The summit is part of the larger ForbesBLK brand, a new community the business publication launched this May to bring together black entrepreneurs and leaders from around the world.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Forbes recognizing Atlanta and bringing its event here means a lot to Atlanta and to our black businesses and those who aspire to be black entrepreneurs. is a lot That means Atlanta is getting noticed and on the map.
The summit started on Sunday evening with a welcome party. Monday featured panels that drew professionals from a wide range of industries. The day began with a fireside chat with actress Lala Anthony, discussing her career path from radio intern in Atlanta to film and television.
Other panels included one on the business of sports, featuring executives from various NBA teams, to DEI officials from Google, Microsoft and AT&T discussing corporate diversification strategies.
Rana Coleman is a Detroit-based attorney, entrepreneur, and member of ForbesBLK. He traveled to Atlanta for the first time just to attend the summit.
“For us to be the focal point, I thought it was too bad,” Coleman said.
The summit was also the site of a surprise announcement: Philadelphia-based real estate investment firm The Steinbridge Group announced it will invest $100 million in HBCUs to help them manage their land holdings, although the exact details of the investment remain unclear. Not yet determined. . Tawan Davis, founding partner and CEO of Steinbridge, said he hopes to work with Atlanta schools.
In some sessions there were unexpected noises. Entertainer and entrepreneur Nick Cannon spoke on a panel about doing business in Africa. He talked about how his relationship with the continent has evolved from purely philanthropic to developing his own brand of hip-hop comedy, Wild N Out. Cannon said he had discussions with Nigerian contacts about possible expansion.
ForbesBLK editorial director Jabari Young helped plan the meeting, though he originally planned to take it to Washington. But former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed helped Young bring the conference to the city.
We wanted to make sure we represented Atlanta for what it is to kick off this event. If you’re trying to dismiss Atlanta because it’s not a place for black entrepreneurs to thrive, then you’re not reading the city right, Young said.
Young said Forbes is about educating its audience about the people they need to know. He sees ForbesBLK as a way to expand this lens.
He said, I feel like there are enough black people in 2023 that you need to know and I’m going to find them.
The summit also featured a bazaar that included several local black businesses, such as Atlanta clothing retailer Dayo Women.
Local business leaders were also present throughout the day, such as Pat Adams, global head of supplier diversity at Equifax, and Melvin Coleman, president and CEO of the Atlanta Black Chamber, who discussed how businesses can secure potentially lucrative supplier contracts with large businesses. Spoke.
Although next year’s conference has not yet been set, Young said it will likely be held in Atlanta.
He said this is where he was born. And hopefully this is where it will grow.
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