Tech event "Black Tech Saturdays" awarded a $2M grant from Knight Foundation
In a significant leap forward for the tech community in Michigan, Black Tech Saturdays, a hub for budding entrepreneurs, has received a substantial boost. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has awarded the organisation a $1 million grant.
Founded in April 2023 by Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, Black Tech Saturdays has quickly become a beacon for those seeking to make their mark in the tech industry. The funding, according to the Turnages, will be utilised to grow the workshops across the state, providing focused programming for founders and entrepreneurs.
The pilot programme, set to run in Detroit and Lansing this summer, will feature 25-30 micro workshops. These workshops aim to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the challenging world of tech entrepreneurship. The events, which attract hundreds of people each week on Saturdays, are expected to reach even more individuals with this expansion.
The goal of Black Tech Saturdays is twofold: to create opportunities for connection within the community and to preserve vital history. By fostering a supportive environment, the organisation hopes to empower the next generation of tech leaders.
Meanwhile, another significant development is unfolding in Detroit. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has directed an award accompanied by $500,000 in funding to rootoftwo, a Detroit-based civic studio co-founded by Stamps Professor John Marshall and Cézanne Charles. This funding will transform an old electrical substation into The Transformer Building, a centre for participatory governance and civic tech labs, distinct from Black Tech Saturdays.
As Black Tech Saturdays continues to grow and evolve, it remains a shining example of the potential for community-driven initiatives to foster innovation and empower the next generation of tech leaders.
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