August 02, 2023
Michigan Chronicle
Andre Ash
July 26, 2023
Just as it wrapped up its annual summer conference in Cincinnati, the Black Tech Week brand will head to Detroit to present Black Tech Weekend.
According to a released statement, the adaptation of the main conference will take place the weekend of Oct. 12 – 14 and aims to bring Detroit the content, connection, and energy that has come to be expected from the Black Tech Week brand.
“The city’s growth in early-stage funding and investor activity makes it a great fit for BTW,” says Candice Matthews Brackeen, Founder and CEO of Lightship Foundation. “When a startup ecosystem is so rapidly emerging, especially in a city so rich with Black entrepreneurial and professional talent, it’s really important that we are intentional about acknowledging and including resources specifically created and curated for those builders. We’ve worked in Detroit in the past and are thrilled to be invited back to share Black Tech Weekend with the city’s remarkable innovation community.”
Black Tech Weekend will be held in partnership with and immediately following Michigan Tech Week, including support from title sponsors Venture 313 and the Song Foundation.
“When you have the energy and the movement behind Black Tech Week coming to our city, bringing together the strength and creativity of Black tech founders, thought-leaders and investors, it’s crucial that Detroit’s contribution to the conversation has the strongest possible base of support,” said Song Foundation’s Executive Director Khalilah Burt Gaston.
“Black Tech Weekend Detroit aligns perfectly with Song Foundation’s commitment to fostering a tech ecosystem where emergent leadership and inclusive technology come together to move our communities forward in the most equitable manner possible. We know that these are conversations that matter, that these ideas will create change, and that this weekend will bring together the people and the projects that can help make this a reality.”
Black Tech Weekend aims to collaborate with ecosystems across the country to offer meaningful, actionable content and connection to Black entrepreneurs and innovators. “As Detroit continues to cement itself as the premier technology hub, it’s critical to highlight and lift up our Black talent and entrepreneurs who have made Detroit into the destination it is,” said James Feagin, founder of Venture 313.
“Venture 313 is proud of its ongoing commitment to Black disrupters and support in bringing events like Black Tech Weekend to Detroit, and we’re excited to work with the Lightship Foundation, Song Foundation and others on an impactful event.”
Black Tech Weekend will be held at the Albert Kahn-designed Book Depository on the Michigan Central mobility campus. Built in 1936 in the Corktown neighborhood, the former U.S. Post Office is now home to NewLab.
