Social Policy Research Associates’ Post

If you happened to miss out on today's solar eclipse 😎 ☀ earlier today, I have book recommendation 📚 that you don't have to wait another 20 years for. I recently finished reading "A Black Journey In Tech" by Dwight Jones and wanted to share the recommendation with my community. In a nutshell, the book is Dwight's personal encouragement to the next generation of technologists, particularly black people, by sharing his story. Primarily, I recommend this book to anyone who thinks a career in technology is NOT for them (spoiler alert: It definitely is if that is what you want, but it won't be easy [if it was, everyone would do it 😏]). I also recommend this book to anyone interested in reducing the digital divide in technology for minorities, especially black people. My favorite parts 😀 of the book were Chapter 5 (which is all about the wonderful technology innovations that black people have directly contributed to) and Chapter 8 (Dwight's list of "sayings" that have he has learned over the course of his decades-long technology career which everyone can learn from)."). Thanks for being an inspiration, Dwight!

📚 Book Recommendation: “A Black Journey in Tech” 🚀 We just finished reading “A Black Journey in Tech,” and it’s a revelation! In the book, Dwight Jones shares his unvarnished journey in the tech industry, offering a beacon of inspiration for black tech professionals. His story is a testament to what’s possible with divine favor, resilience, and adaptability. 🌟 This book is a clarion call for black individuals considering a tech career and a valuable resource for anyone committed to bridging the digital divide. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned pro, this book is a must-read for understanding the depth and diversity of black excellence in technology. https://lnkd.in/eRPfqxGX Favorite Takeaways: 📗 Chapter 5: A celebration of black innovation in tech. 📗 Chapter 8: Dwight’s distilled wisdom from decades in tech. Let’s amplify the stories that inspire growth and inclusivity in tech! 🚀 #BlackExcellence #TechDiversity #InspirationalReads #CareerDevelopment #Innovation #bookrecommendation #technology #blackintech #digitaldivide #techindustry

🌟 A Message of Gratitude and Celebration from Jones Software Corporation🌟 Greetings, everyone! As we celebrate #Juneteenth, Jones Software Corporation wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to our ancestors whose resilience and strength have paved the way for the strides we have made as a culture. This day is a powerful reminder of our journey from enslavement to freedom, and the continuous pursuit of equality and justice. ✊🏿 Honoring Our Ancestors We honor the courage and sacrifices of those who came before us. Their relentless pursuit of freedom and justice has allowed us to stand tall today. Our ancestors' legacy is a testament to the power of hope, determination, and community. 🌍 Celebrating Our Progress Juneteenth is not only a time for reflection but also a celebration of the progress we have made. From advancements in civil rights to the growing representation in various fields, we recognize the incredible achievements within our community. These accomplishments inspire us to continue striving for excellence and equality. 🌈 Embracing Social Responsibility for the Future At Jones Software Corp, we believe that a healthy responsibility is social responsibility. As we design the future, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, equity, and social justice. This Juneteenth, we reaffirm our dedication to: ~Education & Awareness: Promoting understanding and awareness of Black history and culture within our organization and beyond. ~Equity & Justice: Advocating for policies and practices that promote fairness and justice in all aspects of society. ~Inclusion & Representation: Ensuring diverse voices are heard and represented in our decision-making processes. ~Economic Empowerment: Supporting Black-owned businesses and initiatives that drive economic growth and sustainability in our communities. 🎥 Learn More We invite you to watch this inspiring video from our partner, Microsoft which highlights the importance of social responsibility and the collective efforts towards a more just future: Watch Here. https://lnkd.in/geNzZMi4 Together, we can honor our past, celebrate our present, and build a brighter, more equitable future. 🌟 Happy Juneteenth! Let's continue to celebrate freedom, embrace our social responsibilities, and work together towards a future of justice and equality. #Juneteenth #Gratitude #SocialResponsibility #Equity #Justice #Inclusion #JonesSoftwareCorp #CelebrateProgress #DesignTheFuture

🌟 The Technical.ly Awards are back! 🌟 Pittsburgh’s tech and innovation scene is thriving, and the 2024 Technical.ly Awards are here to celebrate the people, products, and programs making a big impact. From AI-driven tools to transformative programs, this year’s nominees are pushing boundaries in remarkable ways. Categories include: 🏆 Product of the Year: Game-changing tech that’s shaping industries. 🏆 Educator of the Year: Leaders empowering the next generation. 🏆 Program of the Year: Initiatives driving community growth. 🏆 Creator of the Year: Digital voices representing Pittsburgh’s unique charm. 🏆 Power Move of the Year: Strategic steps impacting our ecosystem. 🏆 Money Move of the Year: Financial wins fueling local innovation. Now, it’s your turn to choose! Voting is open through Nov. 18, with winners announced the week of Thanksgiving. Let's recognize the innovators who are inspiring us all. https://lnkd.in/eMmehAE5

🌟 The Technical.ly Awards are back! 🌟 Pittsburgh’s tech and innovation scene is thriving, and the 2024 Technical.ly Awards are here to celebrate the people, products, and programs making a big impact. From AI-driven tools to transformative programs, this year’s nominees are pushing boundaries in remarkable ways. Categories include: 🏆 Product of the Year: Game-changing tech that’s shaping industries. 🏆 Educator of the Year: Leaders empowering the next generation. 🏆 Program of the Year: Initiatives driving community growth. 🏆 Creator of the Year: Digital voices representing Pittsburgh’s unique charm. 🏆 Power Move of the Year: Strategic steps impacting our ecosystem. 🏆 Money Move of the Year: Financial wins fueling local innovation. Now, it’s your turn to choose! Voting is open through Nov. 18, with winners announced the week of Thanksgiving. Let's recognize the innovators who are inspiring us all. https://lnkd.in/eMmehAE5

BFUTR 2024 was pure magic! ✨🔥 Imagine walking into a room full of the brightest Black tech minds, powerful sessions, and real talk that left you rethinking your limits. One quote hit me hard: "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Talk about a mindset shift! That reminder to break out of old patterns and embrace new ideas was everything. I got deep into the world of LLMs (large language models, who knew I could get this deep into tech?), learned from top leaders, and made connections that truly mattered. And let’s be real, by the end, networking felt like a full-on cardio session—my heels didn’t stand a chance! 😂 But that’s the BFUTR vibe: learning, levelling up, and finding your people. Ready to relive it all next year—who’s with me? 🙌🏾 Thank you to the old crew for the warm welcome! And shout outs to Lekan Olawoye for continuing to push the envelope for Black professionals, Mike Reid for reminding me of our founding vision at BPTN, and Matthew Douglas for fuelling the engine so we can all grow! Obsidi® #BFUTR2024 #toughconvos #daphnemagna #BlackTechExcellence #MindsetShift #GrowthJourney #InspiringConnections #BlackExcellence #WomenInTech

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." – Malcolm X Preparation is the bridge between where we are and where we want to be. At Black Orlando Tech, we believe in empowering our community to prepare, innovate, and succeed. How are you investing in your future today? #WisdomWednesday #ProfessionalDevelopment #Inspiration #BlackOrlandoTech

Audacity that is highly familiar https://lnkd.in/gEQvufnA

I saw what you saw at the debate. But our team didn’t get scared. We have a plan. What I love most about my work is that it’s never done alone. We intentionally partner with problem solvers dedicated to ensuring impact isn’t just a word or a checkbox. Three years ago, Pink Cornrows designed a strategy with Kelly Burton, PhD and Black Innovation Alliance that centered Black entrepreneurs called The Decade of Black Innovation. One of the outcomes was the successful advocacy for the creation of the Congressional Black Innovation Caucus. The goal: to change policies and narratives that weren’t designed for all of us—and to design economic and tech strategies that empower us all. Just yesterday, the team launched Declaration ‘26: An Innovation Counterplan to Project 2025–a true beginning to a different conversation. Kelly shared it first at the White House, and now we’re sharing it with you. You can find it at https://lnkd.in/eRZCfjMt. There are about 40 BIA team members here in DC during CBC Week on the same page that we all have the right to innovate. And when conditions make innovation more possible, we all are more prosperous and well. Regardless of what happens in November—we ready. Proud to be a collaborator on this report and with this team. I’m down for the laughs, but more down for the solutions. #RightToInnovate #BIA #CBC #Declaration26 #debate #BlackInnovation

Join us in the Zone👊🏿 We are so excited to announce that the BlackNorth Initiative, Black Founders Network, Nobellum, Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, Federation of Black Canadians, Black Opportunity Fund, DMZ, Tribe Network, and African Impact Initiative are uniting to form the Black Innovation Zone - featured at this year’s Collision Conf 2024! 🎉This collective is dedicated to increasing access and visibility, by amplifying the voices and innovations of Black founders, investors and professionals across Canada and beyond.🙌🏿 The Black Innovation Zone is more than just a collective; it's a movement aimed at empowering Black entrepreneurs, investors and professionals by providing them with the platform they need to showcase their talents on an international stage. Our goal is to foster professional development, community building, and to serve as a beacon for those navigating the challenges faced by Black founders in the tech industry and other sectors. Join us at our booth (E167) during Collision week, and stay tuned for exciting updates about the events, opportunities and activations we will be curating for Black innovators. We’re here to promote cross-cultural collaborations and inclusivity within the global business ecosystem. It's time to share the stories and innovations of Black founders at Collision. 🎉Here's to building a legacy and creating a road map for future Black innovators in Canada and around the globe! 🌍 Help us shape the Black Innovation Zone experience, by filling out our programming survey in the link below. With your feedback, we can continue to build for the community, with the community. 💪🏿 https://lnkd.in/gkUXq4nt #BlackInnovationZone #Collison2024 #TechConference #BlackEntrepreneurs #ProfessionalDevelopment #Community