Leaders At Blavity’s AfroTech Executive Conference Share What’s Next For Black Innovators

Blavity, the diversified digital media company behind AfroTech, 21Ninety, Travel Noire, Shadow and Act, and Blavity News, held its inaugural AfroTech Executive conference fostering high-level discussions on policy and long term changes around racial equity in the tech industry. AfroTech Executive was formed with the desire to create an intimate experience for Black leaders to innovate and collaborate. “When you provide an opportunity for decision-makers to meet with each other more informally and connect with other companies who share the same intention to advance racial equity within the technology space, the innovative problem-solving that arises is amazing. We try to create the room and opportunity for the community to interact, and the rest grows from there,” shared Morgan DeBaun, CEO of Blavity.

“There were a lot of great conversations about how to capitalize on this moment of time where Corporate America is focused on improving equity for Black consumers and employees. I expect to see Black innovators continue to execute on ideas, leverage capital to build long-term solutions and increase the cycle of wealth distribution to Black employees and creators.” 

AfroTech Executive is an extension of the well-known AfroTech conference: the largest tech conference in the world for Black innovators and founders. The conference brought together corporate executives, media CEOs, venture capitalists, startup founders, investors and tech innovators for an exclusive in-person experience featuring executive conversations and intimate networking opportunities. The conference ended with a reception to celebrate the revolutionary accomplishments in the Black tech and startup community. Panelists at AfroTech Executive included Steve Huffman, CEO of Reddit, Michele Ghee, CEO of Ebony and Jet,Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT, Sherrell Dorsey, Founder and CEO of The Plug, Songe Laron and, co-Founder and CEO of Squire Technologies and more. 

For DeBaun, the goal of the conference was to  bring Black leaders together to discuss how to monitor and pressure companies to diversify leadership and progress racial equity in tech. Encouraging high-level discussions between decision-makers about policy and long-term change is a great start, but DeBaun is focused on continued push for around action for equitable future into the next decade. “Black tech culture is ever evolving, which means we will continue to see growth among Black communities both online and in the real world. This growth includes more safe, open, and positive spaces for Black voices, giving individuals an opportunity to identify obstacles and what should be done to overcome those challenges. Additionally, Black tech culture brings varied perspectives and experiences that can be translated into how we care for our Black communities online,” said Huffman. 

Here’s what’s next for Black innovators according to leaders at AfroTech Executive.

Michele Ghee

CEO of EBONY & JET 

“It’s critical to see what is possible. To connect, learn and grow from one another. We are often told that Black executives don’t exist. Clearly we know that is not the case. It’s time that corporate America stop making excuses for their lack of effort in identifying Black talent to hire or more importantly invest in their vision,” stated Ghee. “I’m excited that the Black community now understands our content contribution. I expect to see Black- owned social media and content platforms that will allow this community to create content and be compensated for our IP.”

Sherrell Dorsey 

Founder and CEO of The Plug

“We’ve focused dynamically on asking big tech to make changes in order to create level playing fields for historically excluded groups—but the real onus is on Black executives and founders to imagine a future where they have the power to create jobs and opportunities as resources are shifted. AfroTech Executive represents a space for these ideas and strategies to emerge,” shared Dorsey.

Detavio Samuels

CEO of REVOLT

“Black tech has the ability to solve and continue solving problems. Our unique backgrounds, upbringings and culture allows for new ideas and concepts to flourish,” explained Bleckley. “AfroTech Executive is an integral part of that process because it provides a space for the meeting of likeminded and forward-thinking individuals; people that not only dream and plan big, but also follow through and execute.”

Songe Laron 

Co-Founder and CEO of Squire Technologies

“Black tech culture is a community- a family. And, like any community, it relies on resources, values, and the exchange of ideas. An event like AfroTech Executive serving as an incubator for growth and providing invaluable experiences to both the budding and established entrepreneur, is a key component to the rise and expansion of the industry,” he shared.