Dr. Tori Brown, the founder of Fresh Digital Media, is the latest founder to join Apple’s Entrepreneur camp. Fresh Digital Media, founded in 2018 by psychologist and business consultant Dr. Tori Brown, is a social tech enterprise providing business education to children and families. The company works to engage and support communities’ business education and financial literacy using augmented reality (AR), interactive learning content, and music and art entertainment. Dr. Tori Brown will join a cohort of 17 developers as part of Apple’s Entrepreneur camp and gain insight and inspiration from top
According to a new report by Harvard researchers, overlooked Black businesses that added a ‘Black-owned’ label to their online shop saw a significant increase in sales last year. Many tech platforms, including Yelp, Amazon, and Instagram, have introduced a new feature with the aim of helping Black-owned businesses get the spotlight they deserve – but do they actually work? Since the feature has been rolled out, many have questioned whether it works or would prove problematic for smaller businesses in the future. However, Harvard says this feature has proved to be highly beneficial for Black-owned
Tech powerhouse Google has shared how it is working towards racial equity to celebrate Black History month. From prioritizing product inclusion to partnering with Black businesses and highlighting Black history – Google has spent the past few years highlighting the culture and the work of Black innovators. Showcasing Black creators Last year, Google partnered with three non-profit organizations to launch the Image Equity Fellowship. The project supported 20 Black and brown artists through their artistic journeys. The tech giant helped them receive unrestricted funding, mentorship support, and workshops to help them
To increase AI representation in Africa, DeepMind partnered with The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences to launch a new AI for Science Masters program in Africa. DeepMind, a cutting-edge AI company compromised of scientists, engineers, and researchers, is committed to using science to help benefit humanity. The AI company believes an essential part of the program’s development will be its expansion to different countries. To achieve this, DeepMind has launched a scholarship program to ensure AI technologies are built to benefit everyone. The scholarship program will provide talented students from
Sparkee, a Black woman-owned tech company, is revolutionizing how we charge our phones. Their new product – which is currently available for pre-order – is the fastest charging device for those constantly on the go. It is compatible with all phone models and holds two USB-C Ports, allowing users to charge three devices simultaneously. The Sparkee device is the sleekest device modernizing how we charge our phones through its wire-free programming, giving users multiple ways to charge their devices. It takes away the idea of having to “put your phone
A new report by Catalyst examining the experience women from marginalized ethnic groups have in the workplace has given a voice to those in the corporate world who often go unheard. What did Catalyst’s exposé reveal? The detailed report by Samantha E. Erskine, Ph.D., Sheila Brassel, Ph.D., and Kathrine Robotham, Ph.D., analyzed the experiences of 2,734 Black and brown working women based in Australia, Canada, South Africa, U.K., and the U.S. The researchers investigated their experiences’ similarities and differences to properly understand their view of the corporate world. The report aims to
To commemorate Black History Month, we have been spotlighting the Black pioneers in tech who have paved the way for up-and-coming Black technologists. From completely revolutionizing the technology world to creating the everyday tech items we can’t live without today. As a collective, this group has helped inspire a whole generation of Black professionals in tech. So, let’s meet them. Frank Greene Frank Greene was one of the first Black technologists who broke new ground for Black engineers to break into Silicon Valley in the 1960s. Greene wore many hats throughout
David Balogun is raising the standard of Black excellence for all of us. The nine-year-old Pennsylvania native has made history as one of the youngest-ever high school graduates. According to reports, Balogun received a diploma from Reach Cyber Charter school, confirming his place as the second youngest child to graduate high school. Balogun has also been one step ahead of the game. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the 9-year-old scholar finished with over a 4.0 GPA, reports Business Insider. “When we tested him for giftedness in first grade, he had already passed
NASA has announced plans to award eight HBCUs $11.7 million through its Data Science Equity, Access, and Priority in Research and Education (DEAP) opportunity. The selected HBCU institutions will be picked by the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) and the Science Mission Directorate, who will work alongside NASA to launch the DEAP opportunity. “The increasing use of data science at NASA and beyond really drives home the need for a future workforce with data science knowledge,” said Mike Kincaid, associate administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. “With our newest collaboration, NASA
According to a new survey from Shopify, Black businesses contribute significantly to the company, yet they still struggle to get funding. The barriers Black-owned businesses face Black-owned businesses face many barriers that limit their growth, including a need for more access to capital funding and investments. Not only does this make it harder for them to succeed, but it also limits their growth potential. Despite racial and social justice movements catalyzing public support for Black businesses over recent years, minority founders have been left with unfulfilled promises of investments from banks,
