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November 21, 2024
In an unassuming warehouse in Houston, Texas, a group of people gathered, their gaze fixed on the future. Among those present were Byron Spruell, president of the NBA, and TikTok food influencer Keith Lee. They were all part of AfroTech, the annual technology conference that has become a vital meeting place for Black tech professionals. This year, however, AfroTech took place under the shadow of Donald Trump's election victory, and alongside the enthusiasm for innovation, a certain uncertainty weighed on the participants.
AfroTech, organized by Blavity, a digital media company, began in 2016 as a networking event for Black people in the tech industry concerned about the persistent lack of representation. Over time, the event has evolved into a magnet for dreamers and doers. This year, the focus was on adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This year's AfroTech theme, "AI: Shaping the Future," reflected the central role AI plays in the tech industry. Charlotte Burrows, chair of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, emphasized in a presentation the importance of Black people's active participation in the development and implementation of AI to prevent "high-tech discrimination." The urgency of these concerns has already been made clear by racist algorithms and the misuse of deepfakes.
Despite the focus on AI, there were also critical voices questioning the conference's relevance in the face of political changes. Some participants wondered if AfroTech was sufficiently prepared for the impact of a Trump administration openly opposing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
While the conference offered a good starting point for newcomers to the field of AI, it often only scratched the surface. However, the influence of technology on the world of work and the impending changes in the job market were undisputed. Experts emphasized the need to adapt to the new requirements, as even existing jobs will be transformed by AI.
The waves of layoffs in the tech industry in 2023, which disproportionately affected women, people with disabilities, and Black tech professionals, have further exacerbated job insecurity. Under a Trump administration promising anti-"woke" policies and the elimination of DEI programs, the outlook for 2025 appears bleak.
Despite the challenges, AfroTech also offered participants opportunities for networking and job searching. While some were optimistic, describing the conference as "full circle" and a "balm in Gilead," others expressed frustration at the lack of concrete job offers.
AfroTech 2024 was a reflection of the hopes and fears of the Black tech community. While enthusiasm for AI and shaping the future was at the forefront, the question of the impact of the political landscape and future opportunities remained a key point. AfroTech participants looked to the future with a mixture of hope and uncertainty, knowing that shaping their future will depend on their ability to adapt and innovate.
Bibliographie: - https://www.wired.com/story/afrotech-2024-red-elephant-in-the-room/ - https://newstral.com/en/article/en/1260451802/the-red-elephant-in-the-room-at-afrotech - https://www.tiktok.com/@dj_notrix_sa/video/7439245047666609463 - https://whatsnew2day.com/the-red-elephant-in-the-afrotech-room/ - https://www.the-express.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/154904/william-no-house-live-out-hotel - https://www.the-elephant-in-the-room.de/ - https://za.pinterest.com/maikehitzeroth/afro-tech/ - https://www.techstination.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/diasporamass/?hl=de - https://www.traxsource.com/