Every February in the United States we celebrate Black History Month.
This is a time to reflect on the incredible contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history.
Our Genetic Legacy is a San Diego-based nonprofit empowering a new generation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) female innovators.
Empowering the next generation of innovators
The organization's DRONe Project (Descendants Recovering our Names) gives these young people skills in the field of digital historic preservation and drone technology, so they can become high-income earners via a paid workforce development program.
One of the many goals of the organization is to uncover BIPOC cemeteries. The names and stories of thousands of Americans of color have been lost in dilapidated, overrun cemeteries across the United States.
Many graves have little or no documentation to account for those buried. Using LiDAR and drone technology, young BIPOC people are being trained to recover and record these important histories, before the damaging effects of weather erase them from history completely.
DroneDeploy’s support is crucial to our mission of diversifying both history and the geospatial industry.
We’re proud to support Our Genetic Legacy
DroneDeploy is proud to support Our Genetic Legacy with software access and donated drones to use in their research and storytelling.
"The drones and the platform help teach our herstorians about 3D drone mapping and analysis," says Shellie Baxter, the organization's founder and executive director.
This Black History Month, we’re reflecting on the importance of diversity and inclusion in all areas of society, including the drone industry.
Our Genetic Legacy is empowering the next generation of leaders and applying different perspectives to the complex problems of today.
By supporting STEAM education and nonprofits like Our Genetic Legacy, we’re striving to build a more inclusive industry and have a lasting positive impact.
About the Author
Social Impact Program Manager - DroneDeploy
Rebecca finds innovative ways to leverage technology in addressing social and environmental problems. At DroneDeploy she manages both the nonprofit and education programs. She works with nonprofits and social impact organizations to enable the power of mapping and new technology to reach those who need it most. She has a master's degree in Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment.