Building Futures, Grounded In Legacy
Jan 6, 2025: NTIA has recommended over $250M in Digital Equity Act awards. The National Black Tech Ecosystem Association is recommended to receive $11.9M to support building a national Black Tech Ecosystem.
Read press release and blog
Redefining Tech Through Black Joy
#BlackTechFutures Research Institute drives Black innovation, digital justice, and Black Joy. With its mission to "Build Black DREAMS, Champion Black Futures, and Amplify Black JOY," the Institute empowers Black communities and other historically marginalized communities to lead and own their tech narratives through data-driven research like the Black Tech Ecosystem Index and the Black Women Public Interest Tech Report. By dreaming of freedom, celebrating progress, fostering conversations on BTF Research Institute, and dismantling systemic barriers, it builds thriving tech ecosystems where Black communities flourish as architects of an equitable, joyful digital future.
Charting Our Future
At the heart of innovation, BTF Research Institute has developed the Black Tech Ecosystem Index (BTE Index)—a transformative tool designed to measure and strengthen local tech ecosystems in predominantly Black cities. By analyzing six critical subsystems—from K–12 education to Critical Black Digital Infrastructure—the BTE Index empowers policymakers, nonprofits, and community leaders to create targeted solutions that close the racial tech gap.
Creating Pathways for Public Interest Technology
We are building a future where technology works for everyone by advancing Black Public Interest Technology and addressing the digital divide. Through partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African American Churches, we empower leaders who merge technology with social justice. By training students and professionals, especially in social sciences and humanities, we create ethical technology, fairer data practices, and stronger community networks. Together, we’re building a vibrant Black Tech Ecosystem that celebrates Black Joy, drives innovation, and fosters a fairer digital world for all.
Black Women Public Interest Technologists
Sistas 4 Digital Equity (S4DE) empowers Black women public interest technologists by addressing systemic barriers and fostering leadership, innovation, and community advocacy. It provides mentorship, skill-building workshops, and supportive networks to help Black women lead in digital equity while navigating societal and professional challenges.
We stand on the shoulders of those who championed collective power—now let’s revolutionize the future together, with joy and purpose.
Co-Dreaming with Global Communities
The BTF Research Institute is advancing a global model that "co-dreams" with Historically Disadvantaged communities and Institutions through partnerships in Pakistan, South Africa, Colombia, Rwanda, the US Virgin Islands, and Kenya. By fostering collaboration and dismantling systemic barriers, the initiative ensures Black and marginalized communities lead in shaping a culturally rich, ethical, inclusive tech future.
