Black Tech Saturdays (BTS), an initiative propelling Detroit’s Black tech entrepreneurs, has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the Gilbert Family Foundation. This two-year funding will enable BTS to widen its scope of support through increased access to mentorship, capital, and essential resources for local innovators who participate in its workshops. Investing in Detroit’s Black Tech Community Founded in April 2023 by husband-and-wife team Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, BTS has quickly become a hub for budding entrepreneurs, drawing hundreds each week to its Saturday events. This grant will be
Black Tech Saturdays is an initiative amplifying Black representation in technology, originated from the vision of Detroit-based couple Johnnie and Alexa Turnage. Inspired by the tech ecosystem in Baltimore and guided by the equitech framework, the Turnages expanded their mission to cultivate wealth and community for Black tech professionals. This movement is not just about fostering professional connections; it embodies the pursuit of “Black joy” – the freedom to pursue dreams with creativity and impact. The Detroit-Baltimore Connection With a background in grassroots organizing and influenced by Dug Song, co-chair of
EvenScore, co-founded by Johnnie Turnage and Averett Barksdale, is on a mission to revolutionize voters’ experience by making a system that creates an “even score” when it comes to fundraising for political or non-profit candidates. What is EvenScore? EvenScore’s app aims to “bring more transparency to donations.” Voters can rank campaigns and keep across the different movements they have contributed to. EvenScore also makes it easier for political candidates to share their campaigns online. Voters on the app will also be able to see donor profiles, a photo of the candidate, and more
