Josh Rodgers

Black culture has long been a driving force in shaping fashion, yet that influence is not fully represented in the industry's creative leadership. According to data from Zippia.com , only 7.3% of American fashion designers are Black. McDonald's Change of Fashion program is committed to addressing this disparity and helping to elevate Black talent within the fashion industry. By working with five rising fashion designers, matched with five Black industry experts, the Change of Fashion program includes a year-long mentorship filled with access to valuable resources, education, and national exposure to industry experts, including the launch of a capsule collection.

This year's convening is pivotal for Black tech innovators and inclusive tech companies. The annual gathering offers attendees a platform to engage in technical deep dives, participate in learning labs, and seize networking opportunities with industry leaders. It also aims to foster a community for Black tech professionals and provide dynamic programming on emerging trends as well as facilitate conversations with top tech recruiters.

When it comes to AFROTECH™, think of its offerings like an Oprah Winfrey giveaway. Everyone gets a session.

Who ever thought the end of AFROTECH™ 2024 would evoke the feels of Boyz II Men's classic “It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday”? And now that

During AFROTECH™ Conference 2024, Nov. 13-16, Moore brought some perspectives to the Innovation Stage , joining Jeff Nelson, co-founder and COO of Blavity Inc., for a fireside chat called “Work, Wages, and Wealth: State-Led Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact.” While there he discussed navigating Maryland's political shift after a Republican administration and how his “work, wages, and wealth” mantra drives equitable economic growth. A core part of Moore's administration is also working to fulfill his vision of making Maryland an innovation hub.

“Houston, we have a problem” took on an entirely new meaning as AFROTECH™ Conference 2024 transformed the city into a hub of innovation and inspiration. Over 37,000 participants, 237 dynamic speakers, and 168 leading corporations came together to create a groundbreaking experience that redefined networking and collaboration. Over four electric days, Houston became the epicenter of innovation, wealth-building, and culture. From groundbreaking tech demos to impactful conversations on economic empowerment, AFROTECH™ delivers it all with unmatched innovation and purpose. Innovation at the Forefront This year’s conference lived up to its promise, showcasing the forefront of technological innovation. Attendees got a first-hand look at product demos from SnapChat, showcasing its latest hardware, and NVIDIA, which wowed the crowd with groundbreaking 3D imaging technology. The Learning Labs offered AI demonstrations and outlooks for the future, with Google unveiling its advanced Gemini AI...

A game changer is someone who, through their successful impact, changes the trajectory of an industry. In the world of live streaming, “Kai Cenat” and “game changer” have become synonymous. According to CNBC, the 22-year-old streamer reportedly shattered the boundaries of live streaming with his “Mafiathon 2,” a continuous 30-day broadcast that captivated millions and set a new Twitch subscriber record. “Mafiathon 2” was a subathon — a format where each new subscription extends the stream’s duration — broadcasting 24/7 throughout November 2024. By the conclusion of it, Cenat had 50 million unique viewers and an estimated 727,700 subscribers tuned in. Tech Times reports that this number surpasses the previous record of 326,250 held by virtual streamer Ironmouse. “I love y’all so much,” Cenat said during the concluding moments of the 30-day event, per Tech Times. “Without y’all, I am nothing.” Twitch subscriptions are typically priced at $4.99 per month, offering perks like ad-free...

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Remember when teachers used to warn us not to let one bad apple spoil the bunch? Now, amplify that idea by millions. Imagine the impact of that spoiled apple hitting some groups harder than others. That’s exactly what Black creators face with the looming TikTok in the United States. Like most things in the United States, when things go south, they disproportionately impact the Black community. And with Black creators having a history of overcoming barrier after barrier to have their content seen and valued, the removal of a major social platform will be catastrophic for some. TikTok: A Stage For The Unseen For Black creators, TikTok has been a platform that provided opportunities for visibility and reach that many creators couldn’t find elsewhere. It’s where viral dances, cultural commentary, and grassroots movements can exist side by side. It’s where creators like Khaby Lame, who broke barriers...

As the U.S. government inches closer to banning TikTok, its millions of American users are left with pressing questions: Will the app still work?

Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, is at the center of one of the most debated tech platforms in the world. Born and raised in Singapore, Chew’s career spans finance and tech leadership, bringing a mix of expertise and experience to the table as TikTok faces significant global challenges. From Singapore to Global Business According to Business Insider, Chew earned a degree in economics from University College London and later completed his MBA at Harvard Business School — he also interned at Facebook his first year at Harvard. He began his career at Goldman Sachs in investment banking before transitioning to DST Global, where he worked on major investments, including one in ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. Chew later served as chief financial officer of Xiaomi, a Chinese electronics company known for its affordable smartphone devices. During his tenure, Xiaomi expanded its global footprint and went public in 2018. His experience in managing high-growth companies positioned him for...