Kendell Victor Johnson’s Post

Google TEC is an initiative from Google to elevate black leaders in the tech industry, their goal is to double the number of Black developers in tech, by 2030. As the lead creative producer, I brought them to the AFROTECH Festival, curating an analog installation for intimate, 1:1 connections and organizing an innovators' dinner that served as a roundtable for Black leaders united by a common goal. Agency Partner: Crown + Conquer

Let’s ensure every Tech Workforce Development Organization gets the recognition it deserves. Join us in highlighting the powerful organizations making a difference in Atlanta. 🗣️ How can you contribute? Tag an organization, program, or leader in the comments that meets these criteria: - A Tech/Computer Science Organization or Community - Based in Atlanta or has a chapter here - Black-led or primarily serving Black tech professionals Think of examples like tech/coding bootcamps, community meetup groups, conferences, and more! If you get tagged, don’t forget to tag someone else to keep the momentum going! Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE), Black Atlanta Corporate Connect, Black Product Managers Network If you get tagged, don’t forget to tag someone else to keep the momentum going!

“In the rapidly evolving world of technology, innovation knows no boundaries. Even so, the contributions of Black innovators in tech have been grossly underrepresented and overlooked. My series, “Breaking Barriers With Bots,” celebrates pioneers who have advanced their respective fields and paved the way for future generations of Black tech-savants. From advancements in energy and personal computing to revolutionizing gaming and telecommunications, these Black tech visionaries, in their own way, have profoundly impacted the tech world. ” Black innovators are small but mighty. Read the full article to learn more about Black Tech professionals. https://lnkd.in/gtpsVCFr #BGDSTEM #ElevateEquity #Cultivatecuriosity #Createcommunity

🚀 An Unfiltered Look into the Black Experience in Technology with Natilik 🚀 Earlier today , I joined an unforgettable panel session at Natilik , where we went deep into a conversation that tech needs. Not just surface-level, not performative—real. We talked openly about the Black experience in the tech sector, the barriers still standing, and the moves each of us can make to dismantle them, starting today. 🔥 This wasn’t just another ‘diversity’ talk. We were in a room filled with allies, leaders, and rising stars who truly care and are ready to act. What do organisations actually need to do to change the game? How can individuals contribute—not just in public, but privately, consistently, and boldly? And for allies: how do we step up to support, not just when it’s easy or expected, but always? 🎉 A massive thank you to Natilik for creating this safe, courageous space. It takes real leadership to go beyond the buzzwords and set a standard for others in the industry. Our partnership with Natilik goes beyond events—it’s about action. Together, we’re giving young Black talent the access, mentorship, and industry insights they deserve through school visits, mentorships, and exclusive industry days. This isn’t a one-off—it’s a journey, a commitment to change that grows stronger with every step. 🌱 To everyone in that room, and to all of you reading this who want to see the tech industry reflect the diverse world we live in—let’s keep pushing. Your involvement matters. Whether you’re a CEO, a DEI leader, a young person breaking into the industry, or simply someone who wants to be part of the solution—there’s a place for you in this movement. Let’s level the playing field, open the doors, and make a lasting impact. This is just the beginning.

As part of our Black/African History Month celebrations, we are excited to explore the incredible contributions of black inventors, both past and present. Every problem we face requires a solution, and every solution is, at its core, an invention. In the same way that these great inventors solved practical challenges, we’ll be focusing on how our youth can invent new habits, build stronger connections, and develop a new mindset that empowers them to move inward and forward positively. This season, we will dive into some amazing breakdowns of inventions that shaped history, alongside discussions on how we can all become inventors in our own lives. Whether it’s creating better routines, building healthier relationships, or transforming the way we think, this journey is all about innovation on every level. If you have not enrolled, then do so https://lnkd.in/eq_drHBB

"August is Black Business Month, a time to celebrate and support the incredible contributions of Black entrepreneurs and innovators. By uplifting Black-owned businesses, we are investing in a future of diversity, equity, and economic empowerment. Let's come together to honor their legacy, promote their growth, and ensure their lasting impact. 🖤💼✨ #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusinesses #EconomicEmpowerment #CommunityStrength #InnovationInAction"

🔥 A Vision for Equity, Innovation, and Self-Determination 🌍✨ "If I’m not working to create Black wealth, then I’m not doing my job." 💡 These words from Derrick Johnson at AFROTECH 2024 aren't just a statement—they’re a rallying cry for building systems that empower, uplift, and sustain Black communities. 🚀 💭 Reimagining Education and Innovation: “It is being able to be self-determined that our human essence is an exploited second stool for cheap or free labor… and we are able to create more critical thinkers.” Johnson's reflection is a challenge to leave behind outdated systems—stale classrooms and obsolete textbooks—and instead build innovative frameworks that inspire the next generation. 📚🌱 COVID-19 unveiled systemic cracks, and Johnson’s bold critique of traditional approaches—“I could be in a room with elected officials. They’re boring, and they lost, and I ain’t got time for them”—reminds us: Change isn’t polite; it’s unapologetic, disruptive, and action-oriented. 💥 The launch of NAACP Capital—a $200M fund aimed at uplifting startups and fund managers bridging the wealth gap in communities of color. 💰💼 💡 Johnson’s reminder: Protect intellectual property and empower Black entrepreneurs to overcome funding hurdles. 💪🏿 Dominic K. Hawkins, Jay Lundy NAACP lets dicsuss on how we can increase Black homeownership rates and create an actionable strategy for building generational wealth. 💪🏿 Samantha Katz Mike Green Gillian Marcelle, PhD Elizabeth Leiba https://lnkd.in/eAsGjSvd

When Tag pivoted to an agency two years ago, I really (and still do) craved guidance to prevent major mistakes As a young, black and female founder, i know systematically I am more likely to fail as a business owner. I read that black business are most likely to fail, although we are incredible creativite. the systemic barriers often hold us back. Lack of capital support, knowledge or guidance, the list goes on :) So I thought I'd share the things that have helped me. - MeWe360, who support founders focused on scaling while making a social impact. This is a yearly opportunity please check it out. - Black Business Residency offer invaluable resources. Mine provided masterclasses, co-working spaces, which was key for us to meet as a team. - Google Workspace was a game-changer, as someone who is an organised free, It keeps everything centralised and interconnected. - Lastly, Peer mentorship, finding people who are who are "horizontal" to you – on a similar journey – to offer support and guidance. .Please share if you have any more :)

A story for Black History Month.. We once had a cleaner, he would come in periodically to clean the office, he was an older black man, probably in his early 50's. One day, he came in and me and Azzees were still in the office working at our desks. He started cleaning, we had our usual conversation, abit of banter and abit about life generally, then every so often he would pause and just look at us, and when I'd catch his eye, he'd look away and go back to what he was doing. Eventually, he stopped what he was doing, walked up to our desks and said: "I don't see this much you know, this is different" Me and Azzees were confused, we looked at each other and then looked back at him He said it again, "I mean it, you really don't see this much" I responded with, "what do you mean?" He said: "You know, you two, two black founders in an office in Central London, I'm used to being in offices where the owners are often white, or Asian, but definitely not black, this is beautiful to see, well done to you both, it's nice to see things are changing" It was a really heart warming moment for us, but also a reminder of the influence you can have just by being you. We never set out to be "black founders" - we just set out to solve a problem, and that has lead to people young and old being inspired by what we do. This Black History Month, I encourage you to celebrate the black people out there stepping out of their comfort zones and doing something different. So I'm going to take this opportunity to shout out a few other black social entrepreneurs doing brilliant work: Dr. Kenny Imafidon MBE Burphy Zumu Lydia Amoah FRSA Jay Richards George Imafidon MBE Julian Boaitey Kike Oniwinde Agoro Andy Ayim MBE Dr. William Adoasi (Hons) We're excited to be speaking at a few events this BHM and sharing insights on building a diverse team and working with young people from ethnically diverse backgrounds If you're looking for a speaker for your event, get in touch: carl@2-3degrees.com 2-3 Degrees Azzees Minott 😎 #blackfounder #blackbusiness #socialenterprise #BHM #blackhistorymonth

What a month it has been for 2024 Black History Month! Being an advocate for positive change, I attended a number of events each of which amplify the impact of Black contributions in business, technology, and finance, reinforcing the importance of creating pathways for continued growth and equity. Here are some of the highlights: BTF® 2024 showcased the achievements and challenges of Black professionals in tech. Key discussions revolved around building inclusive workspaces, increasing Black representation in tech leadership, and leveraging emerging technologies for community-driven change. It was a great place to connect with like-minded individuals and learn about the innovative tech world. The529 after work social underpinned the importance of Community and Collaboration: These monthly events host many leaders within the Black community and have a consistent theme of organic and natural networking. I was invited by the Canary Wharf Group to a pannel talk hosted by black leaders across industries who empower the next generation, focusing on mentorship and skill development to prepare Black leaders for future roles whether in business, tech, or entrepreneurship. Deutsche Bank Launch and Networking event with Lord Sugar’s former Apprentice winner Tim Campbell paving the way and Empowering Black Entrepreneurship. My key takeaway being in order to reclaim narratives, we need to educate upwards. HSBC UK Embrace opening event was a great example of ongoing Advocacy for Equity and Inclusion with continuous efforts toward racial equity and inclusion in various sectors, highlighting that progress requires sustained advocacy, policy change, and community commitment. There was a strong emphasis on allyship, both within and outside the Black community, as crucial to achieving sustained progress - and there was jollof rice! UK Black Business Show highlighted the growth of Black-owned businesses, focusing on the power of community support, mentorship, and strategic investment to overcome systemic barriers. It also emphasized the importance of creating ecosystems where Black entrepreneurs can thrive, from networking opportunities to funding access. Whether your next step is entrepreneurship or a role in the world of banking law or Tech this event had you covered.