DETROIT’S FIRST DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT TAKES PLACE OCT. 3-5, PAVING THE WAY FOR EQUITY AND INNOVATION
- The 3-day tech event will bring innovators, tech leaders, and the community together to help bridge the digital divide and foster economic mobility
- $120,000 in grants from the Rocket Community Fund to be distributed to local innovators and entrepreneurs
DETROIT (September 24, 2024) – Black Tech Saturdays, a movement sweeping Detroit’s tech scene and promoting diversity and inclusion within the technology industry, today announced the first-ever Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit, taking place in venues across Detroit from Oct. 3 through 5, 2024. This transformative 3-day event, powered by the Rocket Community Fund, aims to help participants navigate Detroit’s rapidly evolving tech landscape while addressing the critical issue of the digital divide.
The summit, designed to inspire and equip the next wave of tech leaders, while also fostering economic mobility within Detroit’s underserved communities, will feature keynote addresses from esteemed thought leaders including Jay Bailey, CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship, and John A. Powell, Director of the Berkeley Center for Othering and Belonging.
“We’re bringing everyone together– innovators, tech founders, and tech-curious people from across the country to learn what digital tools are available and what it will take to truly bridge the digital divide and close the racial wealth gap,” said Alexa Turnage, co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays.
The event will also feature a “youth takeover” at the Michigan Science Center, offering students the opportunity to explore virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.
Local small business owners and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to receive a portion of $120,000 in grants provided by the Rocket Community Fund. This investment is part of their broader strategy to bridge the digital divide in Detroit.
“This is about communities reimagining themselves through the power of technology,” said Autumn Evans, Senior Program Manager, Rocket Community Fund. “We’re focused on innovation that not only bridges the digital divide but empowers residents with the tools and skills they need to thrive in a connected world. From affordable devices to digital literacy training, our goal is to create lasting, equitable access that transforms lives and opens new opportunities across Detroit.”
The Rocket Community Fund is committed to bridging Detroit’s digital divide through impactful initiatives and partnerships. In 2023, the Rocket Mortgage Classic, a Detroit-based PGA TOUR event contributed $1.61 million to local nonprofits, with $581,400 supporting Connect 313. Since 2019, more than $8.4 million has been invested in the community, with $4.3 million supporting digital inclusion through the “Changing the Course” initiative. Rocket Community Funds’ efforts, which includes leading the nation in Affordable Connectivity Program signups and the opening of Human I-T’s first digital equity store, ensure Detroiters have access to affordable technology, digital skills training, and internet services, fostering a connected future for all.
According to research, Black founders typically start with only one-third the capital of their white counterparts, are twice as likely to be denied financing, and are three times more likely to say lack of access to capital affects their profitability. Tackling these challenges is not only essential for equity in the tech industry but will result in higher returns for businesses overall.
“We’ve nurtured a growing ecosystem of tech talent in Detroit,” said Johnnie Turnage, co- founder of Black Tech Saturdays. “We’ve seen entrepreneurs rise to the national stage, and tech founders who once felt isolated now find themselves part of a supportive and dynamic community. And we’re just getting started.”
[See below for the full schedule of events.]
DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT DETAILS:
All events are FREE and open to the public.
Thursday, October 3:
Location: 5020 John R. Street, Detroit (10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.)
- The Michigan Science Center will be transformed into a tech hub for local youth. This day emphasizes the importance of future generations in technology, empowering young people to see themselves shaping Detroit’s future.
- Keynote Speaker: Jay Bailey, CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship, will discuss how innovation can empower Black entrepreneurs and foster economic growth in underserved communities.
Friday, October 4:
Location: 460 W. Baltimore St., Detroit (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
- Participants will engage in hands-on workshops and immersive AR/VR experiences, exploring the practical applications of AI to enhance everyday life.
- Keynote speaker: John A. Powell, Director of the Berkeley Center for Othering and Belonging, will deliver an address on how technology can bridge social divides and foster a sense of belonging within Detroit’s digital future.
Saturday, October 5:
Location: 460 W. Baltimore St., Detroit (9 a.m.- 3 p.m. and 6 – 9 p.m.)
- The summit culminates with the distribution of $120,000 in grants from the Rocket Community Fund to local innovators and entrepreneurs, recognizing outstanding community-driven tech projects and celebrating Detroit’s most promising innovators.
For media inquiries or to coordinate interviews, please contact Amy Oprean at (313) 397-5523 or Robin Schwartz at (248) 508-5985.
About Black Tech Saturdays:
Founded in 2023 by husband-and-wife team Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, Black Tech Saturdays is a community-led initiative focused on increasing Black tech representation and community wealth. Through this movement, tens of thousands of people have participated in tech networking, collaboration, and education sessions across the U.S. Learn more at blacktechsaturdays.com.
About Rocket Community Fund:
The Rocket Community Fund focuses on ensuring that every American has access to stable, healthy housing while providing meaningful opportunities for education and employment. By investing in comprehensive community development, the Rocket Community Fund works to simplify complex systems and foster equity. For more information, visit RocketCommunityFund.org