Vernon Wade, Sr.’s Post

"Empowering Insights: Glen Ford's Game-Changing Commentaries on Black Agenda Radio!" In the bustling city of Miami, a new dialogue has begun about the future of Black entrepreneurship; a conversation that strives to bridge the racial wealth gap and drive economic empowerment. The Knight Foundation and the Black Tech Week venture is catching attention, signaling a new wave of opportunities in technology entrepreneurship for the Black community. As much as we aspire to dream in technicolor, so too can we dream in tech, breathing life to innovative ideas that promote inclusivity, economic growth, and social progress. Just as the vibrant Miami sunset paints the horizon with an array of brilliant hues, the initiative illuminates the path to prosperity for Black entrepreneurs in the tech sector. By fostering connectivity, visibility, and access to resources, they are recalibrating the tech landscape. In fact, consider how the tide rises - bit by bit it elevates all that's within its reach. Similar is the ethos of this venture, boosting the entrepreneurial ecosystem whilst strengthening community bonds. Thus, it's the time to ride the wave of change and make a tangible impact in Miami's burgeoning tech scene. If you're an entrepreneur seeking to advance your tech venture or a Miami resident interested to observe this exciting development, make sure to check out our website for upcoming events and programming. Let's paint a future where everyone thrives. #BlackTechWeek #KnightFoundation #MiamiTech #EconomicInclusion #TechEntrepreneurship

AfroTech is more than just a tech conference, it's a celebration of Black innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in the technology space. Bringing together over 20,000 industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts from all around the world, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. I'm looking forward to four days packed with insights from over 50 renowned speakers from companies like Riot Games, American Express, Capital One, and Deloitte, as well as panel discussions on critical topics like Data Engineering, AI, and Cybersecurity. Being part of this gathering is a powerful reminder of the incredible contributions that Black professionals bring to tech, and I can’t wait to gain knowledge, meet inspiring people, and deepen my commitment to diversity and innovation in this field. #AfroTech2024 #BlackTech #Innovation #Networking #DiversityInTech #AmericanExpress #CapitalOne #Deloitte

Of the 89 publicly-shared companies in the Summer 2024 cohort on Y Combinator, just 5 have Black founders. Here are three things YC can do to lead the way in supporting Black founders: Y Combinator is the Harvard of accelerators for startup founders. But not for all of them. 1. Give clear explanations to rejected applicants. Nothing drives a founder forward like clear, actionable feedback. It helps them identify their company’s weaknesses and, thus, what to work on to improve. This type of transparency would build trust with Black founders and ultimately encourage more to apply. 2. Partner with other organizations that already do an excellent job of supporting Black founders. There are many out there (my favorite being @goodienation),). Not only can these organizations offer diverse and innovative ideas, but collaborating with them would widen the pool of Black applicants. 3. Leverage the (albeit relatively small) network of YC-backed Black founders. Mentorship is a critical part of YC’s model, and I’d argue that the value of that mentorship increases when the mentor understands the additional challenges associated with being Black in that space. Black YC alumni can support new Black applicants on their journeys, and their referrals can help build a steady stream of Black applicants for future cohorts. I believe Y Combinator can more broadly uplift Black and underrepresented founders, but these three steps are a good start. Any other ideas? Let me know in the comments. Also, shout out to the five companies representing this year’s cohort! Rastro (YC S24) Zimi (YC S24) &AI Conductor Quantum AnswerGrid

In my quest to spread awareness about the importance of Computer Science, Robotics, AI, and tech in urban and low-income communities, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend Black Tech Week with my cousin. This incredible event was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful testament to the potential and brilliance within our community. Experiencing Black Tech Week was transformative. It showcased the immense impact such events have on entrepreneurs, tech professionals, creatives, and anyone looking to get involved in tech. The wealth of knowledge shared by the amazing speakers who told their journeys was nothing short of inspiring. Their stories of perseverance, innovation, and success served as a beacon of hope and motivation for all attendees. The atmosphere was electric with unity and camaraderie as black people came together to share their love for tech and their experiences. However, what made it even more special was the diversity in attendance. While the event primarily focused on pooling together black professionals and enthusiasts, it was not exclusive. People of other races joined in on the fun and experiences, adding to the richness of the event. It's important to note that Black individuals make up around 7% of the tech workforce in the U.S., highlighting the need for more representation and opportunities in these fields. Black Tech Week was a beautiful celebration of our collective achievements and an inclusive space where everyone could learn, network, and grow. It reinforced the idea that tech is for everyone and that our communities have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of technology. I'm deeply grateful for this experience and I am more motivated than ever to continue spreading awareness and fostering opportunities in tech for urban and low-income communities. Together, we can break barriers and create a future where everyone has the chance to thrive in the tech world. #BlackTechWeek #TechForAll #InclusionInTech #TechAwareness #CommunityUnity #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #AI #Robotics #UrbanTech #MoreVictories #AIForBetterLiving

✨🎉Today we kick off our annual NOLA Tech 30 Campaign! 30 Black Techies. 30 Days! 2024 has been a year of challenges in so many ways. As we officially enter the holiday season, we want to share one clear and unwavering message: We Got Us! At a time when the world seems to need it most, we are bringing positivity, unity and most of all hope. Many organizations in the technology sector seems to have moved on from diversity, equity, and inclusion. And for that reason, NOLA Tech 30 is needed now more than ever. This year, our campaign is more than a celebration—it is an act of defiance. At a time when others are pulling back, we are pressing forward. We are fighting harder, standing taller, and remaining steadfast in our mission to bridge the digital divide and build a future where equity and access are non-negotiable. When no one else will see our value - we will. When no one else will advocate for us - we will. When no one else will invest in us - WE WILL. We Got Us! Over the next 30 days, join me in honoring the innovators, changemakers, and visionaries who remind us that representation matters, equity is possible, and progress is unstoppable. WE GOT US! Let's go! -Sabrina Short, Founder & CEO @shortspeaks Follow us across socials at @exploretechnola @nolavateblack to see the amazing folks changing the culture of tech. ✊🏾🖤Celebrating Black Excellence. #nolatech30 #WeGotUs. There is still time to nominate a dope Black techie at https://hubs.la/Q02ZWtxb0. Deadline December 6th.

Of the 89 companies in the Summer 2024 cohort on @YC’s website, just 5 have Black founders. Here are three things YC can do to lead the way in supporting Black founders: Y Combinator is the Harvard of accelerators for startup founders. But not for all of them. 1. Give clear explanations to rejected applicants. Nothing drives a founder forward like clear, actionable feedback. It helps them identify their company’s weaknesses and, thus, what to work on to improve. This type of transparency would build trust with Black founders and ultimately encourage more to apply. Even doing this for the top 10% of rejected applicants could make a big difference. 2. Partner with other organizations that already do an excellent job of supporting Black founders. There are many out there (my favorite being @goodienation),). Not only can these organizations offer diverse and innovative ideas, but collaborating with them would widen the pool of Black applicants. 3. Leverage the (albeit relatively small) network of YC-backed Black founders. Mentorship is a critical part of YC’s model, and I’d argue that the value of that mentorship increases when the mentor understands the additional challenges associated with being Black in that space. Black YC alumni can support new Black applicants on their journeys, and their referrals can help build a steady stream of Black applicants for future cohorts. I believe Y Combinator can uplift Black and underrepresented founders more broadly, but these three steps are a good start. Any other ideas? Let me know in the comments. Also, shout out to the five companies representing this year’s cohort! Rastro (YC S24) Zimi (YC S24) &AI Conductor Quantum AnswerGrid

Black History Month 2024: Celebrating the Achievements of Black Innovators and Leaders✊🏾🖤🌟 Tope Awotona: An Innovative Leader in the tech industry Tope Awotona is a black founder, tech billionaire, and CEO of Calendly, a leading appointment-scheduling software. Under his leadership, the platform now serves over 20 million users globally, and he has gained a following of over 65K across platforms  ◽Originally from Nigeria, he moved to the U.S. with a vision and ambition, gaining experience in enterprise software sales at IBM and Dell Technologies while launching several startups ◽Launched in 2013, Calendly was created to eliminate the hassle of back-and-forth emails, allowing companies to close deals, hire talent, and build relationships more efficiently. ◽Calendly has been recognised as a Best Place to Work by Inc. magazine and one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials by Fortune, and it is frequently covered by Forbes. As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor Tope, a Black tech billionaire, and founder whose journey exemplifies the impact of perseverance. As a DEI community, we recognise that his accomplishments encourage other black founders and entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and innovate, thus increasing diversity in the tech space. #ACEEntrepreneurs #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #Tech #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Calendly #SoftwareDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #DiversityInTech #Empowerment #Startups

Yesterday, I published a post about creating opportunities that get female founders in front of decision-makers/investors, not just courses. And by some mystic chance, this was the first thing i saw when i woke up this morning: A post by Morgan DeBaun, ↳ Founder of Blavity Inc. , which founded AFROTECH. ↳She announced AFROTECH Founder's Circle. ↳ They give FREE access to AfroTech conference, 25K people attended in 2023;, ↳ Leadership charisma coaching by Olivia Fox Cabane ∞;, ↳ and most importantly - the point I made in yesterday's post: ↳ they provide warm intros to VCs and Partner companies! Sure, this program is not just focused on women ↳ but it's open to women and serves underserved founders. ↳ Additionally, they are practicing both training and ↳ providing material benefit, by removing that barrier to VCs through warm introductions. Of course, I applied for Aeone, and I would encourage every diverse founder to apply.

📌 Reflections on AfroTech Conference 2024 This year, I attended my first AFROTECH Conference in Houston, Texas, and it was an incredibly insightful experience! For those unfamiliar, AfroTech is the largest Black #tech conference in the United States - a yearly event that connects Black tech innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals, while serving as a global network for discussing emerging trends, exchanging ideas, & building a strong Black tech community. What stood out to me the most were the meaningful connections I made and the knowledge I gained. I had the chance to engage in activation zones hosted by different companies, participate in workshops, and network with industry leaders. There was an undeniable focus on skill-building and sharing practical insights, particularly around the intersection of tech, data science, and sectors like international development and economics. The experience wasn’t just about learning but also about growing my professional network. It was inspiring to see so many Black professionals in tech pushing boundaries and creating change, and reminded me of the importance of community, growth, and staying at the forefront of industry trends. If you’re in tech, #business, or #innovation, AfroTech is a must-attend event! #AfroTech2024

In 2024, I discovered that amplifying underrepresented voices in tech isn't just about writing stories but building bridges between continents and communities. From covering African unicorns to highlighting Black tech leaders in Silicon Valley, this year proved that great innovation transcends borders. As a tech journalist at UrbanGeekz, I've witnessed firsthand how technology can connect diverse perspectives and create opportunities. Key stories that shaped our narrative: • African innovation breaking barriers - from TymeBank becoming Africa's latest unicorn to groundbreaking diamond battery technology • Emerging leaders transforming industries - spotlighting Black CEOs helming legacy companies in USA, Europe and Africa. • Cross-continental success stories - bridging tech solutions with global markets Beyond the headlines, what matters most is the impact: connecting innovators with global markets, amplifying diverse voices in tech, and showing how technology can bridge divides rather than create them. To the incredible founders, innovators, and community builders who trusted me with their stories this year - thank you for showing how technology can create opportunity across borders. To my boss and mentor, Kunbi Tinuoye Tinuoye, who has graciously pushed me beyond my limits, I say thank you. Looking ahead: 2025 will be about deepening connections between innovators and global markets while continuing to spotlight underrepresented voices in tech. Because the stories that matter most are often the ones least told. #LinkedInRewind #TechJournalism #Innovation