Black Tech Saturdays

MIAMI 🌴12.07.24 | Connect with creatives and innovators who put their genius to work for their industries and communities—creating economic mobility for all. Bright Future, Black Genius: Harnessing Art and Technology for Economic Mobility 🚀 Free entry + Special Detroit musical guests + Open bar + Appetizers ✨ RSVP NOW ✅ https://bit.ly/49CVgch In partnership with Let's Grow Michigan, You Can In Michigan, Knight Foundation 🌟 #BrightFutureBlackGenius #ArtBaselMiamiBeach #AFROTECH24 #BlackTechSaturdays #Miami #Detroit #BlackExcellence #InclusiveTech

Great pitches and fun event Andreas Badgett Maurice Finley Black Tech Saturdays

Latina-owned fintech platform Hello Alicee has distributed over $50M in grants to US small businesses since 2020. Despite facing a racial discrimination lawsuit over a Black-owned business grant program—which was dismissed—the company successfully closed a Series C funding round earlier this year, raising its valuation to $130M.

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." – Isaac Newton This year has felt like a relentless race—a sprint against the growing digital divide. With every new technological advancement, the gap between those with access and those without grows wider, threatening to deepen the wealth gap for generations. It reminds me of John Henry racing against the steam engine—a battle of will and determination in the face of unrelenting change. But, like John Henry, we’ve faced these challenges head-on, digging in, pushing forward, and swinging our hammers with everything we’ve got. Technology itself, for all its rapid evolution, is not inherently the enemy. At its core, technology mimics human capabilities—our logic, reasoning, and adaptability. It mirrors us but lacks our empathy, resilience, and soul. This is why we race—not against technology but against the systems and inequities that allow it to widen divides. Black Tech Saturdays has been our answer to that challenge. Together, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure technology becomes a bridge to economic mobility, not a barrier. 2023 showed us what we could achieve when we came together—a story of innovation and unity. But 2024 has been different. It’s been a story of resilience, grit, and survival. It’s been Detroit’s own David vs. Goliath of tech, where we’ve stood tall against systemic inequities and the relentless pace of change. And through it all, we’ve endured. None of this would have been possible without the people who believed in this vision and gave their time, energy, and support to make it real. To our team, partners, funders, mentors, media allies, elders, advocates, families, and friends—you made this work possible. Thank you for standing with us, amplifying our voices, and sharing your wisdom. You are the foundation of this movement, and because of you, Black Tech Saturdays is more than a program—it’s a family, a revolution, and a force for good. While we celebrate today, let’s be clear: this is just the beginning. The digital divide is growing, and the stakes have never been higher. But I remain optimistic because I’ve seen what we can do together. We’ve proven that community is stronger than any challenge, that technology can be a tool for liberation, and that Detroit can lead the way toward a more equitable future. So, today, celebrate. Celebrate because you dared to dream, because you worked hard, because you believed in something greater than yourself. Joy is one of the most powerful forces on this planet. It renews us, recharges us, and reminds us why we fight. As we step into 2025, let’s carry this momentum forward. Let’s swing our hammers harder, build bridges wider, and rise higher. The work is far from over, but the progress we’ve made gives me hope for what’s ahead. "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." – Malcolm X Let’s continue to build that future—together. #BlackTechSaturdays #togetherwecan #keepgoing #thankyou #Joy

Today, GBC and UpSurge Baltimore announced their intentions to officially merge their two organizations formally in early 2025. The strategic partnership is a watershed moment in the life of both organizations and the Baltimore Region's tech and innovation ecosystem. You can read more about the announcement as covered in Technical.ly here: https://ow.ly/WEh350UpXfN

Feeling blessed I get to use my gifts and genius to not only advance wellness and prosperity for myself but also so many other people across the globe. 🌎 Plant Economy (that little plant pot I created) allows me to bring some inspiration and growth into any space! 🌱 Merged with my love for storytelling, digital media, and Black people, I’ve been able to leverage art, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy to uplift community and create real impact in a lot of different ways. 🚀 To be real, I haven’t even turned up yet fr with Plant Economy (watch!) Thank you to everyone supporting me as a social entrepreneur, wheather you’ve made a purchase or have hired me to help tell a story. I’m wishing continued growth and prosperity on us y’all! ⚡️ 📸 Tay Lee MA,LLPC #Growth #SocialImpact #Entrepreneurship #Philanthropy

The Power of Relationships in Entrepreneurship This week, I had the incredible honor of speaking at the Apple Developer Academy about Entrepreneurship and the Possibilities Without Attending Renaissance. It was such a meaningful conversation, expertly led by Nicholas Gordon and Dahime G.. Dahime is such a special person to me. I admire her ability to respectfully challenge ideas, her thoroughness, and her unwavering work ethic. She’s truly an inspiration and a blessing in my life. As I shared my journey, I reflected on what has truly made a difference in my entrepreneurial path: Relationships. While I didn’t attend the two-year Renaissance program, I’ve been able to create a space for myself as an entrepreneur in the tech and animation industry. And let me tell you, it wasn’t just about the skills I learned it was about the people I met. From my team and partners to my friends, family, and mentors, the connections I’ve made have been the foundation of my success. Animation Discovery Studio wouldn’t be where it is today without the inspiring, hardworking, and creative individuals who have poured into me and this vision. To all the learners out there: no matter the path you choose, remember that the doors you walk through often come down to the relationships you build. Be intentional, be authentic, and never underestimate the power of community. Thank you to the Apple Developer Academy | MSU and Sarah A. Gretter, PhD for allowing me to share my story. Here’s to building, creating, and growing together. Need a website: Nicholas Gordon Need content: Delon Hardy Business resources: TechTown Detroit Need a Community: Black Tech Saturdays #Entrepreneurship #TechInnovation #RelationshipsMatter #AnimationDiscoveryStudio #TechCommunity

I'm honored to share that I’ve been selected as a Pitch Finalist for Black Tech Saturdays Holiday Celebration! 🚀 Pitches will take place at the iconic Newlab on December 14th, 2024, and I couldn’t be more happy to represent Kozen and share our journey. Kozen is all about making wellness by more accessible by connecting businesses, organizations, and individuals to transformative wellness experiences. From yoga and meditation to breath work and sound baths, we’re creating a platform that empowers wellness professionals and fosters healthier communities. 🌱✨ This opportunity means so much to me as we continue to build from our roots in Detroit—a city filled with innovation, resilience, and community. 💡 Thank you to Black Tech Saturdays for this amazing platform, and congratulations to all the other finalists! Let’s make it a memorable one. 🙌 #Entrepreneurship #WellnessTech #Kozen #PitchFinalist #DetroitTech #Innovation #Community

The Countdown is ON🎉🎉🎉 This Saturday is out Holiday Celebration and Pitch Competition More Details 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

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