Dexter Simms, an award-winning serial entrepreneur and community leader, is spearheading the UK’s first Black Tech Day event, with the support of TV personalities Emmanuel Asuquo and Big Narstie. The two-day interactive and educational tech-focused event is set to take place on 19th and 20th August at London South Bank University, aiming to inspire young individuals from underrepresented communities to explore careers in the tech industry.
With more than 40 speakers and special guests, Black Tech Day anticipates attracting 1600 attendees over the two days, making it one of the most significant annual community tech events in the region.
The event seeks to bring together young people, parents, and entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds and disadvantaged communities with leading experts to discuss the impact of technological advancement on the future of work.
As the UK Tech sector’s value reaches $1 trillion and is expected to grow to $4 trillion in the next decade, Black Tech Day aims to encourage more individuals from the BAME community to pursue tech careers and facilitate an increase in underrepresented demographics within the industry.
Currently, ethnic minorities represent only 22% of the tech workforce across the board, with even lower numbers in specific areas like cybersecurity (12%) and AI, analytics, data science, and data management (12%).
Dexter Simms’ vision to create equal opportunities for young people in South London and beyond inspired the idea behind Black Tech Day. He emphasises the lack of representation and access to technology, particularly within the Black community, and highlights the need for providing equal access to opportunities.
The event welcomes a diverse audience, including young people exploring tech careers, parents seeking insights into the impact of technological advancement on their children’s career options, business owners looking for tech solutions to grow their companies, and educational institutions connecting with prospective students for courses and apprenticeships.
Black Tech Day has attracted renowned speakers and panelists from around the world, such as Malik Stout – Executive Producer and Host of On The Bloc Chain Show and Yuvika Gupta – Mindset and Inspirational Speaker.
The event features an opening address by the Mayor of Croydon, a live FIFA gaming competition hosted by Big Narstie with a cash prize, and a live Q&A on finances with TV’s Emmanuel Asuquo. Panels will explore topics including the latest trends in Web 2 and Web 3 technologies, coding, and gamefi. A workshop on The Future of News will be hosted by The Guardian Foundation.
The event has garnered support from various organisations through sponsorship and collaborations, including Croydon College, LSBU, Mula Cake, NBA 2K, Capcom, Bandai Namco, GLA, and DWP.
Black Tech Day aims to provide a platform to explore cutting-edge technology, acquire valuable skills, and engage in interactive workshops, fostering the power of education, technology, and community to shape a brighter future for all.
For more information about the event, including the agenda and ticket purchase, visit: https://blacktechday.com/
