Michael Polk’s Post

Black Tech Saturdays Experience. A huge shoutout to Johnnie Turnage, Alexa Turnage, Keith Chaney, Jen Fry, PhD (she/her) and everyone I had the pleasure of meeting! Seeing all the positive posts about the event (2 weeks ago!), I knew I had to check it out. I attended the Baltimore edition and let me tell you, it was amazing! Here's what I learned: Show, don't tell: Black Tech Saturdays showcases their events, not just talk about them. Photos, videos, and attendee experiences paint a vivid picture. Community matters: From workshops to networking, the event provided valuable resources and connections for Black professionals and entrepreneurs. Consistency is key: They kept the momentum going with regular posts, reminding me why I wanted to be there in the first place. But beyond these takeaways, Black Tech Saturdays sparked a thought: What are YOU doing to be visible? P.S. Go check out Black Tech Saturdays! You won't regret it. Video by Simon Efokoa & Brandy Bruce

Doing my best to break into this field

I thought landing my first six-figure tech job was the pinnacle of success—until I attended a Black tech conference that opened my eyes to even greater possibilities. At the event, I casually chatted with a couple working in big tech who shared their earnings with me. That simple conversation was a game-changer. It made me realize just how much more was out there, and it was a conversation I wouldn't have had if I hadn’t been in the room. If you’re new to tech or considering a switch, attending these conferences can be an invaluable resource. They offer insights into industry trends, salary ranges, company cultures, and more. Ty has compiled a comprehensive list of upcoming tech conferences, complete with dates, prices, and discount codes. https://lnkd.in/garpaH8G

Across a spectrum of tech categories, from health and food to financial and SaaS technology, underrepresented founders are displaying unprecedented levels of resilience. Alongside Plexus Information Services, Omidyar Network is proud to support the launch of the latest Black Tech Effect report, highlighting Black-led companies developing scalable solutions for the climate crisis, health, and social disparities in marginalized communities. The Black Tech Effect lays the groundwork for changing the tech environment and providing visibility to underrepresented founders. We believe this report will help bridge the data gap on Black-led tech companies, promote inclusivity, and attract more investors to these founders and companies. Join us in celebrating the success of 100 promising Black-led, high-growth tech companies. Read the report 🔗 www.theblacktecheffect.com Sherrell Dorsey Taylor J. James

The Black Tech Effect is breaking barriers and exploring unconventional tech markets this year! Our team examined Black-led tech companies in 30 categories across several countries and regions, discovering remarkable advancements and spotlighting the Black innovators making significant strides in their fields. Thanks to organizations like ACT House, Black Ambition, Black Innovation Alliance, Goodie Nation and Techstars, we've uncovered advancements from unexpected places. The Black Tech Effect is powered by The Tech We Want Omidyar Network! Explore the list at theblacktecheffect.com! #BlackTechEffect #TechInnovation #BlackTechLeaders #Innovators Sherrell Dorsey

🚀 Ready to break into tech through your creative passions? Join us on Mar 25 for "Black Creatives in Tech: Challenging the Status Quo & Driving Innovation"! 🎟 Reg Link: https://bit.ly/3VazvLr Connect with successful Black professionals who've thrived in tech without a traditional tech background. Don't miss out on career insights, networking, and cutting-edge trends! Register freely now! Key Benefits: Gain Knowledge About Career Advancement Opportunities: Learn how to tap into a new career in tech via the creative industry approach by meeting professionals who are excelling in the industry with a non-technical background. Enrich Your Network: Spark meaningful connections with Black tech professionals who’ve mastered overcoming challenges and acquiring big career wins. Learn New Cutting-Edge Technologies & Trends: Soak up useful insights and learn about new tools and approaches to help elevate your personal branding approach to attract potential employers or sponsors. 🗓 Date: Monday, March 25, 2024 ⏰ Time: 6:30 - 7:45 PM ET 🎟 Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3VazvLr #BlackCreativesInTech #TechInnovation #CareerGrowth

A decade of hosting salons has taught us the power of community, simplicity, consistency, passion, and generosity. 1. Have a clear intention: Our purpose has always been to create a supportive community and highlight our favorite parts of Atlanta’s Black history and culture. 2. Keep it Simple: We’ve hosted in beautiful spots across the city and in our living room. Don’t overthink it. Focus on the core purpose of connection, not extravagant decorations or expensive food. 3. Consistency is Key: Community isn’t built at one-off events. Bonds of trust and friendship happen in the most humble settings - over time. 4. Choose Themes You’re Passionate About: You’ll attract the folks you want to know. We got our whole lives when 3 Stacks fell through in 2014 looking to connect with the emerging arts scene. 5. Host with Generosity of Spirit: When everything isn’t perfect, it gives your guests permission to be open to authentic connection. Want to learn more about building your own supportive community? Sign up for our newsletter for tips and insights. Newsletter sign-up 🔗 https://loom.ly/P5v60eY

🌟 Elevating Black Creators at SXSW! 🌟 We all know the challenges and triumphs that come with being a creator, but imagine having a playbook designed just for us. That’s why I’m excited to share our panel pitch: “Visibility & Wealth: The Black Creator's Playbook” This isn't just another panel; it’s a blueprint for navigating and conquering the creator economy. Here’s what we’re bringing to the table: 🧠 Meet the Game Changers: Alaina Fingal of The Organized Money, who turns budgeting into an art form. LaShonda Brown, the powerhouse behind Bootstrap Biz Advice, transforming tech for creators. Damien Ritter, the strategic genius managing #BiggJah. And me, Uzo Ometu, your guide and Founder of BlackOakTV. 📊 What You’ll Gain: - Strategies to overcome algorithmic barriers and boost your visibility. - Insights on building a community that’s more than just numbers. - Advanced monetization tactics that go beyond what’s obvious. 🔥 Why You Should Care: Because this is about more than just surviving in the creator economy; it’s about thriving and setting new benchmarks for success. We’re here to uplift, educate, and empower. 🗳️ Your Vote Matters: We’re committed to making a difference, but we need your support to get to SXSW. Cast your vote and join us in redefining what’s possible for Black creators! Vote for our panel here: https://lnkd.in/eyqgQ3M3 Let’s make this vision a reality!

In 2005, Peter Beasley made history as the first Black member of the Society of Information Management (SIM) Dallas Chapter. His mission? To open doors for fellow Black IT professionals in an industry known for its lack of diversity. But instead of support, Peter faced retaliation. His attempts to foster inclusivity were met with public shaming, financial ruin, and hefty court battles. He lost everything—except his unwavering will to fight back. Fast forward to today: Peter Beasley is not just surviving; he's thriving. As the co-founder of BUiLT (Blacks United in Leading Technology), he's turned his personal adversity into a powerful movement, empowering Black tech professionals across the nation. His credentials speak volumes: ✅ Co-founder, BUiLT (2020) ✅ First Black Director, SIM Dallas (2013) ✅ Board member, DFW Texchange & IT Service Management Forum USA ✅ First Black recipient, Texas Emerging Technology Fund ✅ Founder, Netwatch Solutions ✅ Senior IT leader at Mobil Exploration, Excel & UT Southwestern Medical Center 🎤 Opening Keynote: "Peter's Path to Justice" Join us at our 4th Annual North Texas Black Tech Symposium, for an eye-opening, heart-stirring keynote as Peter shares his gripping journey from discrimination to triumph. His story isn't just about survival—it's about reshaping the tech landscape for generations to come. 📅 Date: June 11th, 2024 🕒 Time: 9:30 AM (CT) Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired, challenged, and motivated to drive real change in tech. Register now for FREE! 🎟️  https://lnkd.in/gdxFcUrZ. #BlacksInTech #TechEquality #Resilience #NorthTexasBlackTechSymposium #NTBTS2024 #DiversityInTech

Despite digital skills gaps that exist in the industry we are still seeing continuation of below par attitudes and opportunities for competent Black Technologists. A brain drain is now ensuing. How can we aim to be a world leading tech ecosystem if we can't get something as fundamental as this right? We MUST & CAN do better. https://lnkd.in/efMmcSZe