Black Tech Saturdays builds vibrant ecosystems that supports the growth of Black Tech.

I first heard about Black Tech Saturdays while interviewing Dug Song at the Midwest Growth Capital Symposium on May 23, 2023. Dug was the keynote speaker at the Univerisity of Michigan Ross School of Business, and Founder of Song Foundation. He encouraged me to connect with Johnny and Alexa Turnage.

Meeting with Johnny and Alexa is truly electrifying don't miss connecting with them. What they have created is something our community needs and is proud of. Ypsilanti Press partners with Black Tech Saturdays in bringing innovative tech news from successful connections, innovation, and talent of it's members. Enjoy reading how Johnny describes the meaning, goals, and objectives behind Black Tech Saturday's

Welcome to Black Tech Saturdays in Detroit, where we are fostering a culture of innovation and imagination to support the growth of Black tech. Our mission is to create community wealth by sharing knowledge, building a strong community, and celebrating Black Joy.

We believe that the success of Black tech requires a diverse range of perspectives, and that's why we're committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in everything we do. Our goal is to create an environment that supports the growth of high-growth companies, quality jobs, and opportunities for everyone in the community.

Black Tech Saturdays are guided by the principles of Equitech and believe that diversity of teams, leadership, and perspectives is a force multiplier for tech company growth. By bringing together a diverse community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and technologists, we can build a vibrant ecosystem that supports the growth of Black tech.

Understanding that building a thriving tech community takes intention, purpose, and imagination. That's why we're committed to providing opportunities for learning, networking, and celebrating Black Joy. Our events are designed to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships.

Join us for Black Tech Saturdays in Detroit and be a part of a community that is creating positive change and building a brighter future for Black tech. Together, we can harness the power of innovation and imagination to create a more equitable, just, and prosperous society for all.

RSVP on Eventbrite

Written by Johnnie Turnage
August 02, 2023

Taking Action: Be the Change You Want to See

As founders, investors, and ecosystem builders, all of us have the power to contribute to and shape the future of Michigan. Even the smallest efforts can yield significant results by pooling skills and focusing on collective impact. As someone with a background in community organizing and a passion for leveraging technology at scale, I am building a platform to empower others to make a difference. When entrepreneurs embrace a spirit of abundance and collaboration, we become the drivers of innovation, paving the way for a world where everyone can succeed. This is the foundation of the “I’m rooting for you to win” attitude that we must strive to cultivate.

Black Tech Saturdays: Igniting Change

One concrete example of igniting change is Black Tech Saturdays, a movement I helped initiate. Since its inception, it has evolved from a small gathering of five individuals in a conference room to a thriving digital community with over 1500 members. Our events have attracted over 600 unique attendees and we have actively worked towards bridging the gap across communities, supporting indigenous groups, and fostering representation and connectivity in tech. The name may be Black Tech Saturdays, but this is an open event to all who want to be part of the change. We have taken the first steps towards supporting and encouraging other founders of color to organize their communities. Through initiatives like Black Tech Saturdays, we are creating a visible, inclusive space where everyone can see themselves in the world of tech.

To close, I want to challenge all of us: The future of Michigan is bright and it lies in our hands. Let us join forces and harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and community to transform Michigan into the global innovation hub we envision. Together, we can change the narrative, build a thriving ecosystem, and empower each other to succeed – we can Focus the Fight & EvenScore for innovation in Michigan.

Come check out Black Tech Saturdays to see the change manifesting in person. RSVP here for an upcoming event, visit BlackTechSaturdays.com to learn more, and engage with our growing network on Instagram.

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