A Blog post by Senior Communications Officer, Mariama Dibba Manka
Attending Black Tech Fest 2024 was an uplifting experience. Over 7,000 people gathered to celebrate innovation, culture, and diversity, and the event showcased Black talent in tech. Organised by Colorintech and supported by major players like Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Google, and Uber, the festival wasn’t just about tech—it was about driving change and making space for everyone.
The event included some standout names, like Maggie Jones, Labour Peer and Minister for the Future Digital Economy, and Rapman, creator of the Netflix series Supacell, who shared their insights and experiences.
Representation Matters
It was inspiring to see diverse voices leading discussions on the future of tech. Many panels emphasised that inclusive leadership isn’t just about hiring diverse teams; it’s about building a culture where all perspectives are valued and welcomed.
At Skills and Education Group, we are committed to this approach by promoting professional development that champions diversity and inclusion in education and training. Our programmes, such as the Emerging Leaders Programme is designed not only to equip educators with the necessary skills but also to inspire them to cultivate inclusive environments that empower all learners. By integrating these principles into our mission, we are paving the way for a future where every voice is heard and valued.
Inclusive Innovation Is a Must
Speakers highlighted the importance of ensuring tech works for all communities, not just a few. From education to job opportunities, access to technology has a huge impact on people’s lives. The festival featured stories of those working to close the digital divide—through skills training, affordable tech access, and policy change. There’s still work to do, but the commitment to making tech more equitable was clear.
Networking and New Connections
One of the best parts of Black Tech Fest was connecting with others who share the same vision. It wasn’t just about connecting on LinkedIn but about building relationships that could spark collaboration, mentorship, and new ideas. The buzz in the room made it easy to connect, learn, and grow.
Overall, Black Tech Fest 2024 was a strong reminder that we need to keep pushing for a world where everyone can belong, contribute, and succeed—across tech and every other industry. The future is diverse, and events like this help ensure it stays that way.
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to reflect on the significance of including diverse voices in our communities.
Real inclusion means involving diverse voices in decision-making and creating environments where everyone can thrive.
This really highlights the crucial role diversity plays in fostering creativity and innovation.
We also need to remember that promoting team happiness is essential.
Team happiness needs to be a metric - When teams are diversified, you're more likely to feel safer as an individual.
By recognising and valuing our differences, we create a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Let’s use this month as an opportunity to champion inclusivity and ensure that every voice is heard and valued.
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