Olori Lolade Siyonbola – noirpress

Olori Lolade Siyonbola

Olori Lolade Siyonbola is the Founder of NOIR Labs, noirpress and NOIR FEST. She is a Gates Scholar pursing her doctorate at Cambridge University, she has a computer science degree from Mizzou and an African Studies Masters from Yale. Olori believes that technology (digital, spiritual and other forms) must be wielded intentionally in the service of the Liberation of oppressed people everywhere. Using technology, art and community building, she is leading NOIR Labs to inspire and operationalize Black Liberation worldwide.

Young Teenage Multiethnic Schoolgirl is Studying Electronics and Soldering Wires and Circuit Boards in Her Science Hobby Robotics Project. Girl is Working on a Robot in Her Room. Education Concept.

The Blueprint—How African Governments Can Build the Most Powerful Workforce on Earth

Africa doesn’t lack talent—it lacks strategic alignment. Here’s the plan to turn our education systems into engines for global leadership.

Culture Is the Catalyst—Why Africa Must Build From Within

The path to economic leadership begins with rediscovering our cultural genius. As India earns billions in offshore business, Africa’s opportunity lies not in imitation but in reclamation.

Harambeans, Class of 2019

Africa’s Workforce Potential: Urgent Priorities in the Global Talent Race

The world is watching India dominate global outsourcing—but Africa is more than ready to rise. Here’s what governments, educators, and builders must urgently prioritize.

Radical Holiness: A Time for Transformative Leadership

Is it blasphemous to celebrate the devotion of non-Christian leadership? Is it holy to support evil professing Christ?

Black Femininity in Evolution: Elusive Softness in the Midst of Race War

Explore the evolution of Black femininity across generations, from resilience in survival to reclaiming softness, rest, and joy. Discover how cultural, historical, and modern forces have shaped Black womanhood in the U.S. and Africa.

A Long Walk in New Haven

My emotional confrontation with privilege, poverty, and the thin line between them as I observe a homeless encampment.

I’m Obsessed with this New Artist

An emerging Artist giving flowers while receiving her own. A stunning new voice in soul music.

Closing the Black-White Wealth Gap: Sustaining Economic Liberation from Within

This Juneteenth, I’m honored to speak at the Yale Black Alumni event in Times Square,…

Brooklyn, My Beloved: Intro

This introduction begins the journey from my first moments as a Brooklynite. Subsequent pieces will discuss the communities that embraced me and how they shaped our approach to developing the groundbreaking Brooklyn Innovation Portal.