Q2 with BLK Men in Tech

"You had to be there to see the impact."

by Degion (Di-jion) Craddock, MBA, MSD

During Q2, BLK Men in Tech (BMiT) has been on an incredible journey! Our programs and partnerships reached vibrant communities in the Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Raleigh, New Orleans, Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., and beyond. Connecting with community partners, executives, tech enthusiasts, and professionals across these cities has been truly inspiring.

If you haven’t heard of BLK Men in Tech, it’s important to know the backstory. BLK Men in Tech (BMiT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides access, resources and community for Black men within the tech industry and those that are interested in entering the space. Our philanthropic initiatives support the next generation of tech leaders.?

Founded in 2020, BMiT utilizes tech as the common connector to enhance individuals and communities. We are centered in the Black man’s perspective and lived experiences. However, services and support are offered to those who are interconnected with Black men. Intersectional provisions are warranted in order to account for the whole well-being of 30,000 plus people in our ecosystem and over 1500 individuals served through our philanthropic efforts. We help companies enhance their cultural competence and credibility when dealing with urban recruitment and engagement.?

BMiT’s created and activation methodology is “The G.R.I.T. Mentality” where we Grow tech spaces, Relate to lived experiences, Inspire to aspire, and Thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. This activation is engrossed in our three (3) core Pillars: CONVENE-Curating community through year-round virtual and in-person events; CONNECT-Providing pathways for career success; and CARE-Providing resources and access to historically underrepresented individuals and communities.

SOAR Summit

One of our highlights this quarter was the Soar Summit, held on a cruise to the beautiful Bahamas. This extraordinary event brought together 25 black men, from college students to executives, for a refreshing break from their daily routines. They enjoyed a unique blend of relaxation and personal development, focusing on career growth, personal branding, mental health, and personal finance. It was an unforgettable journey of rejuvenation and learning, where bonds were strengthened, and horizons expanded.

We offered four impactful sessions during the Soar Summit:

- Leveling Up Your Career by Kevin Burch , Founder and Executive, BCivilized Solutions

- Uncovering Your Superpower by Damion Wright , Global DEI Leader at Intuit

- Prioritizing Mental Health by Dr. Jay Barnett, Mental Health Expert

- Mastering Personal Finance by Curtis J, Financial Advisor

Cigars & Conversation 2024 Tour

We launched our Cigars & Conversation Tour in May, and it has been a tremendous success, attracting over 700 professionals across various cities. This one-of-a-kind networking event blends cigars, conversation, and camaraderie, offering a sophisticated environment for tech industry professionals to connect over fine spirits and cigars. The tour dates and cities included:

• 5/15 - Fort Lauderdale, FL
• 5/29 - Atlanta, GA
• 7/10 - Dallas, TX
• 7/17 - Washington D.C.

Upcoming Tour dates

• 8/14 - New York City, NY?
• 8/23 - Charlotte, NC
• 8/27 - Miami, FL?

RenderATL Conference

At RenderATL (Render Atlanta) , a premier tech conference in Atlanta, we participated in a panel discussion entitled “Building a Tech Space Where BLK Men Can Thrive.” BMiT Founder, Khambrel (Kham) Ward shared his journey and the pivotal moments that led to conceptualizing and later bringing BMiT to fruition. The panel also explored the experiences of Black men at various career stages, providing a holistic view of the tech landscape.

Following the insightful panel discussion, we hosted the BLKOut, a highly anticipated event, blending networking, music, and genuine connections. Over 2,500 attendees, including executives, recruiters, and professionals, joined us for an evening of meaningful conversations and new connections. Thanks to our sponsors and community partners, the event was a huge success.

Celebrating Juneteenth with Lenovo

After Render ATL, we celebrated Juneteenth with 联想 's ERG, BLAST, participating in a panel discussion entitled "Let’s Chop it Up: The Journey of Black Men Navigating the Tech Landscape." This impactful conversation highlighted the importance of support and community in the workplace. The discussion also delved into the experiences of Black men at various stages of their professional careers: young professionals, middle-tier professionals, and executives. Each group shared their unique challenges and triumphs, providing a holistic view of the tech landscape from different vantage points.

Imani Cook did an outstanding job planning and facilitating our visit to Lenovo’s HQ in Morrisville, NC. The experience was truly inspiring and left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Dreamin’ in Color Conference?

BLK Men in Tech (BMiT) was invited to New Orleans by Tiffany Spencer ?? to attend the Dreamin' In Color Conference - which is a significant event for Black, Latinx, and Hispanic professionals who are engaged with or curious about the Salesforce platform and its integrated technologies, including Tableau, MuleSoft, Slack, and AI.

We participated in a panel discussion about BMiT's mission and the diverse experiences of Black men in tech. It was an honor to be part of this event, sharing our stories with a vibrant community committed to diversity and innovation.

Tech Connect with McDonald’s?

To wrap up Q2, we partnered with 麦当劳 for Tech Connect at their HQ in Chicago. Over 90 professionals joined us for sessions on professional development, networking, community service, and recruitment.?

Reflecting on last year's success at Shipt in Alabama, BMiT was excited to see how Tech Connect continues to grow and make an impact. This year, the sessions included:

• The Drive in You: The Power of Self-Discovery by Armando Jimenez
• Tech Panel by McDonald's Leaders??

• Career Fair with McDonald's Recruiters?
• The Power of the Process: Fueled by Community?
• Fireside Chat with McDonald's US CIO, Whitney McGinnis

On the second day, we gave back to the community with a service project at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Central Illinois, beautifying the property. We later enjoyed a drum circle led by The Sound Check Group , creating a joyful and collaborative atmosphere. To conclude Tech Connect, BMiT and our Community Partners proudly donated $6,000 to the Ronald McDonald House.

Preparing for THRIVE '24

Now, we're gearing up for our biggest event of the year, the THRIVE Conference. This four-day tech conference, taking place October 10th - 13th in Fort Lauderdale, FL, at The Westin – Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, is designed to foster connections, facilitate learning, and promote personal development for all in the tech community.?We are extending an invite to you to attend.

Click here to learn more: https://www.blkmenintech.com/

We can't wait to see you there!