The Silicon Valley Black Project's first film, "A Place at the Table," tells the story of African Americans in Silicon Valley's early days. This documentary aims to educate viewers about their history through digital resources, websites, films, and photographs. It documents how corporate leaders and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) collaborated to prepare newcomers for the emerging technology sector, all at a time when there were no patents, intellectual property rights, or copyright laws to protect their work.

Two years in the making, “A Place at the Table” is a documentary that fills in the blanks where African Americans were forgotten or hidden from view.

Michael Beasley, chairman of rocket software and former IBM executive, believes that education gives you an advantage.

The story of the African American contribution to Silicon Valley should be shared with the young and old and those who are seeking careers in high tech.  We have a rich story of African American contributions to Silicon Valley that should be shared with both the young and the old, as well as those pursuing careers in technology. We have a rich history that deserves to be recognized. When you are confident that your community played a role in shaping an important era, you are more likely to see your future as brighter and more promising.

Cottontales’ podcast

The Silicon Valley Black Project has a podcast available online, at iTunes “cottontales” or cottontales.libsyn.com, for ongoing updates and conversations with individuals, technologists, and entrepreneurs. The podcast provides a forum for discussing how African American contributions continue to be made in many facets.

In A Place at the Table, the documentary film Kathy Cotton focuses on the beginnings of hi-tech through the voices of black pioneers. She tells their digital history with face-to-face interviews and research using the offices and, in some cases, the homes of the film participants.