Black Tech Saturdays

?? Exciting Announcement: Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit Welcomes Jay Bailey ?? We are thrilled to announce that James M. Bailey, affectionately known as Jay, President and CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), will be joining us at the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit! Jay Bailey is a dynamic force whose motto, "Build As We Climb", fuels his commitment to empower Black entrepreneurs. As the leader of the largest entrepreneurial hub focused on growing and scaling Black businesses, Jay has made an extraordinary impact. Under his visionary leadership, RICE supports over 500 entrepreneurs, generating $184 million in annual revenues, creating 2,153 jobs, and contributing $478 million in new economic impact in Metro Atlanta. Jay’s legacy extends beyond his work at RICE. A three-time TED Talk speaker, a White House Champion of Change honoree, and recipient of President Obama's Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Jay's influence reaches from Atlanta to the national stage. His relentless pursuit of community empowerment and economic innovation has earned him numerous accolades, including the National Point of Light Award and recognition as one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs. Join us as Jay Bailey shares his transformative insights and leadership strategies at the summit, inspiring the next wave of digital empowerment and innovation right here in Detroit. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with one of the most impactful leaders of our time! ??? October 3rd ?? Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit Be ready to build, grow, and climb with Jay Bailey! Register ?????? www.blacktechsaturdays.com #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #blackexcellence #blacklove #blackjoy #diversityintech #generationalwealth #detroit #blackintech #womenintech #Latinxintech #Bridgethedivide #ClosetheGap #creativeeconomy #Atlanta #Detroit

?? Exciting Announcement: Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit Welcomes Jay Bailey ?? We are thrilled to announce that James M. Bailey, affectionately known as Jay, President and CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), will be joining us at the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit! Jay Bailey is a dynamic force whose motto, "Build As We Climb", fuels his commitment to empower Black entrepreneurs. As the leader of the largest entrepreneurial hub focused on growing and scaling Black businesses, Jay has made an extraordinary impact. Under his visionary leadership, RICE supports over 500 entrepreneurs, generating $184 million in annual revenues, creating 2,153 jobs, and contributing $478 million in new economic impact in Metro Atlanta. Jay’s legacy extends beyond his work at RICE. A three-time TED Talk speaker, a White House Champion of Change honoree, and recipient of President Obama's Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Jay's influence reaches from Atlanta to the national stage. His relentless pursuit of community empowerment and economic innovation has earned him numerous accolades, including the National Point of Light Award and recognition as one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs. Join us as Jay Bailey shares his transformative insights and leadership strategies at the summit, inspiring the next wave of digital empowerment and innovation right here in Detroit. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with one of the most impactful leaders of our time! ??? October 3rd ?? Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit Be ready to build, grow, and climb with Jay Bailey! Register ?????? www.blacktechsaturdays.com #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #blackexcellence #blacklove #blackjoy #diversityintech #generationalwealth #detroit #blackintech #womenintech #Latinxintech #Bridgethedivide #ClosetheGap #creativeeconomy #Atlanta #Detroit

Visioneering: Are We Brave Enough to Try? This session invites participants of all ages on a collective journey into "artivism"—the fusion of art and activism—to envision an inclusive tech ecosystem in Detroit. Inspired by Stevie Wonder’s lyrics from “Can We Heal This Nation’s Broken Heart?”, the session asks: “Are we brave enough to try, together, and take the steps needed to create community-driven solutions for Detroit?” Led by Maia Sabree & Keith Sabree, co-founders of Co-Creating with the City (@DetroitIsDigital), this Visioneering meeting builds on the momentum of Black Tech Saturdays’ Hot Tech Summer series. Through their work as Artivists-in-Residence, Maia & Keith have been investigating how arts and activism can drive community economic development. By combining artistic creation, community-based participatory research, technology, and policy analysis, they aim to empower Detroiters to co-create solutions that shape the city's future. These meetings have taken place at Detroit’s farmers markets, community centers, and libraries, engaging residents, seniors, youth, entrepreneurs, and creatives to explore how technology can address local challenges in education, cultural preservation, environmental justice, and more. By encouraging diverse voices—residents, youth, entrepreneurs, and community leaders—to collaborate, Visioneering fosters relationships that lead to actionable, locally relevant ideas and solutions. Participants use digital tools and community-based research to drive innovation, economic growth, and community-based solutions. This session will also preview the upcoming “Visioneering Lab,” a place-based innovation digital literacy program, developed in collaboration with Tech Goes Home, set for November and December 2024. Participants will explore digital tools like AI, digital storytelling, and data artistry to highlight Detroit’s cultural and historical strengths while discovering how technology can drive innovation and community-driven solutions that preserve the city’s heritage. ????????????????

No matter how many events we do, one thing remains true, nobody does it quite like Detroit. Through collaboration with local community partners, we were proud to play a part in making the?#BlackTechSaturdays?2024 kickoff something special. Empowering over 500 families with new technology in a single day doesn't seem like such a big task when you have the right partners in your corner. ?? #detroitnonprofit?#detroitevents?#digitalequity #communityimpact #socialimpact

A diverse lineup of speakers is heading to THRIVE! Don’t miss your chance to connect with industry leaders and influencers—grab your tickets before they’re gone. Secure your ticket now: https://lnkd.in/ejAQ2mSn

Catch Jordan Blackwell (aka JB to her besties) at the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit! ?? As a content creator, influencer, strategist, consultant, and educator, JB is on a mission to show creatives like YOU how to make an impact using social media. With over 10 years of experience working with a variety of clients, she’s here to help you position your brand to connect meaningfully online. ? Workshop: Mastering Social Media - A Deep Dive ? Learn how to build an impactful digital footprint without the overwhelm! From cracking the code on each platform to repurposing content and outsourcing effectively, JB will help you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape with confidence and authenticity. Here’s what you can expect: - Understanding each social platform’s unique potential - Crafting effective strategies for each platform - Repurposing content that performs across platforms - Outsourcing so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business! - Q&A Panel Session to get all your questions answered ?? **Don’t miss out! Join us at the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit for this exclusive workshop. Get ready to level up your social media game! See you there. ?? ?????????? www.blacktechsaturdays.com #DetroitDigitalEmpowermentSummit #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #bridgethedivide #closethegap #blackintech #womenintech #latinxintech #diversityintech #Detroittech #blackexcellence #blackjoy #blacklove

Black Venture capitalists only amount to 3% of the total sum of VC professionals. When I first entered into the venture capital landscape, I was curious to see what other financiers were Black. In the end of 2021, I began making a list of all African descent VC's across the world. Currently over 600 VC professionals are on the list. If you’re new to VC or don’t see your name, PLEASE ADD YOURSELF! :) Who else should be added to the list? See the list in the comments and fill out the form to have an up to date list of Black VCs. https://lnkd.in/gNkY4SwM Photo credit: Beta Boom #venturecapital #blackvc #diversity #list #fundraisingseason

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs is proud to highlight the incredible work of Nyla Choates, founder of My Roots Are Rich, a social justice brand that aims to combat systemic racism in education. My Roots Are Rich is dedicated to shedding light on the often-overlooked rich history of people of African descent, striving to rewrite the narrative that textbooks leave out. By being a catalyst for change, My Roots Are Rich educates all people to view different cultures with respect and understanding. Nyla has been a key participant in RICE's Retail Readiness Academy, where she gained valuable insights and opportunities to grow her brand. With the help of the Academy's Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) for their mentorship and guidance, which played a crucial role in her journey. Stefan L. Miller, MBA Terri-Nichelle Bradley Ceata E. Lash At RICE, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs like Nyla to realize their full potential! My Roots Are Rich are on the #RoadtoBentonville We invite you to join our mission, engage with our programming, and help shape the future of entrepreneurship. To learn more about how RICE can support your entrepreneurial journey, visit us at russellcenter.org. #Entrepreneurship #SocialJustice #RICECommunity #RetailReadiness #Mentorship #RICEProgram #MyRootsAreRich #Leadership #Empowerment Walmart

?? Happy Tuesday, Everyone! ?? Johnnie and I just got back from an unforgettable experience at the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington D.C., where we attended the amazing Black Joy AI Summit, thanks to Fallon W., co-founder of the #BlackTechFutures Research Institute. The energy and knowledge shared there were truly inspiring! A special shoutout to Ty S. and Ayana Gardner—thank you both for your kindness, support, and willingness to help us through a family emergency. We appreciate you more than words can say! Now, looking ahead, it's going to be an exciting week at Black Tech Saturdays as we dive into our Month of Design Takeover! ?? We are thrilled to be part of Eastern Market After Dark and to host a Design Takeover Panel this Saturday featuring powerhouse panelists: Deirdre Roberson, Earl Lucas, Lauren Hood, MCD, and Pierre Roberson, AIA, NOMA, NCARB. ?? This panel is going to be a can’t-miss event, and we’re so grateful to have these brilliant minds pouring into our community by sharing their journeys. ??Register Here for Black Tech Saturdays: https://lnkd.in/gksNw4nV But that's not all! We are counting down to our Digital Empowerment Summit happening soon in the heart of Detroit. This is the ultimate summit for tech founders, tech-curious individuals, and tech-enabled entrepreneurs ready to LEVEL UP in life, business, and technology. ?? Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming: Day 1: Youth Tech Fest and Opening Celebration at the Science Center, with a keynote from Jay Bailey, CEO of the Russell Innovation Center in Atlanta. Day 2 & 3: We’re taking over the College for Creative Studies, featuring a keynote from Professor john powell, Director of the Othering and Belonging Institute. And to top it off, we have a special guest DJ Sky Jetta, for our closing celebration! ?? ?? This summit is a game-changer—register now to secure your spot and take your life and career to the next level! Can't wait to see you all there. Let's do this! ?? ?? Day 1 Digital Empowerment Summit: https://lnkd.in/gAzStpxM ?? Day 2 & Day 3 Digital Empowerment Summit: https://lnkd.in/gZHQ_yym

Deirdre Roberson, MS, is the innovative force behind EUMELANIN, a luxury fashion brand that celebrates and elevates black and brown beauty through scientifically inspired designs. With a background in chemistry, Deirdre merges science, design, and empowerment to create unique and impactful products. EUMELANIN not only highlights the beauty of melanin-rich skin tones but also tells the stories of historically overlooked black fashion pioneers. The brand's name, EUMELANIN, comes from the specific type of melanin responsible for black and brown pigment in the skin. EUMELANIN has garnered national attention and accolades, including being featured in a Mastercard commercial during the 2021 Grammys and a TEDx talk in Detroit. The brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and cultural representation has made it a standout in the luxury fashion market. Through EUMELANIN, Deirdre continues to inspire and empower black and brown communities, challenging traditional beauty norms and celebrating diversity in every piece she creates. Deirdre is also the co-founder and co-CEO of The Lab Drawer, an innovative EdTech company dedicated to enhancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education through culturally relevant, hands-on STEAM kits and experiences. Under her leadership, The Lab Drawer has shipped over 30,000 kits to more than 8 countries, generating over $1 million in revenue. Her commitment to bridging educational gaps and promoting diversity in STEAM fields has impacted students globally, earning recognition from Governor Gretchen Whitmer for its work in STEAM education. Through her work with both EUMELANIN and The Lab Drawer, Deirdre continues to merge science, design, and empowerment, creating transformative experiences and products that celebrate and uplift diverse communities. She also owns the trademark for the chemical structure of melanin, solidifying her unique approach to blending science and fashion. See you Saturday ?? https://lnkd.in/g3ZDy-8P ???????????????? #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether