtain relevant work experience in the IT industry

[@DSmith365]

Its two fold bro as you know, not many Black Americans want to go that route, doing IT, Second there are many Black ppl from other countries who fill that void, that Asians, white and Latinos dont fill. Keep bringing the disparity to forefront.

[@ScienceFunWithKingston]

New Sub. TY for this video

[@LabEveryday]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@jaimcgee4566]

You are doing great job!! Keep going!!

[@bamaballer256]

This may sound crazy and 2 yrs late but. I’m black in IT management. No experience no degree. My entry level was started off at the management level. Sec+ cert. and only black at my job.

[@tguy38]

Are you in the SE USA?

[@WhisperedWonders-g3p]

I’m currently in school for cyber security and definitely would like some guidance to get successful and overall great career and financial stability

[@21poloonmydraws]

Im on my way bro! Enjoy ya vids keep going

[@theresabell2492]

No we are economically isolated in this industry. Thank you for your info.

[@carltontheengineer2599]

I'm on my way to A+ Certf. , also i left you some Dm's on your IG

[@Bittrio]

Personal Responsibility

[@anthonyjohnson9403]

This is a good video to watch.

[@ronniejennings3540]

Im a IT coordinator. Im Black and my goal is to be a Network Engineer or Cybersecurity Architect. I just need a mentor with years experience to help guide me. :(

[@LabEveryday]

I’ve been there. You have to find the path that interests you the most and take it to the top.

[@ronniejennings3540]

Du’An Lightfoot I’m almost done with my degree in cyber security. I was thinking about waiting on my masters in going straight for my CCNA and then my CCNP.

[@650kdub]

BIG FACTS!!

[@tam6011]

Check out Women In Linux

[@verbtense]

Spitting nothing but the truth.

[@seventhcompactor1505]

all BS.

[@donsan6404]

he never saw star wars tho

[@kristopherleslie8343]

I think we need more owners and VCs.

[@tam6011]

You will still need tech folks

[@James67851]

We need more blacks in Management positions to make the hiring playing field even.

[@jasminedtucker]

That doesn't always help because those Black Managers will purposely not want to hire you. It's a self hate issue and not wanting to see other blacks do well. They do this in other industries all the time and I have been a victim of it

[@seventhcompactor1505]

hahahaha

[@Fingamyaz]

Shit I just need a good damn raise lol

[@GreenKC]

Plug me with Cerner coach, I have my CCNA.

[@LabEveryday]

If I was still there I would.

[@GreenKC]

@@LabEveryday Oh yeah I remembered you posted that on LinkedIn. Its all good I will just keep looking. Congrats on your new position, your channel was a big motivating factor for me obtaining my CCNA.