Downtown Miami Has A New Black-Owned Tech Hub
The Source, a new Black-owned tech center in downtown Miami, opened its doors last month.
The Source Tech Hub
Spearheaded by Miami Gardens native Ted Lucas and his business partner Hilmon Sorey, this new center represents a significant shift in the city’s tech landscape.
Lucas, the founder of Slip-N-Slide Records, and Sorey, a seasoned venture capitalist with notable investments in companies like Uber and Lyft, envision The Source as a beacon of hope and opportunity.
“If you look like me, I want to see how you are going to help my community,” Lucas told the Miami Herald.
A unique blend of accelerators, workshops, and networking opportunities, The Source is designed to cultivate local tech talent and support students, startups, and small businesses.
Its establishment aligns with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez’s vision of transforming the city into a tech haven.
Lucas’s engagement with Mayor Suarez during the COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in shaping this vision, focusing on how Black residents could actively participate in Miami’s burgeoning tech scene.
The Source’s Impact
The impact of The Source is palpable with Desiray Malcolm, a single mother from Miami Gardens.
According to the Miami Herald, Malcolm transitioned from warehousing to account management at Kaseya, which is a testament to this.
After participating in a tech boot camp at Florida Memorial University, Malcolm’s career trajectory changed dramatically, encapsulating the transformative potential of The Source.
“They say this is the beginning for The Source, but I feel like we’ve already taken off,” she said.
Featured image credit: Alie Skowronski
