AfroTech Convention heads to Austin for first in-person occasion since 2019 • TechCrunch

The AfroTech Convention, one of many nation’s most outstanding Black tech gatherings, will contact down in Austin on November 13 for its first in-person occasion since 2019.

The occasion is placed on yearly by the publication AfroTech, with this yr’s theme being web3. Excessive-profile audio system for the convention embody NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, billionaire Mark Cuban, and “enterprise rapitivist” — VC and rapper — Chamillionaire, who will talk about brand-building and investments. Different audio system embody 15 % Pledge founder Aurora James, Profession Karma CEO Ruben Harris, and Backstage Capital founder Arlan Hamilton.

Chatting with TechCrunch, Morgan DeBaun, the co-founder and CEO of AfroTech’s father or mother firm, Blavity, stated this yr’s occasion goals to bridge the hole between music, tradition, expertise, and fintech. It’s added new periods and programming to assist construct the abilities of attendees in varied technical positions and can host workshops on the right way to discover mentors and advisers.

“Tech continues to be the fastest-growing business on the earth,” DeBaun instructed TechCrunch. “We need to guarantee that our neighborhood isn’t just getting the early profession jobs, however truly making it throughout the profession ladder.”

In contrast to many different tech conferences, tradition and music play a central position at AfroTech. DeBaun stated her purpose was to make the occasion as entertaining as doable, and music is a defining characteristic of African American tradition. There might be reside musical performances from artists like Bia, Wale, and Zaytoven, and Disney will premiere “Black Panther: Wakanda Ceaselessly.”