newspaper, Black newspaper, Minnesota

End Of An Era: Atlanta Journal Constitution Will No Longer Print Newspapers

After 157 years, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will publish its final print newspaper edition on Dec. 31


After 157 years, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will publish its final print newspaper edition on Dec. 31

The legacy institution will transition to a fully digital news platform in January 2026. The decision marks the end of an era in Atlanta’s media history and signals that even historical institutions are not immune to the changing tides. President and Publisher Andrew Morse described the move as a necessary step better to serve readers in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

“We knew this day would come and have been planning for it,” he wrote in a statement on the AJC’s website. “Many more people engage with our digital platforms and products today than with our print edition, and that shift is only accelerating.” 

The change will allow the publication to focus “every resource and every ounce of energy on producing world-class journalism.” 

The AJC currently maintains around 115,000 paid subscribers. Over half of the company’s readership, 75,000, pay exclusively for digital access. Morse has set a new goal of reaching 500,000 digital subscribers by the end of next year. 

This transition comes amid significant internal investments. The media company recently expanded its reporting operation, launching bureaus in major cities including Athens, Macon, and Savannah. Furthermore, multimedia offerings such as video, podcasts, and more have been added to stay relevant. Additionally, a news organization has also created a product to spotlight Atlanta’s Black cultural landscape, UATL.

Editor-in-Chief Leroy Chapman Jr. emphasized that the shift to digital does not signal a retreat. “We are not stepping away from our readers. we’re stepping forward with them,” he said in a statement.

Cox Enterprises is committed to supporting the AJC’s long-term vision. “This change will allow us to reduce the use of trees, plastic, water and carbon, while at the same time increasing our focus on news gathering and public accountability,” said Cox CEO Alex Taylor. 

With this change, Atlanta will become the largest U.S. metropolitan area without a daily print newspaper. The AJC plans to assist longtime print readers with a “white glove” transition, offering support and education to ease their move to digital platforms.

RELATED CONTENT: Minnesota’s Oldest Black-Owned Newspaper Turns 90

breastfeeding, societal norms, Black women,, Black women, maternal health,policy

What Does A Comprehensive Breastfeeding Policy Look Like In Action? Paid Leave, Lactation Laws, And Structural Change

By addressing these policy gaps, the nation can establish a framework that genuinely supports the health of all mothers and their children, shifting its mindset from one of survival to one of equitable action.


The United States’ approach to maternal and infant health is defined by stark racial disparities, with Black mothers and birthing people facing a disproportionate share of poor health outcomes. While individual guidance and support are essential, a growing number of healthcare professionals and advocates contend that true equity in this area requires a deliberate focus on systemic reform. The lack of comprehensive federal policy around paid leave and workplace lactation protections stands as a formidable barrier, widening a chasm that already exists and impeding the ability of Black mothers to both recover from childbirth and successfully feed their infants.

Without federally mandated paid leave, a cruel reality takes hold for many new mothers. They face an impossible choice: sacrifice their income to recover or return to work before they are physically and emotionally ready. For Black women, who are disproportionately primary or sole earners, this dilemma is exceptionally sharp. The inability to take adequate time for physical recovery and bonding with their child directly compromises their postpartum mental state. This is a critical issue given that almost 40% of Black mothers experience maternal mental health conditions. The astounding rate is twice that of white women, and a figure often underreported due to stigma. The immense pressure from this predicament can sever the fragile connection required to establish a successful breastfeeding relationship, a fact that contributes to the stark racial gap in breastfeeding initiation and duration.

Further complicating this issue are the logistical shortcomings of workplace lactation laws. While federal provisions exist, they are frequently inadequate and apply to a limited number of hourly employees, leaving many professional women without explicit protections. 

Black moms are often expected to navigate undignified or nonexistent pumping spaces, often in cramped closets, cold break rooms, or even public bathrooms. This scenario frequently leads to discomfort, stress, and, in many cases, a premature end to breastfeeding. 

“We cannot expect women to continue a practice that requires time and appropriate space when their workplaces are not mandated to provide it,” asserts Dr. Alisha Jones, a public health researcher, who expressed the sentiment in a 2021 review. “It’s a policy failure that places the burden on the individual, not the system that created the problem.” 

This failure to support Black mothers extends beyond personal choice; it affects infant nutrition and immunity, creating a domino effect on a child’s long-term health trajectory.

Recent policy efforts have attempted to close some of these gaps. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, for example, expanded federal protections to millions of additional workers, ensuring they have the right to a private space and reasonable break time to express milk. While a significant step forward, this measure still has limitations, as it does not cover all workers and, crucially, does not enforce paid break time for all employees. It represents a small, yet necessary, acknowledgment of the need for policy to meet the biological and economic realities of new mothers.

Some states have moved beyond federal mandates, serving as models for a more robust approach. California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program has long served as an example, with studies showing it has helped double the median duration of breastfeeding among its users. 

Another strong model is New York’s Paid Family Leave law, which research from the University at Albany found was associated with significant increases in breastfeeding rates among women of color. The state also recently passed a law requiring all employers to provide 30 minutes of paid break time for pumping, a critical move that lessens the financial burden on working mothers. 

These state laws demonstrate that effective change is possible. However, they highlight the urgent need for a unified federal standard to ensure all mothers, regardless of their location, have the fundamental rights necessary to care for themselves and their infants.

Ultimately, the goal is not just to implement a single law but to build a comprehensive ecosystem of support, which requires a holistic view that combines paid leave and workplace protections with broader health equity policies, addressing social determinants of health, such as access to safe housing, reliable transportation, and nutritious food. It means creating a framework where a mother’s ability to breastfeed and care for her child is not a matter of luck or personal circumstance, but a fundamental right supported by the society in which she lives.

Movements like Black Breastfeeding Week have stepped into this policy vacuum, serving as a powerful annual platform to both celebrate and advocate for change. By bringing visibility to the community’s specific needs, the initiative frames breastfeeding as a matter of justice, not just a matter of health. 

These groups are not merely raising awareness; they are building a collective community of support that policy has failed to provide. They offer a space for mothers to share their truths, seek guidance from one another, and find the strength to advocate for the systemic changes that will benefit not just their own families, but generations to come.

Ultimately, the issue is not one of personal failings but of systemic shortcomings. The persistent health disparities in Black maternal and infant care require an approach that extends beyond simple advice or encouragement. 

It demands the establishment of universal paid family leave to allow for a proper postpartum period, the strengthening of lactation protections for all workers, and a commitment to dismantling the deep-seated societal barriers that hinder Black women’s well-being.

By addressing these policy gaps, the nation can establish a framework that genuinely supports the health of all mothers and their children, shifting its mindset from one of survival to one of equitable action.

RELATED CONTENT: From Slavery To Liberation: The Diasporic Legacy Of Black Breastfeeding

HBCU,,Morgan State, Earl Richardson

Morgan State Revisits Plans To Open Medical School After Receiving $1.75M Grant

Morgan State leaders hope the grant will help strengthen Maryland's healthcare workforce as the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034.


Thanks to receiving a $1.75M grant, Morgan State University could be opening a new medical school to educate the next generation of doctors, CBS News reports.

The two-year grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) will assist the Baltimore-based historically Black college and university (HBCU) in its plans to fund a Doctor of Medicine program on a public, nonprofit model. Morgan State leaders hope the grant will help strengthen Maryland’s healthcare workforce as the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034. 

School leaders project that underserved communities — like the one where the HBCU is located — will be hit the hardest. “For more than a decade, we have been committed to the idea that a medical school on our campus can be transformative — not only for our students but for the state of Maryland and the nation,” Morga State President David Wilson said in a statement. 

“With the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s support, we are charting a new course toward a public, nonprofit M.D. program that will train physicians where they are most needed, close gaps in care, and reflect the diversity of the populations served.”

The new medical school at Morgan would zone in on the importance of supporting culturally competent physicians, highlighting the expansion of primary care capacity in the state. According to a press release on the school’s website, data revealed that family physicians from underrepresented minority in medicine (URiM) backgrounds are more likely to serve vulnerable populations, but the issue is that only 10.8% of active physicians and 6.8% of academic faculty identify themselves as URiMs. 

However, the bright side is that once URiMs complete their medical training and degrees, 86% of the group tend to practice in health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) or return to their home-based communities, which strengthens care in the areas where it is most needed.

University leaders say they are prepared to work with state, federal, and philanthropic partners to curate the program’s curriculum, facilities, and funding model — with a goal of being the blueprint of a national model for “inclusive excellence in medical education.” 

The journey toward medical excellence for the next generation of healthcare professionals started in 2020, but school officials said circumstances “prevented that effort from moving forward.” However, after continuous engagement with healthcare leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders, plans may potentially be back on track and even stronger. 

With support from RWJF, the grant presents an opportunity on a broader scale to increase investments in medical schools at HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions after continuously being under-resourced. “The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s support underscores the importance of strategic philanthropy in advancing bold ideas,” Endia DeCordova, Morgan’s VP for Institutional Advancement, said.

“This funding will enable us to develop a sustainable, mission-driven model for medical education that aligns with our commitment to equity and access. We are grateful to RWJF for recognizing Morgan’s leadership and investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

RELATED CONTENT: Morgan State University On Track To Become Next HBCU With Research-1 Status

retirement, Nickson, wealth, welfare, savings, life insurance

Men Who XCEL: Octavius Reid III Will Discuss How To Make Money Work For You

Octavius “Ted” Reid III will join an 'XCEL Summit For Men' panel to discuss how to build financial acumen and lead to generational wealth.


At the 2025 XCEL Summit For Men, taking place from Oct. 15 to 17, Octavius “Ted” Reid III will join a conversation that reveals how to build financial acumen and generational wealth.

Reid, a senior vice president and wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley, will join the Financial Planning: From Working for Money to Putting Money To Work panel. The session will draw a connection between earning a salary and finding ways to make those funds grow long term. With more than three decades in wealth management, Reid has built a career advising athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs. He also serves as a director in Morgan Stanley’s Global Sports and Entertainment division, where he helps high-profile clients sustain their wealth long term. His dedication to financial literacy extends to speaking engagements, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives designed to equip the next generation with practical financial skills.

In an interview with Salt Talks, Reid discussed his mission.

“When I’m talking about generational wealth, part of it is educating kids … trying to teach them how the capital markets work, how to create a budget, and how to focus early so that they learn these habits early. Because ultimately, they’re going to be the ones to inherit the money,” he said.

Beyond his corporate role, Reid has established himself as a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of The Reid Group, a consulting practice that guides professionals through complex financial and business decisions. His leadership has earned him recognition as one of Morgan Stanley’s most trusted advisors, as well as invitations to appear on major platforms. In his appearances, Reid consistently emphasizes the link between wealth creation, legacy building, and mental resilience.

As the XCEL Summit continues its mission to provide Black men with tools for empowerment, Reid’s participation on the panel will expound on earning and expanding financial acumen. His presence not only brings expertise but also affirms that sustaining success requires lifelong learning. To get in on the conversation, register for the XCEL Summit For Men at the official website.

RELATED CONTENT: Men Who XCEL: Brandon Frame Moderates A ‘Frontline’ Discussion At The 2025 XCEL Summit For Men

Howard University, student, accounts

Howard Alum’s New AI Platform Connects Restaurants, Influencers, And Diners

A Howard University alum is behind the pioneering AI-powered platform linking food influencers, restaurants, and diners.


A new Black-woman-owned AI-powered app is poised to disrupt the $40 billion restaurant marketing industry by connecting restaurants, creators, and diners in one place.

Charlotte-based startup Troodie is pioneering as the first AI-powered social commerce platform linking influencer content directly to real-world diner behavior. Launched during National Black Business Month by creator Taylor Davis, a Howard University and Cornell MBA alum, Troodie sets itself apart by identifying which marketing efforts truly bring customers through the door, a first of its kind.

“I’m so excited to finally introduce Troodie to the world. We built Troodie for travelers and foodies (Troodies) who love to explore new places through food,” Davis told Black Business. “Unlike solutions where reviews are generic or bookmarked restaurants get lost, Troodie makes discovery more personal, easy to filter, and collaborative.”

In today’s social media-driven market, restaurants spend billions on advertising and influencer campaigns, often without knowing the true ROI. Troodie bridges that gap by connecting creator content to real customer visits, offering sales-based attribution, first-party diner data, and a curated marketplace that matches restaurants with influencers based on audience fit and performance.

“For restaurants, it means being discovered by the right diners at the right moment, turning authentic word-of-mouth into measurable traffic and sales,” Davis said. “One of my favorite features is how users can join Communities and share and curate recommendations together. It truly brings the joy of connection through food and travel into one place.”

The HBCU alum was intentional about basing the startup in Charlotte, viewing the city as a thriving hub for food innovation, tech growth, and entrepreneurial energy.

“Charlotte offers the perfect mix of a vibrant dining scene, a growing tech ecosystem, and a community that supports innovation — especially from Black founders,” Davis said.

Troodie launched with over 70 restaurants and 30 creators connecting through a dynamic ecosystem where restaurants can track which promotions drive paying customers, and creators can monetize their influence through measurable results rather than likes or followers. Diners can easily organize and revisit trusted recommendations. As TikTok and Instagram become go-to sources for discovering local restaurants, Troodie aims to streamline the experience in a single platform.

RELATED CONTENT: Healing A Generation: The Intertwined Crisis Of Black Maternal Mental Health And Infant Well-Being

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans

20-Years After Hurricane Katrina, Trymaine Lee Highlights ‘Hope In High Water’

Hurricane Katrina made landfall Aug. 29, 2005. Twenty years later Trymaine Lee's new documentary tells the story of the city's resilience.


Hurricane Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29, 2005. It remains one of the largest and deadliest natural disasters to hit the United States. Twenty years later, Pulitzer Prize winner Trymaine Lee continues to report on the lasting effects of the storm with his new documentary, Hope in High Water: A People’s Recovery Twenty Years After Hurricane Katrina.

Once a New Orleans resident and local reporter, Lee was in the thick of the storm. As the streets filled with water, he reported. As thousands of people were herded into the convention center and Superdome, he reported. Lee continues to tell the story of the people of the Gulf Coast 20 years later. Lee spoke withBLACK ENTERPRISEabout Hope in High Water, his forthcoming book, and the resilience of people.

BE: You first reported on Hurricane Katrina as part of the Times-Picayune newsroom. Two decades later, what struck you most when you returned to New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

How much progress remained? There are so many spaces in this city that have yet to be filled 20 years later. Folks are still grappling to put the pieces of their lives back together again.

What stuck with me in an even deeper way is the resolve of people, despite losing everything. Folks are finding ways to step up for their community. They find ways to heal themselves.

BE: The documentary focuses on health, education, food access, and environmental survival. Why were these particular areas chosen to frame the story of recovery? 

I think in this film, we go from birth, maternal health care, and then move through how we experience life after we’re born — through education, through policing, through the carceral system. What it means to have access to food security. And then what it means to fight and preserve land from industry and erosion, but also for the next generation, because we are deeply tied to the land. With our bare hands, our blood, our sweat, we are part of this.

So, in telling the bigger story of how Black folks, Black New Orleanians, experience all these things, it made sense to travel through those circles with people who are doing amazing, important work to help heal their communities.

BE: Which do you believe is the most immediate issue?

I really think that food security is probably one of the most pressing issues in this country, and it’s an obscenity that we have hungry children in America.

BE: This project is backed by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. What role do you think partnerships like that play in amplifying stories of resilience?
I think the best role for organizations like Kellogg and other funders in philanthropy is to resource communities and individuals who have the answers to the problems that folks are experiencing in their communities. 

Everything that we need is already inside us. There are people on the ground in communities who understand the issues intimately. So, the fact that the Kellogg Foundation pours so much money into places like New Orleans and people who have the tools to fix the problems, I think that changes everything.

BE: Land is a major theme in the documentary. Is there any specific place where reclamation is possible?
There are groups like the Mississippi Center for Justice, it was featured in Hope In High Water, who are working to help arm people with legal tools to fight for their land. 

In Mississippi, we spoke with some folks from a community called Turkey Creek, who formed this community in the aftermath of slavery. And there are still generations of folks from those original inhabitants who are still living there and committed to fighting for that land, who found novel ways, like getting their communities listed on the Historic Register, to make sure that it’s protected.

BE: Tell BE readers about your upcoming book, A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America?
Truly my life’s work. It took ten years in the making. I almost died in the writing of this book. I’m telling my family story of how gun violence has shaped our experience as a way to walk side by side and speak to how gun violence has shaped the Black American experience. And so, telling the story of this — covering centuries of how guns have shaped my own family but also Black America. It is truly my life’s work. And it’s also about love.

Hope in High Water: A People’s Recovery Twenty Years After Hurricane Katrina is available to stream on Peacock. 

RELATED CONTENT: Former New Orleans Mayor Tearfully Reflects On Hurricane Katrina 20 Years After Storm

makeup, cosmetic, environmental, toxic, beauty products, e.l.f. Beauty

New York Student Caters To Black Students With ‘Hello Beauty’ Vending Machines

Chantel Francis is transforming how Black college students access beauty and self-care products with 'Hello Beauty' vending machines.


Chantel Francis is transforming how Black and brown college students access beauty and self-care products. Francis owns a slew of beauty supply vending machines. Her company, Hello Beauty, is now expanding across State University of New York campuses.

The Bronx-born founder thought of the idea during her time as a student at SUNY Brockport. Francis earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in 2024. She recalled frequent frustration over the limited availability of beauty items on campus. 

“As a college student, I often felt that my campus didn’t have what I needed when it came to beauty and personal care,” she told AfroTech. “It wasn’t inclusive, and finding the right products meant going off-campus and driving long distances. That’s when I thought, ‘What if we had a vending machine?’”

This concept laid the foundation for Hello Beauty.

Her vision came to life after she won a campus pitch competition similar to Shark Tank. The competition was held through the school’s Small Business Development Center and awarded the entrepreneur with $2,500 to start her company. The center provided Francis with the resources and confidence to launch her first vending machine in January 2025 at SUNY Brockport. That machine stocked essentials including durags, bonnets, hairspray, skincare products, and Vaseline. The specific products targeted the needs of the Black population on campus. 

By August 2025, Hello Beauty expanded to SUNY Morrisville. Francis shared her gratitude at the Morrisville launch.

“What started as a vision to make beauty and self-care products more accessible to students on campus is now becoming a reality. To the SUNY Morrisville community, thank you for welcoming Hello Beauty with open arms.” She added that the mission is only beginning. “Our mission is to expand across all SUNY Networks, creating spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated,” she said.

Hello Beauty provides comfort for the Black and brown community, some of whom are transplants to the area. According to Francis, Hello Beauty’s offerings let the underserved student body know they are seen. 

“Since launching the machine, I’ve received so many texts from current students saying things like, ‘This is what I really needed.’ ‘Thank you!’ ‘I’m so grateful for this.’ I can’t provide everything, but with this, it gives the basics to feel a sense of comfortability.”

RELATED CONTENT: Black Entrepreneur Expands Vending Machine Company to Include Travel Product Kits For Babies, Children, and Families

venus williams, wedding

Venus Williams Pulls Off First New York US Open Doubles Victory In Over 10 Years

'That felt amazing because I never really played with a partner — outside of Serena, obviously — who had that kind of mentality, so it was really fun.'


Venus Williams emerged victorious in her latest doubles match at the U.S. Open, winning for the first time in more than a decade, partnered with someone other than Serena Williams.

According to The Associated Press, Venus and Leylah Fernandez connected to beat the sixth-seeded pair of Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez 7-6 (4), 6-3. Although she has won 14 major championships with her sibling, she insists that Fernandez is “the best partner I ever played with — outside of Serena.”

“Our energy really matched each other in terms of determination, in terms of not giving up, in terms of really still just focused and dialed in in every single thing,” Venus said after the match. “That felt amazing because I never really played with a partner — outside of Serena, obviously — who had that kind of mentality, so it was really fun.”

https://twitter.com/Venuseswilliams/status/1961409656082796571

Surprisingly, Venus claimed she is not comfortable playing doubles despite playing all those years with Serena.

“It’s an area that I’m not that comfortable in, being on a doubles court, but I think you get to some point in the match where you stop thinking about it,” Venus admitted. “When push comes to shove, I’ll do what I have to, but I’m a singles player, so of course, when I walk out there, I actually tell myself just to play singles and try that method. I try not to be something that I’m not.”

This was Venus’ first doubles victory in New York City in over 10 years since winning a match in 2014, when she and her sister made it to the quarterfinals.

Venus is coming off not playing on the tour for over a year when she returned to the court in July. During the DC Open, she became the oldest player to win a singles match on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA )Tour since Martina Navratilova won a Wimbledon match in 2004. Before stepping back on the tennis court earlier this year, the last time Williams played on a tennis court was in March 2024, when she lost an opening-round match against Diana Shnaider at the Miami Open. Her last victory before the match in July, as a singles player, was a victory in 2023 against Veronika Kudermetova in the opening round of the Cincinnati Open.

The 45-year-old tennis player and the 22-year-old Fernandez will play against Ulrikke Eikeri and Eri Hozumi in the second.

“I actually feel great,” Williams said. “With some luck, we’ll stay, maybe win another round and just keep getting better.”

RELATED CONTENT: Healing A Generation: The Intertwined Crisis Of Black Maternal Mental Health And Infant Well-Being

Kentucky, Louisville, Small Business, grant

Gilbert Family Foundation Boosts Support Of Detroit-Based Black Businesses With $4M Investment

While some cities known for their wealth of Black-owned business have struggled to stay afloat, Detroit has pushed through -- even amid President Donald Trump’s anti-DEI policies.


The Gilbert Family Foundation is living up to its mission of having “belief that major change is possible when we work together” by investing over $4 million in Detroit-area Black-owned businesses through a grant partnership with Black Leaders Detroit (BLD) and the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA), AfroTech reports. 

To celebrate National Black Business Month, the grants will assist numerous businesses with diverse backgrounds in efforts to expand access to capital, technical assistance, and business coaching. The Foundation’s investment will provide a $2.1 million grant to BLD to help develop a no-interest lending program, similar to The Building Fund, which provides up to $150,000 to Black real estate developers involved in residential projects in the city.

The Foundation’s Vice President of Detroit Community Initiatives, Darnell Adams, says moves like this keep the Motor City’s small business community moving. “Detroit’s continued growth hinges on a strong small business community throughout the city,” Adams said. “These investments will ensure Detroit developers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses have the resources and opportunities needed to shape the future of our city and state.”

While some cities known for their wealth of Black-owned businesses have struggled to stay afloat, Detroit has pushed through — even amid President Donald Trump’s anti-DEI policies. And it’s because of groups like MBBA. Since its inception, the organization has been dedicated to helping businesses grow in a positive direction, with nearly 50,000 Black-owned businesses calling the Great Lakes area home. 

By working with the Gilbert Family, they can keep that dedication alive. “It’s a belief in the ingenuity and resilience of our entrepreneurs. This investment will be the spark that helps business owners, especially our second-stage entrepreneurs, turn their dreams into sustainable, thriving realities,” MBBA President and CEO Charity Dean said, according to Crain’s Detroit Business. 

“These are the entrepreneurs who are ready to scale, hire, and expand their impact, and with this support, they will. We couldn’t be more excited to continue this journey together.”

Dean labels the Gilbert Family Foundation as “a pillar of support” that has been in place for a few years. The new investment surpasses the $1 million invested by the Foundation in 2023 as part of a wider 10-year pledge of $500 million with the Rocket Community Fund, aimed at strengthening Detroit neighborhoods. 

To date, roughly $232 million has been committed.

Before that, in 2021, the Foundation assisted in the launch of Detroit’s Apple Developer Academy, a 10-month program created in partnership with tech conglomerate Apple and Michigan State University, at no cost. Recently, the program graduated over 125 students, equipping them with the real-world skills to excel in careers such as Swift coding, AI, UX design, marketing, and project management.

RELATED CONTENT: Healing A Generation: The Intertwined Crisis Of Black Maternal Mental Health And Infant Well-Being

Tulsa, DOJ , investigation

YES! Tulsa Tech Week Aims To Rebuild Black Wall Street

Tulsa Tech Week is a six-day gathering, Sept. 22-27, founded by Tariqua “Tai” Nehisi. All are welcome to attend at no cost.


Tulsa is preparing to host its second annual Tulsa Tech Week. The event is a six-day gathering, Sept. 22-27, founded by Tariqua “Tai” Nehisi. All are welcome at no cost. Tulsa Tech Week is a citywide festival featuring over 50 partners hosting multiple sessions, panels, and networking opportunities. Organizers describe it as an accessible way to bring together founders, engineers, students, and investors in a single place.

In an interview with AFROTech, Nehisi spoke about what led the New York native to move to Oklahoma and build in the city.

“I made a decision to move here at least for the year and see what Tulsa looked like. And in moving here, I arrived at a time when a concerted effort was underway to support the rebuilding of Black Wall Street through a technical lens, with Black- and brown-focused tech companies. And I got into an accelerator to accelerate my business, and that’s how everything really started,” Nehisi said.

Participants can choose from “attendee paths” tailored to specific career paths. These include founders, hackers, STEAM scholars, and investors. Each path provides programming that will deepen industry knowledge. Following programming for specific paths also allows attendees the opportunity to network with others in their field.

Community engagement is also at the center of the programming. Startup Grind Tulsa will host a Walk & Talk networking event at the city’s Gathering Place Park on September 24. The event will also provide visibility for local vendors at its open market.

The Oklahoma Small Business Exchange will host a State of Technology Roundtable during the week, bringing together local and national voices to discuss the challenges facing small businesses in a rapidly changing tech economy.

Nehisi is working to not only rebuild Tulsa’s economic community but to expand it. Tulsa Tech Week is described as an inclusive space, with programming designed to attract diverse communities and spotlight underrepresented entrepreneurs.

With Tulsa’s growing reputation as a destination for remote workers and startups, Tech Week has been framed as more than a conference but a citywide showcase of how technology and culture intersect in Oklahoma.

RELATED CONTENT: Tap Into These 10 Black Tech Titans

×