Photo credit: Dr. Dawn Batts, originally published in the Michigan Chronicle.
When I first sat in on a Black Tech Saturdays (BTS) event, there were maybe 20 of us in the room, each carrying our own questions, ideas, and quiet ambition. I was curious, but reserved, simply trying to take it all in. I didn’t know exactly what I was walking into, but I knew I wanted to be there.
What stood out most wasn’t only the content, it was the energy. The way people shared resources without hesitation. The sense of ease and belonging. It wasn’t about ego or hierarchy. It was about building something and doing it as a community. It was a space where Black brilliance wasn’t just welcomed, it was nurtured.
Since then, I’ve watched BTS grow into a full-blown movement, a catalyst for innovation, empowerment, and real opportunity. Right here in Detroit.
Last fall (2024), I even had the opportunity to sign up my cousin up for a free laptop, who could use it for school and personal use. That moment didn’t only reflect generosity, it revealed the core of what BTS is about: equity, access, and community in action.
A Movement Born From Conversation
BTS was co-founded by Johnnie and Alexa Turnage in February 2023 after a casual Saturday meetup with friends. That single conversation, centered on opportunity, tech equity, and community, laid the groundwork for what would become a weekly event at Newlab at Michigan Central.
Their vision was simple: build a space where Black founders, technologists, creatives, and investors could come together consistently, free of gatekeeping, to build the future together.
From Five to 15,000 Plus
By September 2023, attendance had ballooned to over 500 people per Saturday. By the end of 2024, BTS had engaged more than 15,000 individuals through workshops, pitch nights, expos, and more.
But, the impact went far beyond attendance, real outcomes were taking shape:
- JustAir, an environmental tech company, landed a $2.7 million contract with Wayne County.
- Founders like those behind Ecosphere Organics received grants, exposure, and traction through BTS’s support.
- Attendees moved from idea to prototype, or from side hustle to scalable startup and often within months.
I’ve watched all of this unfold with pride, having witnessed its earliest stage. The momentum is real, and the outcomes are tangible.
Inside the BTS Ecosystem
BTS is more than an event, here’s what BTS has to offer:
Workshops and Training
From entry-level coding and data visualization to funding strategy and public speaking, BTS’s rotating workshops are led by local experts, startup founders, and investors who look like us.
Pitch Practice and Competitions
Participants have the chance to fine-tune their business ideas, pitch in front of live audiences, and win funding. The vibe is high-energy, collaborative—not shark tank, but community tank.
Mentorship and Career Support
Whether you’re a high school student or mid-career professional pivoting into tech, BTS connects you with real mentors and actionable opportunities.
Grant Database Access
BTS curates and maintains a growing database of local and national funding opportunities for founders, creatives, and community builders. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, it’s a valuable tool to help secure the capital you need to grow.
Co-Working and Resources
With the expansion into Michigan Central’s innovation district, BTS now includes dedicated co-working space, conference rooms, and access to startup resources.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your venture, BTS makes it easy to plug in:
Attend a Saturday Event
Held weekly at Newlab, events are open to the public and always free. Expect good vibes, real knowledge, and connections that matter.
Join a Workshop or Mentorship Track
Ready to level up? BTS offers tracks for leadership, business development, and tech literacy—whether you’re building from scratch or scaling.
Volunteer, Partner, or Sponsor
BTS thrives on collaboration. If you want to pour into the next generation or help shape the future of inclusive innovation, they’re always looking for mentors, educators, and sponsors.
Upcoming Events
If you’re looking for the perfect moment to tap into the energy of Black Tech Saturdays, mark your calendar. These upcoming events are shaping up to be some of the year’s most exciting opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.
[BTS Virtual AI Series] Navigating the Legal Frontier
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Virtual)
A virtual session hosted by Black Tech Saturdays focusing on responsible AI for startups, featuring legal insights and community engagement.
Tech Homecoming Happy Hour
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Empire Kitchen & Cocktails, 3148 Woodward Ave, Detroit
A pre-Thanksgiving networking celebration blending Detroit’s tech, creative, and entrepreneur communities with art, live interviews, and upscale cocktails.
Black Tech Saturdays Holiday Celebration
December 13, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
More than just a festive wrap-up, this annual gathering is a chance to reflect on the year’s wins, honor community milestones, and celebrate the brilliance that fuels BTS. Expect music, laughter, food, and inspiration—plus the kind of warmth that makes Detroit feel like home.
Follow the Movement
Stay tapped in with updates, event drops, and success stories:
Instagram: @blacktechsaturdays
LinkedIn: Black Tech Saturdays
Website: blacktechsaturdays.com
Lence in Layers 