AfroTech: Where Culture Meets Intellect
On the surface, AfroTech is an annual technology conference focused on bridging the gap between tech and African Americans. Hosted by Blavity, AfroTech took place for the third time this year in San Francisco, CA as “ the revolutionary experience for Black techies, startups, and entrepreneurs”.
As someone who is not a software engineer or IT analyst, I didn’t think I belonged at this conference. I am a cosmetic chemist responsible for formulating hair color products – a role void of computer science or a need to be technology savvy. With honest hesitation, I did decide to attend AfroTech since I had some friends attend last year who enjoyed it. Although I am not in the technology space per se, I felt as a fellow person in STEM I could very much relate to the content being presented and decided to take a leap.
My experience at AfroTech this year, is one that I am proud to say has been truly life-changing. AfroTech serves as the perfect mixture of Black culture and intellect. Never in my twenty-three years of life have I had the opportunity to be immersed with such intellectuals from the black community. As this was my first time in the Bay Area, I was completely impressed. Big names such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and LinkedIn among others were present and willing to recruit talent emphasized on increasing diversity.
SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS:
STAYING AUTHENTIC IN A DIGITAL AGE
I am glad I didn’t let my insecurities stop me from this experience. While attending the conference I learned about new startups changing the future of autonomous driving. I listened to a panel discussion featuring Common who highlighted the importance of pursing all your interests and not limiting your skill set. As someone who is interested in many fields like cosmetics, travel, and mentoring this gave me a sense of encouragement. I heard from various speakers at workshop sessions that further highlighted the strength of following your dreams.
I was able to not only attend the conference but to attend networking sessions hosted by Google, Amazon, and RGA. Learning about the new technologies that Google is developing further peaked my interest in the company. It is at these extra events where all the fun (networking) happens. I met person after person, who were either entrepreneurs, employees at startups, or recruiters at large tech companies all present to bask in our Black excellence.
An Evening with Google & YouTube
As one who believes I innately possess #blackgirlmagic, being in a room with like-minded and like-achieved people reinforced that the work that I do is worth it. It was refreshing and motivating to be in a space where my color or intellect didn’t make anyone nervous. Instead we reveled on our unique career experiences, our dreams of the future, and the marvel that is San Francisco.
If I could explain my feeling after attending, it is that I’m feeling resilient. Saying anything is possible is so cliché but it is really that when I think about the different areas of which I’m involved, and working towards that they are cultivating me to take on a big challenge. AfroTech was so inspiring that it helped me realize the powerfulness of just being a black intellectual.
I must say I am already looking forward to attending again in 2019.
If you attended AfroTech this year, leave your comments on your experience!