The energy was electric at The Gathering Spot on February 1st, 2025, as over 350 members of the Atlanta Black Tech community gathered for our inaugural Town Hall, proudly sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. This year’s event was more than just a meeting—it was a movement.

Under the theme “Imagining Better Economic Mobility”, this year’s Town Hall centered on how we, as a collective, can create greater access, opportunities, and pathways to success within Atlanta’s Black tech ecosystem. Inspired by the empowering anthem “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” by Nas, the discussions and ideas shared throughout the event reflected an aspirational yet actionable vision for an equitable innovation landscape.

Attendees participated in community input sessions focused on:

• K-12 Computer Science Education – Enhancing access to CS education for Black students
• Tech Workforce Development – Closing the employment gap and advancing Black professionals in tech
• Startups & Investing – Increasing funding and support for Black startup founders

Throughout the event, more than 40 community members shared their initiatives, projects, and ideas on stage, while over 200 ideas were submitted online. From innovative mentorship programs to new ways to support Black-owned tech startups, the passion and ingenuity of our community were on full display.

The audience poll responses provided valuable insights into the sentiments and aspirations of the Atlanta Black Tech community. The most frequently mentioned themes were “create,” “community,” and “connect”, reflecting a strong desire for increased opportunities, collaboration, and deeper engagement.

Many respondents expressed excitement and optimism about the future but also called for more resources, support, and intentional efforts to drive systemic change. A recurring theme was the need to create stronger networks and pathways for Black professionals in tech, reinforcing that connectivity and access remain critical factors for success. Additionally, some attendees highlighted that while Atlanta’s Black tech ecosystem is growing, it must continue evolving to become more inclusive, competitive, and supportive of Black founders and job seekers.

These insights reinforce the importance of our 2025 Community Action Plan, ensuring that our collective efforts align with the needs and ambitions voiced by the community. As we analyze all submitted ideas, we will prioritize initiatives that foster economic mobility, increase tech access, and drive sustainable impact across the ecosystem.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the evening was the overwhelming response to calls for action. Many attendees signed up to:

• Speak to K-12 students about careers in tech
• Moderate channels in the Atlanta Black Tech Slack group to foster year-round engagement
• Become dinner hosts to cultivate deeper connections within the community
• And much more

But this is just the beginning. We are currently reviewing all submitted ideas and will be developing a Community Action Plan for 2025. This plan will prioritize initiatives that can drive the most impact, leveraging the insights and commitments from our incredible network of changemakers.

Over the next few weeks, we will analyze all the input received, identify key themes, and outline next steps. Our goal is to present a clear, actionable roadmap that reflects the collective vision of our community.

Stay tuned for updates on the 2025 Community Action Plan and ways to get involved. If you weren’t able to attend but still want to contribute, you can submit your ideas online or sign up to volunteer.

Together, we are not just imagining a better future—we are building it. Let’s continue the momentum and make 2025 a defining year for Atlanta’s Black tech community.

Want to stay connected? Join the conversation in our Atlanta Black Tech community and follow us on LinkedIn for more updates!