We obtained $2 million from Black Tech Saturdays to further their efforts in Detroit.
# Black Tech Saturdays Celebrates Detroit’s Tech Talent with a Big Grant, March 28th[Link:](https://urbangeekz.com/2025/09/black-tech-saturdays-2m-detroit/)
Black Tech Saturdays, a program hosted by Michigan State University’s Tech and Science initiatives, has received $2 million from The Knight Foundation to continue its mission of inspiring Black tech talent and fostering innovation in Detroit. This month, the event will take place on March 28th at Michigan State University, where students, educators, and professionals gather to share knowledge, showcase Black tech innovations, and build a stronger tech ecosystem in the city.
## Why Detroit?
Detroit has long been home to some of the best tech industries in the nation, but its growing talent pool is more diverse than ever. Detroit’s vibrant arts scene, supportive universities (including Michigan State), and thriving business environment make it an ideal location for events like Black Tech Saturdays, which aim to connect people from all walks of life to opportunities in technology and innovation.
## The $2 Million Grant: Why It Matters
The $2 million grant from The Knight Foundation will be used to support multiple initiatives within the Detroit chapter of Black Tech Saturdays. These include:
1. Workshops and Competitions: The event will feature hands-on workshops, design challenges, and coding competitions for students across different levels of education.
2. Expert Talks and Panel Discussions: Experts from academia, industry, and the arts will share their experiences with Black tech professionals and inspire attendees to consider pursuing their interests in technology.
3. Guest Speakers and Panels: The event will host panel discussions featuring speakers from different fields (e.g., artists, entrepreneurs) who will discuss how Black tech can shape the future of Detroit’s economy and community.
4. Public Spaces and Events: Michigan State University has been designated as a public art museum, which will be a focal point for events like the "Black Tech Art & Design Festival" and the "Tech+Community Project."
5. Community Engagement: The event will include live streams with discussions, debates, and activities that bring Black tech talent together with students from across Detroit.
## What to Expect at Black Tech Saturdays
Black Tech Saturdays is not just a one-time event—它持续到 Michigan State University’s Student Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Annual Conference. The goal is to build momentum and expand visibility of Black tech talent in the region, inspiring students, professionals, and families alike to embrace their potential as technology leaders.
The $2 million grant will support live events like:
- A full-day event featuring workshops on coding, design, and entrepreneurship.
- A Saturday-long competition where participants can showcase their work through creative projects.
- A panel discussion featuring experts discussing the role of Black tech in addressing local challenges.
- Opportunities for students to connect with guest speakers from various fields.
## The Impact
This is just the beginning. Detroit’s tech community is already thriving, and The Knight Foundation’s $2 million grant will further support efforts to amplify that growth. By providing resources and opportunities, this initiative aims to inspire Black tech talent in a city where diversity is so crucial for innovation and economic success.
The event also aligns with broader goals of creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem in Detroit. By fostering collaboration between students and professionals, the event will help build a stronger, more vibrant community that thrives on technology.
In just three months, Black Tech Saturdays already has 250 attendees registered, with plans to grow further. The $2 million grant will continue to support this program as it continues to shine, making Detroit’s tech scene even more vibrant and inspiring for years to come.
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