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Whether you’re taking a road trip with your college crew or going out to try the new restaurant downtown, Lexus has you covered. With its award-winning designs and advanced technology that anticipates a driver’s needs, Lexus is prepared to make sure you pull up in style, no matter the occasion. And the commitment to excellence doesn’t stop there—2021 marked the car company’s fourth year as AfroTech’s automotive sponsor, and it was the presenter of the pitch competition. The year’s competition was held on November 12, 2021, on the AfroTech metaverse mainstage. The judges included: Meca Asonye, Partner at First Round Capital Mercedes Bent, Partner at Light Speed Venture Partners Aaron Samuels, Co-Founder and CSO at Blavity, Inc. Trusted with the incredibly difficult task of selecting a winner from the three finalists, each judge brought massive expertise and insight from their fields. If you weren’t able to catch the AfroTech Pitch Competition, presented by Lexus, read on to dive into...
Happy wife, happy life is how the saying goes. Tracy McGrady will agree. The basketball legend, nicknamed T-Mac, was drafted into the NBA by the Toronto Raptors in 1997. He was just 18 years old at the time and had played high school basketball for North Carolina’s Mt. Zion Christian Academy. He signed a three-year rookie contract valued at $4,689,480, per Spotrac. This was not, however, his first lucrative contract. Just ahead of the 1997 draft, his talents landed him a $12 million shoe endorsement deal with Adidas, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. Making that kind of money at 18 came with its learning curves. McGrady grew up in a household with his mother working as a custodian at Disney while his grandmother was a custodian at his elementary school for three decades. No one in his family earned over $40,000. “You can only imagine I’m 18 years old. I don’t have a family that has taught me financial literacy. I don’t know anything about it. So all of this is just trying to figure...
“Houston, we have a problem” took on an entirely new meaning as AFROTECH™ Conference 2024 transformed the city into a hub of innovation and inspiration. Over 37,000 participants, 237 dynamic speakers, and 168 leading corporations came together to create a groundbreaking experience that redefined networking and collaboration. Over four electric days, Houston, TX, became the epicenter of innovation, wealth-building, and culture. From groundbreaking tech demos to impactful conversations on economic empowerment, AFROTECH™ delivers it all with unmatched innovation and purpose. Innovation At The Forefront This year’s conference lived up to its promise, showcasing the forefront of technological innovation. Attendees got a first-hand look at product demos from SnapChat, showcasing its latest hardware, and NVIDIA, which wowed the crowd with groundbreaking 3D imaging technology. The Learning Labs offered AI demonstrations and outlooks for the future, with Google unveiling its advanced Gemini...
Sometimes, the perfect collaboration starts with genuine interest and collaboration. As founder and CEO of the award-winning ad agency Walton Isaacson, Aaron Walton’s career exemplifies the mastery of leveraging celebrity and influencer partnerships to elevate brands to new heights. Walton’s impressive portfolio spans iconic collaborations, from the Spice Girls’ November 1997 campaign with Polaroid to Michael Jackson’s enduring partnership with Pepsi. Most recently, he helmed Beyoncè’s partnership with Lexus during her “Renaissance World Tour.” Walton’s work on some of the most creative advertising campaigns has made him an expert in the field. He shared his keys to success with attendees during the AFROTECH™ 2024 Conference. “Something as a brand that is important, when you’re looking at connecting with a celebrity, you have to make sure that you do your homework and make sure your cultural values are aligned,” Walton told AFROTECH™ following his session “The Art of Brand...
The AFROTECH™ 2024 Conference kicked off in Houston on Wednesday, Nov. 13, bringing tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders together for an unforgettable experience. Day 1 started with dynamic networking opportunities, engaging experiences and meaningful conversations, setting the tone for the week as attendees gathered at the Culture Park Stage, presented by Lexus, for music, wellness and community programming. On Wednesday, there was an opening ceremony featuring a marching band and a compelling address by Blavity Co-Founder and CEO Morgan DeBaun, who spoke on community, innovation and the future. The event concluded with a discussion from Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, the nation’s largest civil rights organization, focusing on “The Power of Our Now: Taking Ownership in AI and Our Rights.” One of the key issues DeBaun pointed to was the gap in funding stages, noting that Black entrepreneurs often struggle to make it past the early rounds of seed...
AFROTECH™ Fam, the 2024 conference is here, and things are off to an amazing start to build the future we want to live in. As thousands of attendees land in Houston, TX, one of the first orders of business is picking up registration materials, which offer access to various learning sessions, impactful speakers, and limitless opportunities the conference has in store. This year’s convening is pivotal for Black tech innovators and inclusive tech companies. The annual gathering offers attendees a platform to engage in technical deep dives, participate in learning labs, and seize networking opportunities with industry leaders. It also aims to foster a community for Black tech professionals and provide dynamic programming on emerging trends as well as facilitate conversations with top tech recruiters. Wednesday’s opening of the Culture Park Stage, presented by Lexus (Nov. 13) , offers an immersive experience blending music, community, and diverse programming. The unique, inclusive...
With less than 30 days to go, AFROTECH™ Conference 2024 is fast approaching, and attendees need to prepare now to make the most of this transformative experience. Scheduled for Nov. 13-16 in Houston, TX, this year’s event promises a powerful lineup of speakers, sessions, and networking opportunities designed to help professionals thrive in tech and business. 2024’s conference is next level, featuring industry heavyweights like Google’s Matthew Robinson, who’s bringing the heat with his session, “Creative Summit: Diverse Design: User-Centric Innovation,” and Charlotte Burrows, Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, dropping knowledge in “AI: The New Civil Rights Frontier.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by AFROTECH™ Conference (@afrotech.conference) But that’s just the beginning. You don’t want to miss game-changing sessions like “The Future of FinTech: Revolutionizing Financial Inclusion,” “The Power of Data: How Analytics Is Transforming...
Technology never stops evolving, and neither does Matthew Robinson. As a senior UX design manager at Google Photos, Robinson’s motivation in his career is rooted in the “understanding that design and technology will undoubtedly continue to change the world as we understand it.” “It’s critical to have a seat in the rooms that are making the decisions that ultimately affect all of us,” said Robinson in an interview with AFROTECH™. “My roots as a designer with a knack for all creative endeavors will always be my foundation. Still, I’m increasingly interested in creating products that balance innovation with what’s ultimately good for the world around us.” Robinson says that due to his firsthand glimpse at how strategic design can frame products and define humans interactions , he is passionate about bringing his expertise to this year’s AFROTECH™ Conference. A speaker on day 2, he will lead a conversation titled “Creative Summit: Diverse Design: User-Centric Innovation.” View this...
If “International Players Anthem” by UGK has ever been in your song rotation, then you are very likely familiar with the talent and personality of Texas native Bun B. Bun B entered the entertainment industry in 1987, and with his groupmate Pimp C, the two helped pioneer a significant era in rap music, particularly in the South. With a slew of hits like “One Day” and “Diamonds & Wood,” UGK’s impact has been referenced and appreciated by peers and emerging artists. After a successful career in music, Bun B decided to highlight another skill set and enter the restaurant business. According to a previous AFROTECH™ report, the 51-year-old entered the food service industry in 2021, specializing in smash burgers, burgers with super-thin, crispy-edged patties. “For years I’ve been fascinated with the culinary scene, trying to find the best entry point for me,” said the rapper in an Instagram post . “Today, I can say I’ve found it.” Bun B’s restaurant Trill Burgers now has a brick-and-mortar...
Conference season is upon us, and AFROTECH™ is gearing up for an unforgettable experience, offering intentional opportunities to learn, grow, and develop. Billed as “The Global Gathering for Innovators and Inclusive Tech Companies,” the 2024 AFROTECH™ Conference will take place in Houston, TX, from Nov. 13-16, and this year is expected to be bigger and better. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AFROTECH™ Conference (@afrotech.conference) The main stage will be the epicenter of this year’s gathering, with heavy-hitting speakers and discussions designed to ensure ticket holders have a top tier experience. In addition to the coveted main stage, the AFROTECH™ Conference has added a few new options in the Cybersecurity, AI, and Data and Engineering stages. The Women’s Summit will also be returning with some new additions in the Founder’s Summit, Health & Environmental Equity Summit, and Creative & Design Summit. This year’s speaker lineup is truly exceptional, featuring top...
When the world thinks about the icon and legend that is the Notorious B.I.G. — they may call him a storyteller, trend-setter, and arguably one of the greatest rappers to ever grace the Earth. Then, there are two blessed individuals that get to call him “dad.” Not only does Christopher George Latore Wallace, Jr. bear his father’s name, but he has also been told how much he reflects a lot of what made the Brooklyn-native who he was. From charm to style and the ability to execute everything he puts his mind to, C.J. Wallace is the embodiment of the renowned lyrics his father once spit — “the sky is the limit.” As the visionary behind Frank White, a purpose-driven wellness and lifestyle company created in honor of his father, Wallace continues to be one step ahead of the game with a commitment to empowering and celebrating Black culture. “Having the ability to work closely with my grandma on the stage and building my own brand has been very insightful,” beamed Wallace during an...
Circle and SeedInvest have launched a collaborative effort to support underrepresented founders. According to a press release, the Community Pitch Competition will be underway on June 1, 2022. The event will provide participants access to capital, networking, and business-building tools in hopes of propelling their business forward. What’s more, the competition will be free to enter. In the end, three founders will take home a prize pool of $5,000, $10,000, or $25,000 coupled with the option to secure funding on SeedInvest with $10,000 in fees waived. Plus, the winners may be in contention to secure bonus prizes from Ramp, Braze, and EY to bolster their business, with the stipulation that they meet additional outlined prize partner qualifications, according to the press release. “Underrepresented founders still do not have the same access to capital and economic opportunity, especially at the critical early stages of a startup,” said Rod McLeod, VP of Social Impact at Braze,...
AfroTech 2021 is almost here, and to get in the spirit, we’re spotlighting the next wave of tech innovators! For years, the conference has been home to fellow founders, entrepreneurs, and engineers looking to take a 360-degree approach to how our culture, innovation and tech truly run the world. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AfroTech (@afro.tech) Ahead of the experience, AfroTech sought out pitches from early-stage startups by allowing them to pitch their businesses in front of their community for a chance to win the AfroTech Cup. Ahead of the November event, The Young Founders Pitch Competition — hosted by Cash App and Square — was open to pre-seed and seed-stage companies taking up space in tech and open to founders between the ages of 18 and 30. Then there’s the second pitch competition, AfroTech World Cup, which didn’t require any stage funding, industry or age requirements that is sponsored by Lexus. Entries included everything from startups backed by science to...