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"It always seems impossible until it's done."- Nelson Mandela Day Two of the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit on October 4th was nothing short of transformative. It was a day that embodied the spirit of progress, community, and digital revolution in Detroit. With 42 workshops available, attendees had the opportunity to explore an array of topics. It was a "choose your own adventure" kind of day, where entrepreneurs, tech talent, and the tech-curious all came together to dive into the digital world, discovering new skills and uncovering possibilities in a supportive and dynamic environment. We began the day with a Sound Healing and breathing exercise led by Tia James, setting a tone of mindfulness and readiness. Next, four of the original Justice League for Digital Equity and Inclusion took the stage—Laura Grannemann, Art T., Autumn Evans, and Myka Burley. They shared the remarkable journey of Detroit’s digital equity campaign, reflecting on the dreams that set this movement in motion and the opportunities that still lie ahead. As Laura eloquently put it, “We are at a major inflection point.” The shift from inclusion to empowerment, she explained, will position Detroiters to harness digital tools and shape their own futures. Myka and Autumn emphasized that this movement isn’t just about technology—it's about economic empowerment, getting real dollars into people's pockets, and ensuring we can choose our destiny. The morning’s powerful dialogue was followed by our 313 Lunch Market, which featured local businesses, giving attendees the chance to support and discover Detroit’s entrepreneurs. As the afternoon unfolded, our vibrant host Zsa Zsa C. Hubbard introduced each dynamic workshop leader allowing them to share what their sessions was about and attendees could choose a unique session to customize their learning experience. The event's success was reflected in the numbers: - Total Attendees: 3,200 ?? (including 1,500 youth participants for the Youth Tech Fest) - App Engagement: 1,307 attendees downloaded our event app, providing invaluable feedback ?? - Impact: $120,000 regranted to support community initiatives ?? [Big post 4 this tomorrow] - Community Voices: Over 100 video testimonials were collected, sharing stories of inspiration and transformation ?? This was just the first year, and we learned a great deal. The lessons from this weekend will enhance year-round learning experiences, ensuring that we continue to build on this momentum. Above all, the heart of #BlackTechSaturdays is each of you. We've come so far together, and this summit proved that the future is indeed bright if we keep going. The best is yet to come, and we can’t wait to share more videos and stories in the days ahead. Stay tuned for a special session with Ethan Lloyd to capture even more of your incredible journeys. ?? Tay Ford,MA,LLPC #DetroitDigitalEmpowermentSummit #BlackTechSaturdays #togetherwecan #TheFutureIsBright. #KeepGoing

"I think it would be so great if everyone could get the exposure they deserve in order to just takeoff" - Black Tech Saturdays "Community Hero" Award Winner Nicole Liggins Nicole Liggins is a technology leader at General Motors, responsible for driving the development and execution of a diverse digital portfolio of connected vehicle products. With a primary focus on delivering exceptional value to retail customers, Nicole also ensures delivery of enterprise value through backend services. Prior to her current role in product management, Nicole held key roles such as Senior Mobile Architect, Senior Technical Product Owner, and various QA positions. Her extensive expertise in these areas has equipped her with a deep understanding of product development and a keen eye for delivering high-quality solutions. Nicole is passionate about mentoring others, sharing her knowledge and expertise to help others grow and succeed. Best Description of what I do: I strive to build teams that not only solve problems but also create technology that customers genuinely love. Thank you Nicole Liggins for your hard work and dedication to our community! We LOVE you! #DetroitDigitalEmpowermentSummit #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #bridgethedivide #closethegap #blackintech #womenintech #latinxintech #diversityintech #Detroittech #blackexcellence #blackjoy #blacklove

Extra, Extra Read all about it!!!! The Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit was a Hit! With 1307 Attendees active on our event app ?????? Another 300-400 Walk in Attendees 1500 Students Activated for a Youth Tech Fest with City of Detroit "The Digital Empowerment Summit, the moment we seize. Elevating our people, breaking boundaries quickly with ease. Supporting founders, We making sure we can’t divide Empowering Detroit we’ve got the whole city on our side." Year one is one to remember ?? We are so grateful for each and everyone one of you who made the magic happen! The feedback has been fantastic we can Officially say the "Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit" will be back in 2025?? ?? Aaron Dawson #DetroitDigitalEmpowermentSummit #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #bridgethedivide #closethegap #blackintech #womenintech #latinxintech #diversityintech #Detroittech #blackexcellence #blackjoy #blacklove Rocket Community Fund AT&T Comcast Walker-Miller Energy Services Stand With Crypto First Independence Bank TechTown Detroit Michigan Science Center Michigan Central Bodman PLC Hush Cyber Security Detroit Pistons Detroit Lions The Skillman Foundation

"The future depends on what we do in the present." – Mahatma Gandhi 1500 hundred students and a powerful keynote later ?? Day 1 was precious ?? #BlackTechSaturdays #DetroitDigitalEmpowermentSummit #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether

Client News: A Sunday morning with Black Tech Saturdays. The first ever Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit will take place October 3-5. Expect three jam-packed days devoted to connecting Detroiters to the digital world and all the opportunity it brings. Click below for more from WDIV Local 4 News/ClickOnDetroit Amy Oprean Robin Schwartz

I entered my first ever Pitch competition and WON the audience choice prize! Yesterday at Michigan Central Station I entered the Pitch Perfect Competition sponsored by Black Ambition and adidas, and produced by ACT House. Over 40 people pitched their ideas and companies to a room full of people, and the people chose my pitch as the one they enjoyed the most. Having other founders believe in you is an amazing feeling. Shoutout to everyone that had the courage to go up there and share their ideas. It is not the easiest thing to do. But you did it! Congrats to all the winners of non-dilutive capital! And since I am the Peoples Champ now. IF YOU SMELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!! ??????????

Y'all! I rarely post and spend almost zero time on here BUT we had a JustAir team retreat this week and I can't get over how this picture makes me feel ?? These wonderful humans (plus, Pumpkin!) are some of the people behind JustAir: Darren Riley, Phillip Hall, Nate Rauh-Bieri, Jacob Steere, Britney Epps, Derrick Kennedy & C. Kristy Allen. Not pictured are the countless residents, community leaders, environmental scientists, government administrators, organizers, researchers, friends, and family members who have also gotten us to where we are today. We're here because we build really valuable relationships, we listen really hard, we research really hard, we brainstorm and problem solve and work really hard. We all believe that making air quality information more accessible and action-oriented is something people need to live safer, healthier, and happier lives. This really fills my heart with joy and gratitude. Thank you Darren Riley for bringing us all together ?? Excited for all that's next. (And thanks for the great photo Darrell Marshall ?? )

"Detroit is not a comeback city. It's a city that's always been here, and it's a city that's always mattered." – Marlowe Stoudamire Receiving the Marlowe Stoudamire award is an honor that fills our hearts with immense gratitude. Marlowe was a beacon of light for Detroit, an unyielding force who believed in the potential of this city and its people. He was more than a leader; he was a visionary who showed us that Detroiters could stand tall and proud, not just here but on any stage in the world. To receive this award from his wife, Valencia Stoudamire , brought tears to our eyes, reminding us of the weight and responsibility we now carry. If you never met Marlowe, and you don't know who he was. I think you should! ?????? [Marlowe had no bounds, no borders. His energy and commitment were boundless, and his belief in Detroit was limitless. He sold Detroit to Detroiters and sold Detroiters to the world, with a smile that radiated kindness and an unshakable faith in the greatness of this city. “He was the textbook version of an agent of change, with a superhero kind of aura about him.” As a graduate of Cass Tech, Wayne State, and a participant in Harvard’s Young American Leaders program, he showed us all what was possible when passion met purpose. ] Tonight, as we stand in the shadow of a man who dedicated his life to creating opportunity, fostering community, and lifting others, we promise to step into these big shoes with all our might. We are committed to working tirelessly to move the needle forward, to honor Marlowe's legacy, and to embody the ripple effect he believed in. This isn’t just an award—it’s a call to action. And we hope to be even a fraction of the transformational force he was for Detroit. Thank you, Marlowe. We will carry your light forward. "Stay tuned. It's going to be big." - Marlowe Stoudamire #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #Detroit #Legacy #Community #TheFutureisBright #togetherwewill #Eastside TechTown Detroit Christianne Malone Caleb Conley Ned Staebler Wayne State University Carolyn Chin Watson Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D. ??????????????????????

If you ask the founders of the world’s greatest tech companies, they’ll tell you: an ecosystem’s true measure isn’t what you take from it, but what you give back. My grandfather once told me, "When you become aware of something, you have a responsibility to act." It’s a lesson that echoes in my bones, and one that Black Tech Saturdays has carried forward into every community we touch. We’ve become aware of a clock ticking, counting down the moments as innovation races ahead, leaving many of our communities behind. That awareness isn’t just knowledge; it’s a call to action, a responsibility that demands we do everything in our power to pull our communities forward. Generative AI is moving at lightning speed, reshaping industries, careers, and lives. By 2045, if left unchecked, AI could widen the racial wealth gap in the United States by $43 billion annually. But we refuse to let that future be written without us. As Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” At Black Tech Saturdays, our actions are driven by love, grace, and an unyielding belief that we belong in the story of tomorrow’s technology. The Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit is more than an event. It’s a movement. We’ve brought together nearly 40 speakers from across Detroit and the nation to tackle the pressing challenges of digital equity, and to ensure our voices aren't just included—they’re amplified. It's more important now than ever to understand the digital tools that exist, to leverage them, and to uplift one another in every step we take. Data tells us that AI is already impacting 40% of global employment, and that 95% of businesses hiring entry-level workers are looking for digital skills. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they’re a call to action. And here in Detroit, we’ve decided that no matter what is said about AI’s impact, we will not be left behind. We are going together, and we’re bringing our youth, our seniors—our entire community—with us. Because once you become aware, you have a responsibility to act. We each have the power to use our genius to build a world where we belong. Join us at the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit. Let's create, uplift, and move forward together. Because this is our moment, and we can’t wait to see you there. Curious in what to expect at the Summit? Join today for our FIRST Instagram Live today at 7pm ?????? Sign up Now ?? www.blacktechsaturdays.com Thank you ?? #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing ##togetherwecan #strongertogether #bridgethedivide #closethegap #blackintech #womenintech #latinxintech #diversityintech #Detroittech #blackexcellence #blackjoy #blacklove #Detroit #TechInDetroit #DetroitDigitalEmpowermentSummit #Joinus #Jointhemovement

Happy Monday, everyone! Johnnie and I are incredibly honored to be recognized by TechTown Detroit with the Marlowe Stoudamire Small Business Champion Award at this year’s Toast of the Town celebration. We are deeply thankful for this tremendous honor and for the opportunity to be part of a community that truly champions small businesses and innovation. We can’t wait to celebrate alongside so many inspiring leaders and changemakers in Detroit. ?? Join us this Wednesday, September 27th, for an evening of celebration and recognition! Don’t forget to grab your tickets and learn more about the event by visiting the link below. ?? Get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gzcBvM-v Thank you again, TechTown,Ned Staebler, and the entire team for this incredible recognition. We can’t wait to see everyone there!