A Debate Between Dope People: Black‑Owned vs. Best‑In‑Class in Atlanta's Black Tech Community
Is it enough to be excellent? Or does identity still matter?
Join us for a bold, unfiltered virtual panel where we confront one of the most urgent—and uncomfortable—conversations in our community: What happens when “Black-owned” and “best-in-class” collide?
In this no-holds-barred dialogue, Black founders, operators, marketers, and consumers wrestle with the tensions between cultural representation and competitive standards. Together, we’ll explore the evolving stakes of visibility, value, and performance in a hyper-competitive world.
Moderated By: Joey Womack (Founder/CEO, Goodie Nation)
Questions Discussed Include:
Is intentional consumerism still necessary if excellence becomes standard?
Who carries the responsibility for meeting a higher bar—founders, leaders, employees, or the community?
Would you pay 10% more for a Black‑owned product/service that’s equal in quality, but not better? Why or why not?
Should businesses or nonprofits publicize the “Black-owned” label—or let results speak for themselves?
Whether you're a founder, executive, investor, creative, or conscious consumer, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and sharpen your perspective. It's not just a debate—it’s a call to rethink what it means to be both Black-owned and world-class in today’s economy.
About the Theme: Imagine That
The theme music for this year's summit, "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" by Nas, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our conversations. The song’s aspirational lyrics and vision of a world where equity and justice prevail resonate deeply with our goal of creating a positive, inclusive innovation ecosystem. As we imagine and work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, the anthem serves as a powerful reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead when we unite to make intentional, impactful change. This alignment of music and mission underscores the summit's dedication to imagining and building a better, more inclusive future for all.
*ATL BLK TCH is a program of Goodie Nation under the United States of Good campaign, and is funded by the Kapor Foundation
Donate to the ATL BLK TCH Program: https://www.pledge.to/abt