Michael Seibel Makes History As Reddit's First Black Board Member

Last week, Reddit cofounder, Alexis Ohanian resigned from the company board as he urged his seat to be filled by a black candidate. Less than a week later, it has been.

New York native, Michael Seibel has been appointed to Reddit’s company board. Seibel is the first black person to hold a seat on the board in the company’s history.

Seibel is widely known as a partner of Y Combinator and CEO to its startup programs. Additionally, Seibel co-founded the streaming company, Justin.tv, now known as Twitch. Siebel is no stranger to the tech world or making history in it; Seibel was the first black partner of Y Combinator.

In a comment made to The Verge Seibel said, “Over this period of time I’ve watched Reddit become part of the core fabric of the internet and I’m excited to help provide advice and guidance as Reddit continues to grow and tackle the challenges of bringing community and belonging to a broader audience.”

The historical change comes at a time where police brutality, racism and discrimination against people of color are being protested. Ohanian, husband of tennis star Serena Williams, stated his decision was influenced by being the father of a biracial daughter who wanted to be able to explain the changes he helped make during these revolutionary times.