AFROTECH™ Conference 2024 in Houston, TX, was packed with powerful conversations, spotlighting trailblazers across tech, business, and culture. Day 3 of the four-day conference, which wrapped on Nov. 16, 2024, featured several dynamic discussions, including a fireside chat with actress, activist, and tech entrepreneur Angelica Ross . The “Pose” actress led an inspiring talk on creating access and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ talent in tech. Photo Credit: Benjamin Esakof “Unfortunately, what happens is America loves symbols of change and not real change. So they will pluck a few of us out of obscurity and make it look like change is happening. And now everybody who’s trans can kind of live this great life,” Ross shared. “But what you realize is, for the most part, celebrity separates us from reaching it. It no longer seems as accessible. So I have to model from my own experience and with TransTech that I’m someone who became successful. I also have to teeter this line to show what it...

Technology has undeniably transformed the world as we know it. However, rapper-turned-entrepreneur, filmmaker, comedian, and more, Clifford “Tip” Harris, emphasizes that no matter how far innovation advances, it can never replace the human emotions that ignite creativity. During the 2024 AFROTECH™ Conference, Harris took the Innovation Stage to discuss technological advancements and how he has remained authentic to himself and the community he has served for over two decades. When he first arrived on the scene in 1996, he befriended fellow Atlanta rapper Big Kuntry King, selling mixtapes out of the trunk of their cars in hopes of making it big. Initially, he was known to the world as Tip before changing his stage name to T.I. Today, aside from music, his portfolio includes filmmaking, restaurateur, and more. As one of the trailblazers of trap music, he is also the founder of Atlanta’s Trap Music Museum, an interactive cultural space that celebrates the history, evolution, and impact...

Civil rights leader Rashad Robinson and actor Kendrick Sampson had a much-needed conversation at the AFROTECH™ Conference 2024. During the fireside chat “We’ve Voted, Now What?,’” on Nov. 15, the two activists led a compelling discussion around post-election and reclaiming our power through infrastructure. Robinson served as the president at Color of Change for 13 years and is currently a board member of the Edward W. Hazen Foundation. With his expertise, Robinson shared his thoughts on what true power looks like for communities of color and the realities of who benefits from the lack thereof. “We have to get clear about power to know what we will do next,” Robinson shared. “When I think about power, I very much think about the ability to change the rules. Far too often, we mistake presence for power. Presence is visibility, awareness, retweets, shoutouts from the stage, etc. For example, we can sometimes think that a black president means that we’re in a post-racial world. Or when...

Nothing is more significant in this life than the love of a mother. Renowned musician will.i.am took a moment to shed light on how his mother’s sacrifices led to his success today during the AFROTECH™ 2024 Conference, Nov. 13-16. The innovative producer, visionary artist, and founding member of the Grammy Award-winning music group Black Eyed Peas opened up about his humble beginnings in a session on the main stage titled “CollaborA(I)te: Empowering Creative Connections.” “I remember my mom was like, ‘Wait, put your clothes on. You go up here to get our food stamps. Sit in this line to get this cheese.’ When you’re in the projects, and that’s your reality, standing in line to get government services, and you’re there and you’ve got dreams and you’re like one day, I want to move my mama out of these projfts, and you come outside, and your best friend that you grew up with is no longer with you because he got shot and you want to dream different — that’s where I get ambition from.”...

From one of the most impactful singles, “Where Is The Love,” to the catchy hit “Boom Boom Pow,” will.i.am has been an integral part of the music industry and still places a massive stamp on the world. As a member of the iconic music group Black Eyed Peas, the Grammy-Award winner has released many popular studio albums. Will.i.am has also played the role of record producer by working alongside other artists such as Michael Jackson, John Legend, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, and Kendrick Lamar, to name a few. Born William Adams, will.i.am grew up in Los Angeles, CA. He has always been encouraged to pursue music and stand out. His music career began in the eighth grade, performing with a group around the city. After becoming the Black Eyed Peas, their recognition continued to soar, which landed the group a contract with Interscope Records. The Black Eyed Peas released their first studio album, “Behind The Front” in 1998. With over 25 years in the music industry, will.i.am decided to expand...

Since August 2016, Nigerian-American rapper, director, and entrepreneur Tobechukwu “Tobe” Dubem Nwigwe has made an imprint in the music industry for his authentic “hood hymns,” visual storytelling, and integration of faith and family in his art. Nwigwe stopped by the AFROTECH™ Conference on Nov. 15 for the session, “Visionary Beats: Tobe Nwigwe on Visual Storytelling,” where he shared details about his creative process, the importance of living in your purpose, and how he wants to be a true example for his children and fans. Before Nwigwe became recognized as Grammy-nominated Best New Artist in 2023 and Webby Special Achievements award winner, he didn’t see himself as an artist growing up. The Houston, TX, native attended the University of North Texas and was on track to play for the NFL. However, after an unfortunate injury, he dove into different passions. Nwigwe told AFROTECH™ in an interview that he has always known who he is as a person. The originator just needed to figure out...

As the Chief Marketing Officer for Mars Wrigley North America, Gabrielle Wesley leads a multi-billion-dollar portfolio, exemplifying how Black women can thrive in the C-suite. Originally born on the south side of Chicago, Wesley expressed during the AFROTECH 2024 conference panel discussion, “Fueling Ambition For Women On The Rise,” that her desire to join marketing started after watching the 1992 film “Boomerang,” starring Eddie Murphy and Robin Givens. “When I saw people who looked like me doing marketing, doing advertising, leading big brands, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.” Wesley’s first job was as an intern in financial services at Northern Trust. While there, she met a woman named Jackie, who became her mentor for her confidence, leadership, and her way to command a room. After the internship, Wesley held roles in brand management at both food and beverage corporations, General Mills and ConAgra. With 20 years of experience, Wesley has managed a variety of brands,...

When Colin Kaepernick took a knee during a preseason game ahead of the 2016 NFL season, the world ran with narratives about his decision. Today, he has a platform that is helping people who look like him share their stories. Taking the stage at the 2024 AFROTECH™ Conference on Nov. 14, in Houston, TX, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback beamed with pride as he spoke to eager attendees about his platform Lumi, which uses artificial intelligence to provide marginalized creators with opportunities for independence so they can share the stories that oftentimes live in their heads with no place to go. Photo Credit: Benjamin Esakof “I’ve done the graphic novel. I’ve done a couple of children’s books, and typically, those processes from when a contract is signed to when it is released, is over two years,” Kaepernick told Brian Dixon, managing partner of Kapor Capital, during a fireside chat titled “AI’s Role in Revolutionizing the Future of Storytelling.” “Those projects need...