DEI terms are being removed from some public colleges. According to a landing page from The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17, titled “Responsibility of Governing Boards Regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives,” on June 14, 2023. The bill restricts diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, as well as the programs, activities, and trainings across public institutions of higher education. It went into effect in January 2024. “DEI programs have been shown to be exclusive, they have been shown to be ineffective and they have shown to be politically charged,” Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, the ban’s author, stated on the Senate floor, according to The Texas Tribune in February 2024. “Many of these programs have been weaponized to compel speech instead of protecting free speech.” An internal memo shared in November 2024 by TikTok user momuniversity, who was a UT Austin educator at the time, provided updated...

It’s AFROTECH Conference week, and the good vibes are set. It’s almost like you can smell the Black excellence in the air. With heaving-hitting speakers like Issa Rae, Robert F. Smith, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters — the conference week is laced with anticipation and an understanding that no ticket holder will leave AFROTECH the same. Don’t get it twisted, however. It has been said once, but it is worth repeating. Those who work hard deserve to play hard. That mantra will also be active this week, with programming from official entertainment partners and the AFROTECH Music Stage with Rick Ross and Jadakiss. And in true AFROTECH fashion, the level-up does not end there. The vibes of the conference will go into the final day with a Sunday Funday situation during the AFROTECH Brunch Crawl. As you line those outfits up to bring to Austin, TX, don’t forget your best brunch look as attendees will take over some of the city’s hottest restaurants. Let’s look at a curated list of eateries...

If “Aston Martin Music” is your thing, then AFROTECH Conference just got a little more exciting. Platinum-selling artist Rick Ross will headline this year’s music experience. In 2022, an estimated 25,000 Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and technologists gathered in Austin, TX, for the premiere tech conference of the year. Each day, participants could tap into sessions that advanced their knowledge base, meet with companies about the chance to propel their careers and meet people from across the nation who could potentially become lifelong friends and thought partners. While the educational and professional opportunities are top-tier, what is a conference without some “work hard, play hard” benefits? AFROTECH Conference offers ticket holders more than just a stiff happy hour at a local bar or restaurant. The social activities associated with the conference are centered around unique encounters that will create expansive networks and curate some of the most lit experiences a...

The annual AfroTech Conference is officially coming back in person, and it’s going to be even bigger than ever! While being widely known as the largest event for Black techies to network and build community, for the first time ever, there will be an inaugural music experience at the AfroTech Conference 2022, and tickets are now live. Hosted in Austin, TX — the “live music capital of the world” — it’s only right to bring some of today’s hottest Black artists center stage during the nation’s largest multicultural tech gathering. The lineup features Bia, Zaytoven, Bas, DJ Moma, Mélat, and more. Attendees will also have the chance to party with Broccoli City — the host of one of Washington, D.C.’s biggest music events — and RNB House Party — the traveling unique party experience that delivers nostalgic vibes — following the music festival. What’s more, the after-party is expected to host over 10,000 attendees from across the world. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AfroTech...

You are worth more than your day job has a new meaning when it comes to this millennial nurse! According to CNBC, Helena Faustin came close to doubling her annual income thanks to her passion for cooking in 2021. And her story might inspire others to dig deep and find ways to monetize from those side hustles. By day, Faustin works in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a hospital in Freeport, NY where her annual income is $105,000 per year. On the other hand, she also runs her very own food blog called “That Nurse Can Cook,” where she shares detailed recipes and posts various cooking videos — something that she notes is one of her true callings. “When I first started this side hustle, I legit was so passionate about seeing my dreams come true that I did not stop,” said Faustin. “I literally worked every single day that I was not working at the hospital.”

Any Black-owned canna-business is newsworthy for what are, perhaps, obvious reasons. But Dr. Kristen Shepard’s canna-business is both historic and inspirational. The Austin Chronicle shared how “Dr. K” — as the chiropractor and licensed massage therapist is known to her patients — founded her TrueStopper medical marijuana brand . She said she was inspired to create the line after her father was diagnosed with mesothelioma. “I was searching for whatever, whoever, anything that would help with his nausea, lack of appetite, and the pain that it caused,” she said. “I knew about cannabis – I spent three years in L.A. before coming back to Austin in 2008 – but I was very naive about it. I thought everybody was like Snoop Dogg – they just wanted a legal way to smoke, you know? I didn’t think about compassionate use until I needed to think about it.” As a Black-owned canna-business — and as a Black woman-owned canna-business — Dr. K’s TrueStopper is about more than just “pot.” Rather, she...

On Thursday, Apple announced that it is building a $1 billion campus in Austin as part of its multi-billion dollar job creation initiative . The new office is set to be 133 acres and will accommodate 5,000 employees who specialize in engineering, operations, finance, sales, and customer support. Besides Cupertino, this will be the biggest population of Apple employees with 6,200 people. “[Apple’s] decision to expand operations in our state is a testament to the high-quality workforce and unmatched economic environment that Texas offers,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a press release. In January, Apple announced efforts to create 20,000 jobs and contribute $350 billion to the U.S. economy over the next five years. As a part of this expansion initiative, the company has already created about 6,000 in 2018, so far. Photo: Apple “Talent, creativity and tomorrow’s breakthrough ideas aren’t limited by region or zip code, and, with this new expansion, we’re redoubling our commitment...

The modern workplace is becoming much more diverse, equitable, and inclusive . However, neurodivergent individuals — those with conditions such as autism , ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences — still face significant barriers to employment . Despite their skills and potential, many struggle to secure jobs or advance their careers due to systemic challenges, bias, and a lack of accommodations. Research shows that unemployment remains a pressing issue in the neurodivergent community. Up to 85% of adults with autism in the U.S. are unemployed, according to Golden Steps ABA . This statistic highlights the urgent need for more inclusive hiring practices and workplace policies that recognize neurodivergent talent. A Misunderstood Segment Of The Workforce Although “neurodivergent” is gaining recognition, many Americans still lack a clear understanding of what it means. A recent YouGov poll found that only 32% of Americans can define the term without prior explanation, while 56%...