Black Tech Saturdays

🏙️ Any #AfroTech attendees in the house?! Join us for Catalysts & Connections, an exclusive brunch & pitch competition where we're flipping the script on traditional VC networking. 🗓️ Friday November 15th | 11AM - 3PM 🔗 Request Registration here: https://lu.ma/xjfpxdm9 🚀 Why? Because 70% of VC dollars are trapped in major metros, but genius knows no geography. We're bringing together 50+ visionary investors, founders, and industry leaders to change that narrative. The future of VC isn't in one zip code – it's everywhere talent grows. ✨ What's cooking: • A curated power brunch for real talk and deeper connections • 5 groundbreaking founders competing for backing • A room full of decision-makers ready to reshape venture capital Sponsored by Silicon Valley Bank, AWS Startups, Deloitte, and non sibi ventures. Pitch Competition powered by StartupOS. This isn't just another networking event – it's part of our mission to democratize access to capital, one conversation at a time. After successful stops in NYC and LA, we're continuing to build bridges across the ecosystem in Houston. Please note: Capacity is very limited and requesting to attend does not guarantee entry. Catalysts & Connections is a nod to our title sponsor Silicon Valley Bank, and the Catalyst 2045 initiative. Catalyst 2045 fuels the innovation economy – accelerating change that drives results through access to capital, resources, connections, expertise and advice to women, Black and Latinx innovators, entrepreneurs, founders and investors. ❤️ Show some love to the pitch competition finalists: Athlytic - Led by: Ashton Keys, Founder & CEO Coordle - Led by: Jen Fry, PhD (she/her), Founder Hardcore Peanut Butter Spread Co - Led by: Bryant Williams, Founder & CEO LiQUid - Led by: Chrystal Graves, Founder & CEO Mimrr - Led by: Olaoluwa Ogundeji, Co-Founder A very special shoutout to our amazing partners: StartupOS: Paul Pluschkell Joe Messina Jeffrey Wagner Evin Henriquez-Groves Silicon Valley Bank: Sharon Marichalar Jeremy R. Karen Toste Meagan Williams Tosh E. Ronnie Harris II Vanessa Kuhlor Sara Wilson Leigh-Ann Hanlon non sibi ventures: Kent Lucas Sid Smith Deloitte: Marcus Marbrey Jean-Denis Ncho-Oguie Robert Franklin III

“We must build institutions, cultivate practices, and orient ourselves toward a shared future, not only to heal ourselves but to save our planet as well.” john powell, Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley "Belonging isn’t just about showing up. It’s about co-creating the space where you truly fit, where you’re not a guest in the room but an integral part of its foundation. Alexa and I dreamt up the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit as a gift to Detroit, Michigan, and our growing Black Tech Saturdays community—a testament to our belonging, our significance, and our right to exist and thrive in this space. Hundreds of creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs joined forces to bring this summit to life, making room for us in an industry where space is often limited. When you think about tech, it can feel daunting. What does it mean? Where do you fit? How can you get started? For us, the answer was simple: show, don’t tell. And when 3,200 people showed up over three days, they let us know we did something right. We are beyond grateful and deeply humbled to be a part of so many different journeys. But this is just the beginning. #BlackTechSaturdays is about moving people from feeling overwhelmed and unsure to a place of calm, ease, and pride. It’s about creating a space where being in tech and being Black is not only welcomed, but CELEBRATED. When I first stepped into tech, there weren’t many spaces where I felt I belonged, where people with stories like mine could thrive. Yet, over the years, it’s become clear that tech is the future. And we know tech hasn’t always been welcoming to everyone. That’s why we started—just five of us in a conference room saying, ‘There should be more of us.’ And today, there are. We’ve come a long way, and we’re just getting started. To everyone who’s been part of this journey, thank you. To those thinking about joining, there’s room for you here. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”- MLK #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #bridgethedivide #closethegap #blackintech #womenintech #latinxintech #diversityintech #Detroittech #blackexcellence #blackjoy #blacklove #Detroit #TechInDetroit #DetroitDigitalEmpowermentSummit #Joinus #Jointhemovement Missed the Summit? Check out the album 👇👇👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/gFs_wTri

🚀 Brace yourselves for the most game-changing Black Tech Saturdays yet! If you're anywhere near Southeast Michigan, you have to be there at Newlab Michigan Central. I'll be on an incredible panel for a fireside chat titled “Fueling Economic Mobility: The Power of Philanthropic Partnerships in Detroit”! 🏙️✨ Mark your calendars for 2 PM! 🕑 We're diving deep into how strategic philanthropic investments can supercharge economic growth and transform our city. Here are the showstoppers: Lt Governor Garlin Gilchrist II will be there, and Black Tech Saturdays has an announcement that will everything! Orlando Bailey (Outlier Media) – our insightful Moderator. Brandi McNoriell-Brown Brown (Gilbert Family Foundation) – Program Manager with a passion for impact. Linda Nosegbe (Gilbert Family Foundation) – Director of Economic Mobility, championing opportunities. Johnnie Turnage (Black Tech Saturdays) – Co-Founder transforming tech access. From advancing economic mobility to breaking down barriers, this discussion will set the stage for Detroit’s bright future. If you’re looking to understand how tech, community, and philanthropy can intersect to change lives, you won’t want to miss this. 🙌🏾✨ #Togetherwecan! #BlackTechSaturdays #EconomicMobility #DetroitInnovation #CommunityImpact #PhilanthropyMeetsTech #TotalAnalysisusa

"On October 2nd, we gathered for a powerful evening with Lenore Champagne Beirne, founding partner of Bright Ventures. Lenore’s mission—backed by years of venture experience, executive coaching, and deep dedication to inclusive growth—is transforming the venture landscape. Her firm, Bright Ventures, invests with purpose in pre-seed and seed-stage companies that will redefine high-impact markets like fintech, digital health, and the future of work, uniquely positioning diverse leaders to fill gaps in these mature industries. As founders, we sat down to learn from a leader who believes in sharing the codes, not keeping secrets. Lenore’s vision is one of bringing more voices into full expression, fostering both leadership and community. It’s a reminder of the words of bell hooks: 'What we cannot imagine as possible, we cannot create.' And here, together, we’re imagining and building a new kind of future. Special thanks to Ebony L. Walls, CNP, BSW, MPA and BAPM Consulting for making this evening seamless and to Ethan Lloyd for capturing the spirit of this gathering. Here’s to the strength we find in community. #BlackTechSaturdays #BrightVentures #InclusiveEconomy #DetroitInnovation #FoundersFirst #BuildingTogether #GenerationalWealth #CommunityBuilding #Closethegap #Chasethedream #Bethechange #Changethenarrative #Bridgethedivide

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Happy Thursday Everyone 🎃 I’m excited to share that this weekend’s Black Tech Saturdays will feature a dynamic lineup focused on economic mobility. We’re honored to have Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II joining us. We’ll also hear from Brandi McNoriell-Brown and Linda Nosegbe of the Gilbert Family Foundation, bringing their valuable insights to the table. Moderating this engaging conversation is the award-nominated Orlando Bailey, known for his thought-provoking interviews and deep commitment to Detroit’s progress. This Saturday promises to be a pivotal moment for our community, and there’s still time to be part of it. ✅Register now to join us in shaping a more equitable future.👇🏽 https://lnkd.in/ggtzj5_g

We are coming to Houston November 14-16 for AFROTECH! I was not able to attend the conference but I’m pulling up with Alexa Turnage and Johnnie Turnage and some of those fine folks at Black Tech Saturdays for the BTS ROADSHOW! First Stop HOUSTON! For Bright Future, Black Genius. We are also bringing Donavan Glover and Nick Varcity to curate some tunes for everyone. Space is limited and early RSVP is highly recommended. We are coming to let you know about the amazing things we are doing that everyone can be a part of in the State of Michigan and specifically the City of Detroit. So pull up on us. I would love to meet new people and see if I can help you get a little closer to your dreams. https://lu.ma/2nvvw75l

We’re honored to have AWARD-WINNING powerhouse Orlando Bailey moderating the final Black Tech Saturdays of 2024! 🎉 As a 2023 Marshall Memorial Fellow and a celebrated voice in journalism, Orlando brings a global perspective and deep Detroit pride to every conversation. Known for his thought-provoking interviews with icons like Dr. Cornel West, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Orlando has elevated discussions that cut to the heart of community, justice, and progress. The Marshall Memorial Fellowship recognizes emerging leaders who drive change, and Orlando is no exception—his work with BridgeDetroit, Authentically Detroit and now Outlier Media has reshaped narratives, highlighting Detroit residents as the experts of their own stories. Rooted in faith and love for his city, Orlando’s leadership is exactly what we need as we prepare for our historic announcement with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and the visionary team of Linda and Brandi from the Gilbert Family Foundation. Get ready to be inspired as we tackle economic mobility and our future with Detroit’s finest voices. You won’t want to miss this! #BlackTechSaturdays #Detroit #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #bridgethedivide #closethegap #blackintech #womenintech #latinxintech #diversityintech #Detroittech #blackexcellence #blackjoy #blacklove #Detroit #togetherwewill

Meet Alexa and Johnny Turnage, entrepreneurs and champions of diversity in tech. Since founding Black Tech Saturday in 2019, they've empowered Black professionals through networking, workshops, and mentorship. Their events attract thousands, feature innovative speakers, and raise awareness about tech diversity. Collaborating with schools, they inspire future tech leaders. Don't miss their inspiring talk as they kick off The Rotary Club of Detroit ‘s November Speaker Series! Please RSVP by Monday, 11/4! MEMBER REGISTRATION Member registration link: https://lnkd.in/ehJJnkxw GUEST REGISTRATION Guest registration: https://lnkd.in/eqGMN_F9 ZOOM LINK: https://lnkd.in/eu6M8PCv Alexa Turnage Johnnie Turnage Renee Yancy Georgé A. Cole Adrienne Booth Johnson

October has been a month filled with new friends, opportunities, and growth! From the Black Tech Saturdays Digital Empowerment Summit, presenting to Northwestern Michigan College transfer students, supporting our future healthcare leaders at the Michigan Nursing Student Association Convention, celebrating the recent class of Rocket Companies Rocket Academy graduates and much more! Make an impact and leave your mark, let’s take on November! Johnnie Turnage, Alexa Turnage, Darlene Perkins I appreciate you all and your work!