Seattle Office of Economic Development’s Post

In early 2020, I retired from DEI work. I started a User Experience Design bootcamp, prepared to pivot careers (with twin infants no less). I'd come to realize that there was very little, if any, capacity to make real change within corporations whose norms were built upon centuries of inequality, discrimination, and oppressive resource extraction. And then the world watched as George Floyd had his life stolen from him without a hint of due process. I watched as LinkedIn promoted visibility to Black thought leaders, as they shared their truths about existing and attempting to thrive in these same workplaces. I saw folks wanting to learn, organizations committing to create change, and movements towards investing in Black founders, employees/operators, and community orgs. I felt hopeful. And yet, just a few years later, we're back to where we were (if not worse). My algorithm is back to oppressing dissenting voices (will anyone even see this?), Black founders are back to getting negligible amounts of funding, and layoffs are disproportionately impacting Black and brown employees. If you read this far, I'm glad you're here. Consider the decisions you have the power to influence. How can they disproportionately impact those not in the room, and how can you be the change and ally in that moment? It matters, even when the black Instagram squares are nowhere to be found.

🌟✊ Celebrate Black History Month with Empowerment! ✊🌟 This February, let's amplify the voices and support the success of Black-owned businesses. 🛍️ Here are some tips on how to find a business near you: 1️⃣ Check out local business directories or online platforms that specifically highlight Black-owned businesses in your area. Supporting local is a powerful way to make a positive impact. Try @buyfromablackwoman . 2️⃣ Utilize hashtags like #BlackOwnedBusiness or #SupportBlackBusiness to discover a business close to you. 3️⃣ Explore dedicated marketplaces that exclusively feature products and services from Black-owned businesses. Try @shophellablack! 4️⃣ Attend local events, pop-up shops, or markets where Black entrepreneurs showcase their talents. This is a fantastic way to discover new businesses and build connections within your community. 5️⃣ Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Personal experiences can guide you to hidden gems and contribute to a supportive network. #BlackHistoryMonth #hrexecutive

Across a spectrum of tech categories, from health and food to financial and SaaS technology, underrepresented founders are displaying unprecedented levels of resilience. Alongside Plexus Information Services, Omidyar Network is proud to support the launch of the latest Black Tech Effect report, highlighting Black-led companies developing scalable solutions for the climate crisis, health, and social disparities in marginalized communities. The Black Tech Effect lays the groundwork for changing the tech environment and providing visibility to underrepresented founders. We believe this report will help bridge the data gap on Black-led tech companies, promote inclusivity, and attract more investors to these founders and companies. Join us in celebrating the success of 100 promising Black-led, high-growth tech companies. Read the report 🔗 www.theblacktecheffect.com Sherrell Dorsey Taylor J. James

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

Today I attended black tech fest BTF® and what an inspiring experience! I went in ready to listen, learn, and expand my understanding of the unique challenges and strengths within the black community. Here are a few key takeaways: The Power of Representation: Hearing first hand about the importance of representation reinforced my commitment to building diverse teams. Everyone is unique and different perspectives brings something valuable to the table. Creating Inclusive Spaces: I gained insights into how companies can foster a sense of belonging, not just through hiring, but by truly embracing diversity at every level. It’s about cultivating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported. Networking with Purpose: It was a reminder of the importance of building genuine relationships. I met so many talented individuals, and heard so many stories. I cant wait to watch people’s journeys and hopefully be able to help them with this. Ongoing Allyship: Being an ally means constantly learning and evolving. Events like these really help me to understand how I can actively contribute to a more inclusive industry, not just in words but in actions. Diversity is more than just a metric—it’s a strength that drives innovation. I’m excited to bring these lessons back to work and continue advocating for a tech landscape that celebrates all voices! Thank you to every single speaker there, you all done fantastic and I learned so much!

This Black History Month, as part of our Sojourn Speaks series, we are honored to spotlight the remarkable contributions of Black leaders in the tech industry, with a special focus on Dr. Latanya Sweeney, a pioneering force in the realms of technology and data privacy. Dr. Sweeney, a trailblazer in the intersection of technology and policy, has dedicated her career to addressing vital privacy and data ethics issues. In fact, she pioneered the field of data privacy and algorithmic fairness. Her groundbreaking work has not only shaped academic discourse but also influenced policy at national and international levels including on critical issues from medical privacy to election technology. Black technologists, such as Dr. Sweeney, demonstrate the importance of diverse perspectives in creating technology that is equitable and inclusive. Join us in celebrating the achievements of Dr. Latanya Sweeney and other Black leaders who are revolutionizing the tech landscape. Who are the Black tech innovators making waves in your community? Share their stories in the comments below to honor their impact and the vital role of diversity in tech innovation. #BHM2024 #CelebratingExcellence #BlackComputerScientists #TechInnovation #DiversityInTech #LatanyaSweeney #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackFutures

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This Black History Month, we're not just celebrating history; we're committed to creating a more inclusive future. "Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build" isn't just this year’s theme; it's a call to action. At the Innovation Cluster, we're all about breaking barriers and opening doors for diverse founders. We know diversity is our strength. It sparks innovation, opens dialogue, and builds stronger communities. That's why we're dedicated to supporting Black entrepreneurs by providing the tools, resources, and network they need to succeed. Let's work together to make the startup world a place where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive and innovate. Together, we can build a future where Black excellence is celebrated every day, not just in February. #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityInInnovation #SupportBlackEntrepreneurs

During Black History Month and beyond, let's celebrate and support Black-owned businesses! The following resources are available for finding and supporting Black-owned businesses in your area and across the globe: 1. Official Black Wall Street: This online platform provides a directory of Black-owned businesses across various industries, making it easy to discover and support them. 2. WeBuyBlack: WeBuyBlack is an online marketplace specifically dedicated to Black-owned businesses, offering a wide range of products and services. 3. Support Black Owned (SBO): Support Black Owned is a website and app that helps users find and support Black-owned businesses in their area. By utilizing these resources and actively seeking out Black-owned businesses, you can contribute to economic empowerment and promote diversity and inclusion within your communities.

As we celebrate Black Business Month, let’s put a twist on how we introduce our businesses. Describe what you do without directly saying it—no business names or obvious hints. Can you keep us guessing? Drop your creative descriptions below! 🕵🏾♂️✨ #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusiness #SmallBusinessOwners