A Debate Between Dope People: Did We Do It Wrong? Was The Movement To Get Kids into Coding A Waste?
Did We Do It Wrong? Was The Movement To Get Kids into Coding A Waste?
This debate brings Atlanta’s leading Black K-12 STEM educators, futurists, and tech-workforce insiders together for an unfiltered virtual showdown. Fifteen years after the push to “teach every kid to code,” AI is automating swaths of software development, Black representation in tech has crawled from 7 to 8 percent, and majority-Black high schools are still 30 percent less likely to offer foundational CS courses. Against this backdrop, panelists will dissect whether we prepared students for yesterday’s jobs, what “tech literacy” should mean in a world ruled by large language models, and whether universal computer-science mandates are still the hill to die on—or just the same song with different letters.
The conversation goes beyond critique to bold prescriptions. Expect rapid-fire takes on the most outdated assumptions guiding Black youth-prep programs, the “AI Rules All” narrative, and the single action our community should demand tomorrow if capital, talent, and protected space were no object. Leaders will map coming disruptions, champion equitable access, share what employers actually hire for, this debate will equip parents, educators, policymakers, and technologists to decide whether to double-down, pivot, or totally rebrand how we build the next generation of Black tech talent.
Speakers
Jon Exume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanexume/
Tiffany Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjonesatl/
Kristina Newton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-newton/
Bryan Cox: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-cox-432bb84/
Errika Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/errika-moore/
Moderated By: Kylan Kester: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykylan/
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