Why do we hold Black Tech Week in Miami?

Last year, when we were inviting speakers, we were asked by a major venture capitalist, “Why are you doing this in Miami and not in San Francisco?”

My answer is simple: This is my home, and I know that Miami will be a great example for the rest of the world on what a diverse start-up ecosystem can look like in the future.

But we have work to do.

We must increase “deal flow” in the black community using technology as the conduit to build better and stronger business that scale. This is our goal for Black Tech Week. With partners like the Knight Foundation, Simkins Foundation, Florida International University and Power Moves, we are working to get as many people as possible to become active members of the innovation economy.

We have to move from complaining about problems and use the tools and resources to solve issues.

Black Tech Week provides a magnetism for resources that haven’t been readily available to our community.

We have to change the narrative of the stories being told. We come from a rich history of change makers and trademark and patent holders. We buy and sell companies, we innovate, create and build.

Most important, we are all working toward something very special in South Florida by increasing the number of minorities entering and excelling in the STEM field and launching start-ups.

No matter who you are or what race you identify with, there is something for everyone during that week to catapult your ideas and support the ideas and dreams of others.

The idea of Black Tech Week is Black History Month 2.0. It’s to highlight people who have done some amazing things with technology and entrepreneurship.

As we celebrate them, let’s make sure we are equipping our community with all the tools and resources it needs to be able to not just participate in, but drive the innovation economy.

This story was originally published February 12, 2016 at 8:32 AM with the headline "Why do we hold Black Tech Week in Miami?."