From Vision to Movement: The Rise of Black Tech Saturdays

By: April Christian- Davis 

In March 2025, the New Enterprise Forum honored Alexa and Johnnie Turnage, co-founders of Black Tech Saturdays(BTS), with the prestigious 2024 NEF Community Champion Award—a recognition that marks more than just a milestone; it celebrates a movement.

What began as a single event in Detroit has grown into a nationwide phenomenon that’s reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape for struggling and underestimated founders. With over $30 million in economic impact generated, Black Tech Saturdays is more than a platform—it’s a force accelerating inclusive innovation.

Under the leadership of Alexa and Johnnie Turnage, BTS has become a hub where founders connect with skilled developers, resources, investors, and one another. Their work has drawn attention from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and top industry leaders, all recognizing the duo’s transformative influence on the state’s innovation economy.

Photo by: April Christian- Davis. 

Tim Moore Alexa and Johnnie Turnage 

During a live interview with Tim Moore, Johnnie reflected on their mission:
“We help each other grow faster together by sharing unique skills while connecting to organizations, founders, and investors.”

For Alexa, the vision has always been about creating access.
“BTS is not all about Black people coming together—it’s for anyone who needs this information. BTS is a community of founders coming together. We look at what founders are struggling with and how we can be most helpful.”

Photo by: BTS 

At its heart, Black Tech Saturdays is about community. It’s about rewriting the rules of who gets to innovate, who gets funded, and who gets to build the future.

Alexa and Johnnie Turnage aren’t just building programs—they’re building bridges. And in doing so, they’re transforming Detroit, Texas, Balitmore MD, and Miami , one founder at a time.

Watch the interview with Tim Moore, founder of ClixieAI, at https://newenterpriseforum.org/news/nef-startup-2024-community-champion…

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