=Space | newark

As the founder of EqualSpace, I believe it’s vital to recognize the role Black innovation has played throughout history. From the invention of the light switch to Uncle Nearest’s whiskey legacy, Black people have always created out of scarcity. What’s truly driven us, though, is our collective momentum, built through coalition and collaboration. That’s what Newark Tech Week, powered by EqualSpace and Newark Symphony Hall’s Black Creative Economy, is all about.

When I spoke with Talia Young, CEO of Newark Symphony Hall, we agreed that our community’s progress relies on gathering, quantifying our power, and identifying gaps in support. By formalizing a Think Tank format, we can bring together the invaluable experiences of tech innovators and amplify the voices that matter most. And this year, Newark Tech Week reached new heights with an incredible keynote from Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize. She is blazing a trail that amplifies our collective brilliance and opens doors for others to follow.

The Black Creative Economy and Think Tank Black challenge the misconception that we aren’t advancing despite systemic disinvestment. As the refounder of Newark Tech Week, I believe now is the time to share our journeys—highlighting the struggles, the victories, and the progress we’ve made together. It’s about creating real, collective change in Newark and beyond.

Black communities have always been at the forefront of innovation—from George Washington Carver’s agricultural revolution to Mark Dean’s role in inventing the personal computer. Today, organizations like EqualSpace continue to build on that legacy, providing a platform for Black entrepreneurs and tech innovators to thrive.

By working alongside Newark Symphony Hall and Think Tank Black, we’re ensuring Black innovators in Newark are not only recognized but given the space and resources to lead. Together, we can continue shaping a future rooted in creativity, equity, and tech-driven social change. Let’s keep showing up and building the spaces where Black brilliance can shine.

A premium sharespace created with multicultural business owners in mind, =SPACE provides resources for startups, coaching for tech companies, and access to minority business owners. We believe that access + resources = SPACE & Opportunities.

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