*The most important Black know-how convention, AfroTech, returned to Austin, TX, for one more yr of innovation, music, tradition, and alternatives.
Over 20,000 folks made their solution to Austin from Nov 1st to fifth to take in the AfroTech expertise, making connections and shaping the panorama of variety within the tech trade.
The occasion introduced collectively a powerful lineup of audio system, together with Grammy Award-winning producer Timbaland, who delved into the intersection of music, know-how, and entrepreneurship.
Whether or not you got here there to snag a brand new job, be taught in regards to the newest AI instruments, or simply wished to vibe out, AfroTech had one thing for everybody.
The convention dove into numerous areas of know-how, with devoted periods masking synthetic intelligence, fintech, media, engineering, entrepreneurship, and extra.
These discussions unveiled the potential of know-how and showcased the transformative affect it holds. AfroTech 2023 embraced the theme of empowerment, exploring how people and communities can leverage this subject to construct media empires and create lasting affect. I had the chance to talk with Daylon Goff, President of Jet, who was a panelist at this yr’s convention.
“In our reinvention of what Jet is, and what Jet goes to be, leaning into know-how is crucial as a result of know-how is the nice equalizer in a variety of methods, and having the ability to create and inform our black tales… is Jet’s mission proper now,” mentioned Goff, when requested why he selected to be at AfroTech.
One of many standout moments at AfroTech 2023 for me was the Ladies’s Summit, the place the viewers had the privilege of listening to from the multi-talented Issa Rae. The acclaimed actress, author, producer, and now wine connoisseur engaged in a compelling dialog with Simone White, SVP of AfroTech and Expertise Infusion at Blavity Inc. Rae took the viewers on a journey via her outstanding profession, unveiling the nuances of her early successes, candidly discussing her fears, and offering beneficial insights into the internal workings of her groundbreaking media firm.
“There are rooms that I’m not invited into, individuals who don’t see my worth… I really feel like I’m in a continuing state of proving myself, however I’m keen to do it…I perceive that there’s so much for me to do and so much that I’ve to showcase, so much that I’ve to show. After I do make it to these rooms I guarantee that I’m exhibiting up and exhibiting out,” mentioned Issa.
AfroTech 2023 went past being a platform for influential audio system; it served as a solution to join with like-minded people and a world group of Black professionals. With over 160 companions and 100+ cubicles within the Expo Corridor, attendees had the chance to community with trade leaders and apply for positions with prime tech recruiters. The occasion supplied a singular house for Black professionals to share concepts and discover alternatives that stretch past conventional boundaries.
The importance of AfroTech lies not solely in its celebration of Black excellence within the tech and enterprise sectors but additionally in its position as a catalyst for change. Attendees, representing a spectrum of industries and experience, actively contributed to discussions surrounding fairness and DEI initiatives. AfroTech’s affect goes past the confines of the occasion itself, influencing the trajectory of variety in America’s company panorama with the launch of Expertise Infusion, which serves as a supply of curated, certified, and numerous expertise.
“AfroTech is the one place the place you possibly can come and be authentically your self. It’s magical for our attendees as a result of the individuals who make it occur are our attendees. We is usually a convention, not solely by way of model however by way of dimension and affect, a ken to SXSW or Essence Fest. You see that now with the addition of the music fest… however in Houston, it’s going to be even greater and higher,” mentioned Jeff Nelson, COO, and Co-Founding father of Blavity Inc, mum or dad firm of AfroTech.
As AfroTech 2023 concluded every day, a plethora of off-site leisure occasions swept town by storm. As a lot as I prefer to be “outdoors,” I couldn’t sustain with the nonstop occasions. I did have the chance to attend the sold-out Ginuwine live performance and some happenings at Soho Home.
The convention’s success lies not simply within the numbers—companions, cubicles, and attendees—however within the collective dedication to making a future the place Black professionals thrive, and variety turns into an integral a part of each trade. As know-how continues to evolve, AfroTech stays on the forefront, empowering Black professionals to drive significant change and form the long run throughout industries. Missed out on this yr’s convention? AfroTech is heading to Houston in 2024! Get your tickets at Afrotech.com.
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