2024 State of the Atlanta Black Tech Ecosystem Summit Powered by UNCF
Note: This will be a standing room only event. Wear comfortable shoes...
In 2017, we organized the first State of the Atlanta Black Tech Ecosystem Summit because we were concerned Black ATLiens in tech didn't know each other. Over the next few years, we created many relationships between founders, corporate employees, investors, developers, designers, product managers, college professors, teachers, and more. Our community began to thrive as many organizations, initiatives, and events were created.
But the COVID-19 pandemic halted much of the momentum and despite tons of support post-George Floyd's murder, we aren't as connected as we used to be. This has happened at the same time as tectonic shift in the technology space - difficult economic conditions combined with the rise of artificial intelligence.
In 2024, we're concerned again so we're restarting the annual State of the Atlanta Black Tech Ecosystem Summit this January. We're kickstarting the year to discuss our communities 2024 objectives and goals in the corporate tech, startup, and K-16 spaces.
A nod to 50 years of hip hop, our theme for 2024 is We Our and Us and is inspired by De La Soul’s Me Myself and I. The song’s message of self-acceptance and individuality has also had a significant impact on many people’s lives. It has inspired countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves and not worry about fitting into societal norms. We Our and Us is also about solidarity as explained here.
Agenda
6:30pm: Doors Open | Networking | Cash Bar | Music by DJ Empress
7:00pm: Opening Remarks
7:30pm: State of Atlanta's Black K-12 & College Computer Science and Gaming Community
8:00pm: State of Atlanta's Black Tech Software Engineers, Product Managers, Analysts, & More
8:30pm: State of Atlanta's Black Tech Startup Founders, Investors, & Entrepreneur Support Orgs
9:00pm: Action Items + Closing Remarks
9:30pm: Summit Ends
Panelists: Donnie Beamer (City of Atlanta), Jon Exume (Technologists of Color), Diamonde Henderson (Black Product Managers Network), Dr. Bryan Cox (Georgia Tech), Andrea Miller ( Educator), Grant Warner (Center for Black Entrepreneurship at Spelman/Morehouse), Jaisa Gooden (Silicon Valley Bank), Erica Stanley (Women Who Code & Refactor Tech), Kristina Smith-Newton (Hype), Anastasia Simon (Techstars), Barry Givens (BLCK VC), Jaycee Holmes (Codehouse), Ryan Wilson (The Gathering Spot), Chris Peay (Cxmmunity), Jammie Jelks (Diamonde Henderson (Black Product Managers Network) and more.
Relationships matter. Stay magnetic, y'all.
Sponsored by The Gathering Spot
ATL BLK TCH is a program of Goodie Nation.