Michael Seibel Fills Alexis Ohanians Seat & Becomes Reddit’s First Black Board Member

A few days ago we reported on Reddit CEO, Alexis Ohanian stepping down from being a member of the company’s board and calling to be replaced by a black candidate.

Welp, it looks like his company listened, and they listened quick because Alexis’ replacement is Michael Seibel, CEO of Y Combinator.

Michael is Reddit’s first black board member in the company’s history.

“I’ve known Steve and Alexis since 2007 and have been a Reddit user ever since,” Reddit’s new board member said in a statement Wednesday. “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.”

Among other accomplishments, Michael Seibel is a cofounder of Justin.tv which became Twitch, and was acquired by Amazon for a whole $970 million in 2014, according to CNN.

Alexis, who explained that having a black daughter—who he shares with his wife Serena Williams—plays a big part in his decision to step down, said this about Michael’s addition to the board:

“Pleased to see @mwseibel has joined the @Reddit board. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him during my time at @ycombinator. He is a strong leader who will make a great addition to the board.”

Pleased to see @mwseibel has joined the @Reddit board. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him during my time at @ycombinator.

He is a strong leader who will make a great addition to the board.

— Alexis Ohanian Sr. 🚀 (@alexisohanian) June 10, 2020

Catch up on Alexis stepping down as a Reddit board member below!

 

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TSR Staff: Thembi! @ThembiTV_ _____________________________________ Listen!!!! Moves are being made, people are being heard, and although there is still A LOT to be done, some people are making progress individually, in business, and in their personal lives period. _____________________________________ #AlexisOhanian, co-founder of Reddit, is stepping down from the company’s board. Alexis took to social media to announce his resignation, saying he’s doing it for himself, his family, and his country. _____________________________________ Alexis shares his 2 year old daughter, #AlexisOlympia, with #SerenaWilliams, and he explains that raising a black daughter plays a heavy part in his decision. _____________________________________ “I’m saying this as a father who needs to be able to answer his black daughter when she asks: ‘What did you do?’” Whew! Serena ‘bout to take him to Red Lobster but I digress. _____________________________________ In addition to stepping down from the board, Alexis pledges $1 million to Colin Kaepernick’s “Know Your—click the link in our bio to read more.

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Jun 5, 2020 at 11:54am PDT