The future is not something Detroit waits for; it’s something Detroit builds. Black Tech Saturdays is proving that with The Belonging Blueprint: A Black History Month Innovation Summit, set to take place on Saturday, February 15. More than 1,000 Black entrepreneurs, university students, tech professionals, investors, politicians, and community leaders will gather at Michigan Central to explore the transformative power of AI across industries. This summit is a testament to Detroit’s growing influence in the tech world.
Workshops at the summit will focus on workforce development, business and startup resources, and student opportunities in tech. This is where knowledge meets action. Detroit’s tech talent isn’t simply participating in the AI revolution; they are leading it. The workshops aim to equip participants with practical tools and resources to drive innovation within their communities. For young Black students and aspiring tech professionals, this is a space where dreams are validated and pathways to success are illuminated.
The partnership behind this summit reflects the collective effort to push Detroit’s tech community forward. Google Developer Group Detroit, Compass Detroit, Clixie AI, Michigan Central, DTE Energy, Grand Circus, and Think Technologies have come together to ensure that Black tech talent is not just included but centered in conversations about innovation. Each organization brings resources, expertise, and a commitment to uplifting Black voices in tech.
Cullen Jones, a four-time Olympic medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world record, will deliver the keynote address. His journey is one of breaking barriers, making him the perfect voice to inspire a room filled with trailblazers. Jones’ presence serves as a reminder that Black excellence transcends industries and that the resilience embedded in our history propels us forward.
The summit is free, open to the public, and designed for all ages. This accessibility is crucial. It ensures that no one is left behind as Detroit builds its tech future. Michigan Central: Newlab and The Station will serve as the backdrop for this landmark event, spaces that have become synonymous with innovation and forward-thinking.
The significance of this summit extends beyond the day itself. It is about building lasting connections and fostering a sense of belonging in tech spaces that have historically excluded Black voices. The event’s title, The Belonging Blueprint, speaks directly to this mission. Black Tech Saturdays has always been about more than networking. It is about creating spaces where Black talent is nurtured, celebrated, and elevated.
This summit is happening at a time when AI is reshaping industries globally. For Detroit, embracing AI means more than staying competitive. It means using technology to address systemic challenges, create economic opportunities, and ensure that Black communities are not just consumers of technology but architects of it. The workshops will cover everything from AI applications in business to ethical considerations in tech development, ensuring that participants leave with a well-rounded understanding of AI’s potential and pitfalls.
The collaboration with tech giants and local organizations underscores the importance of community in driving innovation. Google Developer Group Detroit brings global tech insights to local talent. Compass Detroit provides mentorship and resources for startups. Clixie AI is pioneering AI solutions that enhance learning and engagement. Michigan Central is at the forefront of Detroit’s innovation ecosystem. DTE Energy highlights the intersection of technology and sustainability. Grand Circus is training the next generation of tech talent, and Think Technologies is providing the infrastructure for innovation.
The summit is also a platform for Black students to explore opportunities in tech. Exposure is often the first step towards inclusion. By attending this summit, students gain access to mentors, potential employers, and a community that believes in their potential. This is where the pipeline to Black excellence in tech begins.
Cullen Jones’ keynote will undoubtedly be a highlight. His story is one of perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers. Jones’ achievements in a sport where Black athletes are underrepresented mirror the challenges and triumphs of Black professionals in tech. His presence at the summit is a powerful reminder that barriers are meant to be broken and that Black excellence is not confined to any one field.
The event’s agenda promises a day filled with learning, inspiration, and connection. Workshops will provide practical knowledge, while networking sessions will foster meaningful relationships. The summit is not just about individual success; it is about collective advancement.
The ethos of Black Tech Saturdays is captured in their statement: “We are not waiting for permission, we are architects of the possible. The code of our ancestors runs through us — revolution in our thoughts, power in our hands.” This summit is a manifestation of that ethos. It is a space where Black brilliance is not just acknowledged but amplified.
For Detroit, this summit is a milestone in its journey to becoming a tech hub that reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit. The partnerships, the participants, and the programming all reflect a commitment to inclusive innovation. The Belonging Blueprint is a blueprint for how Detroit’s Black tech community will continue to thrive.
The summit is free and open to all. The full agenda is available online, and registration is open at www.blacktechsaturdays.com. This is an invitation to be part of something transformative. Detroit’s tech future is being built now, and Black Tech Saturdays is leading the charge. The work being done today will shape the opportunities of tomorrow. This is where the future begins.
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship Lab. The
Lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.
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