The Hidden Genius Project: Elevating Young Black Leaders Through Technology and Innovation

As a photographer, telling this story was powerful because it defied the narrow narratives so often imposed on Black and brown boys. Society tends to box them into limiting archetypes—athletes, entertainers, or figures of violence—without giving them the space to dream beyond these projected expectations. But through my lens, I was able to document a different story—one of young Black and brown men choosing to step into spaces rarely reserved for them, exploring technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship in ways that challenge the stereotypes they’ve been handed.

This was especially striking in Oakland, a city just across the bridge from the tech meccas of San Francisco and Silicon Valley—places that have historically excluded young men like those in The Hidden Genius Project. Yet here they were, not just breaking into tech but reshaping its future. 

Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. The Hidden Genius Project is closing that gap by equipping young Black men with the skills, resources, and networks to excel in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. This isn’t just about coding—it’s about building innovators, problem-solvers, and community leaders.

Through intensive training in software development, business, and professional growth, The Hidden Genius Project provides a space where young men can sharpen their technical skills while developing the confidence and mindset to navigate industries that weren’t built for them. More than a program, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of Black excellence.

Graduates go on to pursue careers in tech, start businesses, and invest back into their communities—proving that when given the right tools, they don’t just succeed, they transform the spaces they enter.