AI Communications
Throughout February, RingCentral has observed Black History Month under the theme “Connectivity & Contributions: The Pulse of Progress.” But for many of us, this month was more than a theme—it was a journey. We reflected on the architects who shaped our digital world, explored the many roots that form our shared identity, examined the true cost of progress, and looked ahead to the future of innovation still being written.
As Chairperson of BE@R, I’m grateful for the space to have these conversations—not as a formality, but as a meaningful exploration of how heritage continues to shape who we are and how we build.
In our industry, connectivity is about more than just software; it is about the human threads that allow us to communicate across boundaries. This month, we explored how those threads were woven by pioneers who paved the way for our modern digital landscape.
The pulse of innovation
This month, we reflected on the Architects of Information—innovators like Dr. Gladys West, whose mathematical modeling made GPS possible, and Marian Croak, a pioneer in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
At RingCentral, we are the direct beneficiaries of their brilliance. Every time we connect a global call or locate a user in distress, we are standing on the shoulders of Black innovators who reimagined what was possible. Honoring that legacy reminds us that innovation has always been broader—and more inclusive—than it’s often recognized.
Many Roots, One Tree
One of the most powerful moments of the month was our open forum, “Many Roots, One Tree.” We moved beyond the “monolith” of Black identity to acknowledge that our community is a diaspora—a collection of stories from the Caribbean, Africa, and the American South.
We spoke about ancestry, generational shifts, and evolving definitions of opportunity. Most importantly, we listened. Our differences are not divisions—they are perspectives that expand how we think and lead.
A blueprint for the future
Why do we dedicate this time to Black History? Because much like the Civil Rights Act, these contributions created a blueprint for every citizen.
In our fireside chat with Bakari Sellers, we reflected on the Orangeburg Massacre and the enduring responsibility that comes with hard-won rights. History is not distant—it shapes how we advocate, how we lead, and how we show up today.
When we bridge the gap between our various cultural perspectives, we don’t just build a better ERG; we build a better global business. We learn to see the world through a wider lens, allowing us to serve a customer base that is as diverse as our own workforce.
A personal reflection
I can trace my heritage to ancestors to the 1700s who survived a “stony road” they did not choose. I was born in a time when many of the professional paths I’ve walked were still being cleared. Today, I stand as an engineer, a poet, and a leader—able to share my work, The Unplanned Heir, with colleagues who value both my expertise and my story.
Our ancestors survived so that we could prosper on this digital highway. Black history does not end in February. It continues in the connections we make and the work we do—together.
Happy Black History Month!
Originally published Feb 27, 2026
