Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, founders of Black Tech Saturdays, are transforming Detroit’s tech scene by bridging the gap between technology and Black communities. With a mission to empower underrepresented founders, Black Tech Saturdays has grown from informal meetups to a thriving community that now offers certified skill training through a partnership with the University of Michigan. The initiative is a direct response to the stark lack of support and capital available to Black and Brown tech founders, who receive less than 1% of venture funding.

The Turnages’ journey began in the church and on doorsteps, where they honed their skills in organizing and community engagement. Their background in voter engagement and union organizing has informed their approach to building Black Tech Saturdays, emphasizing peer support and mentorship over traditional funding methods. “We act as a bridge to ensure our communities are in the rooms where decisions are made,” Johnnie Turnage explained, highlighting the community’s role in connecting founders to opportunities and resources.

Black Tech Saturdays has also had a significant impact on policy, influencing city and state-level decisions in just two years. This rapid growth and influence demonstrate the power of community-driven initiatives in overcoming systemic barriers. The Turnages’ approach is rooted in the belief that technology can be a powerful tool for scaling individual genius and creating change, something that earlier generations of Detroit’s engineers and tradespeople did not have access to.

Corporate partnerships have played a crucial role in expanding the reach of Black Tech Saturdays, but the founders prioritize alignment and meaningful collaboration. “It’s not just about finding a win-win, but asking the right questions to ensure that partnerships serve the community,” Alexa Turnage said. One such partnership with the Gilbert Family Foundation resulted in a laptop giveaway, providing over 100 devices to community members last year. This initiative underscores the community’s commitment to addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term technological literacy and innovation.

The resilience and dedication of the Turnages exemplify the strength of the Black community in Detroit. By leveraging their organizing skills and building bridges between people and opportunity, they are helping to revitalize the city’s tech scene and ensure that Black voices are heard in conversations about technology and investment.

Originally reported by Rolling Out