We often hear that the future is decided at the ballot box, and it’s true—voting matters.
Electing leaders who shape policy is important. But let’s be honest, another, perhaps even more powerful force is quietly shaping our world. This isn’t happening in legislative chambers but in the coding rooms, the boardrooms, and the innovation labs. The future is being crafted by tech leaders who wield unprecedented influence over how we live, work, and connect.
At AfroTech, this reality isn’t just understood—it’s celebrated. As our community prepares to gather for one of the most transformative experiences of the year, we’re not just networking and exchanging ideas. We’re stepping into a space that’s redefining influence for the 21st century. Here, tech dreams intersect with cultural revolution, and innovation is fueled by a collective drive to build a more equitable future.
For years, political campaigns have dominated our conversations around change. We’re told that progress depends on who wins or loses an election. But real transformation is unfolding in the hands of innovators and disruptors who are not just writing code, but rewriting societal norms. These founders and engineers aren’t merely creating apps, they are reimagining industries, addressing age-old challenges, and setting standards that even governments struggle to keep pace with.
This isn’t a dismissal of political engagement. Voting is still crucial. Yet, we cannot overlook that in today’s digital world, tech leaders possess a different kind of power—one that crosses borders, surpasses barriers, and moves faster than legislation. Algorithms can shape behavior before laws are even written, and a single breakthrough can redefine reality in ways that policy can’t anticipate. I’ve seen this firsthand. When I first started Blavity, it wasn’t because I had all the answers or knew exactly what the journey would look like. It was because I felt an urgent need to create a platform that reflected and empowered my community. I was tired of waiting for the world to catch up, so I decided to build the solutions I wanted to see. It wasn’t easy, and there were countless moments when I doubted myself. But every time I pushed through, I realized just how much power we have when we choose action over waiting.
So, when we gather at AfroTech, it’s about more than just dialogue. It’s about action. It’s about acknowledging that as a community of Black innovators and tech leaders, our influence doesn’t end on election day. We are a generation equipped to build solutions that don’t just keep pace with change, but drive it.
With this influence comes great responsibility. We need to be intentional about where we channel our energy. Will we wait for government solutions, or will we be the architects of the change we want to see? At AfroTech, we foster a culture where waiting isn’t an option. We create, build, and elevate each other because our time is now.
Walking into AfroTech next week, show up with purpose. Whether you’re seeking a co-founder, the perfect job opportunity, or that spark of inspiration to launch your vision, understand that you’re not a bystander. You are an active participant in a movement powered by technology and driven by our collective determination to thrive.
The choices we make as tech leaders will define our communities. Political leaders can pass laws, but tech leaders shape how those laws are experienced in daily life. From issues of privacy and security to job creation and communication, technology’s impact is everywhere. And at the core of this impact are people like you, visionaries with the skills and drive to make a difference. In a world full of distractions, let’s stay focused on building something meaningful.
As the founder of AfroTech, I know that our energy, our passion, and our brilliance are what make this movement unstoppable. We have the power to create, to innovate, and to lead.
To our AfroTech family, next week isn’t just an event. It’s a declaration that we are shaping the future, not by waiting for change, but by taking bold action ourselves. Together, we stand at the intersection of technology and progress. And together, we are the future.
I can’t wait to see you there, ready to transform the world.
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Morgan DeBaun is the founder, chairman, and CEO of media and technology company Blavity Inc. and founder of AfroTech.
