Joint Statement from Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, Co-Founders of Black Tech Saturdays
Today, as we come together, we’re reminded of both the weight of our challenges and the power we hold as a community. The recent election may have brought feelings of disappointment, fear, and even anger, but it’s in these moments that our resilience shines brightest. We come from a lineage that has faced struggle head-on, that has not only survived but thrived by holding fast to hope. This hope isn’t just an emotion—it’s a commitment to action, to create, and to uplift each other. It’s a belief that, even in times of uncertainty, we have the power to build something whole and lasting.
Black Tech Saturdays isn’t just a gathering; it’s a movement, a sanctuary. It’s a place where you can bring your full self, find strength, and know you’re not alone. Together, we’re a tribe, a family who lifts each other up and moves forward, hand in hand, no matter what challenges lie outside these walls. Here, we honor the vision of a future defined by ownership, freedom, and opportunity for us all.
We want to acknowledge and uplift our Black women—who, time and again, have carried the weight of change and led with grace, strength, and unbreakable love. They have been the backbone of our movements and our communities, and they deserve our support, protection, and honor. It’s on us to ensure that they are never alone in bearing these burdens, to be there for them with kindness and solidarity.
We gather here not just to dream but to build—to build businesses, to own our ideas, to create spaces where we define success on our own terms. Each of us plays a role in forging a legacy that goes beyond this moment, in creating systems that reflect our values and aspirations. The work ahead may be challenging—it requires sacrifice, grit, and unity. But as the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice, we are the force that moves it. This journey demands courage, determination, and above all, love.
So let us continue to walk forward, together, fueled by a hope that lights even the darkest paths. Let us carry this torch with pride, knowing that the fight for freedom, justice, and a brighter future is one we will never give up on. Thank you for your courage, for your resilience, and for being the heartbeat of this mission.
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