Blacks in Technology LA Responds to Google’s $50M Racial Bias Settlement
“This Is Not Justice—It’s a Warning Shot”
Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles Chapter of Blacks in Technology (BiT) is responding to the recent $50 million settlement Google has agreed to pay in a class-action lawsuit alleging systemic racial bias against more than 4,000 Black employees in California and New York.
Though Google denies any wrongdoing, the settlement—stemming from a 2022 lawsuit filed by April Curley, a former Google diversity recruiter—outlines repeated acts of racial discrimination, including underpayment, lack of advancement opportunities, and stereotyping of Black employees. As part of the complaint, Curley alleged she was labeled as “angry,” denied promotions, and ultimately dismissed after six years, during which she attempted to document internal bias.
“This settlement is not justice—it’s a warning shot to the tech industry,” said Omari Bakari, President of the Blacks in Technology LA Chapter. “For decades, Black tech professionals have spoken out about being marginalized, overlooked, and shut out of the very innovation economy we help power. This case confirms what many of us already know: tech has a race problem that can no longer be swept under the rug.”
A Systemic Pattern, Not an Isolated Case
This settlement comes on the heels of a separate $28 million class-action agreement Google reached in March, regarding allegations that it favored white and Asian employees in pay and promotions. According to internal reports cited in the complaint, Black employees represented only 4.4% of Google’s workforce and a mere 3% of its leadership in 2021.
“These are not isolated incidents. They’re part of a culture,” said Omari. “The message is clear: Black professionals are welcomed into tech, but not uplifted. And when we push for equity, we are silenced or pushed out.”
Blacks in Technology LA Calls for Structural Change
The LA Chapter of BiT is calling for real accountability and transformative change across the tech industry. The organization outlined four core demands:
- Transparent Hiring & Promotion Practices
Annual publication of DEI reports with demographic breakdowns, promotion rates, and pay equity audits. - Sustained Investment in Black Talent Pipelines
Genuine partnerships with HBCUs and Black-led tech orgs that extend beyond recruitment to career development and leadership tracks. - Independent Oversight
External auditing, accountability mechanisms, and protections for whistleblowers. - Long-Term Reparative Action
Major investments in Black tech entrepreneurship, K-12 STEM education, and workforce development, especially through local BiT chapters.
“Don’t Invite Us—Stop Excluding Us”
“This isn’t about ‘diversity,’ it’s about dismantling structural exclusion,” added Omari. “We are not asking to be included in the future of tech. We are demanding the industry stop standing in our way.”
BiT LA invites Google and other industry leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and commit to systemic change—not just payouts—through partnerships with local chapters working to build equitable tech ecosystems.
Media Contact:
Omari Bakari
President, Blacks in Technology – Los Angeles Chapter
obakari@blacksintechnology.org
(213) 432-7236
www.bit-la.org
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