In light of the growing movement advocating for Black communities to embrace technology as a critical tool for economic liberation and future prosperity, Tyrance Billingsley II, a Tulsan entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and community leader, delivered a compelling TEDx talk. In his speech, he delved into the rich history of Black Wall Street and the tragic events of the Tulsa Race Massacre, emphasizing the need for a modern revival—what he calls “Black Tech Street.” Billingsley envisions this initiative as not only a tribute to the past but a blueprint for empowering Black people to build generational wealth and global influence through the tech industry.
Billingsley II, who is the founder of Black Tech Street, envisions a transformative future for Black entrepreneurship, rooted in the untapped potential of the tech industry. His mission draws inspiration from the historic success of Black Wall Street, a thriving hub of Black-owned businesses in Tulsa before its destruction in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Billingsley sees the tech sector as the modern-day equivalent of that once-vibrant community, offering Black Americans a unique opportunity to create generational wealth in an industry that is not only rapidly growing but also facing a critical talent shortage.
By positioning Black communities at the forefront of this technological revolution, Billingsley highlights how embracing innovation and technology can do more than just fill workforce gaps—it can serve as a powerful vehicle for economic empowerment, self-determination, and global influence. His vision extends beyond individual success, aiming to reimagine Black Wall Street as Black Tech Street, where Black innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders can build an ecosystem that will drive lasting social and economic change.
Billingsley passionately calls on three key groups—government, major tech companies, and the Black community—to work together in creating pathways for Black Americans to thrive in the tech industry. He emphasizes that this collaboration is essential to fully harness the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which presents a unique moment to address long-standing economic inequities. For Billingsley, this is more than just a push for diversity within the tech sector; it’s a critical movement aimed at economic empowerment, wealth creation, and reshaping the narrative for Black America through innovation and entrepreneurship.
By bringing these groups together, Billingsley envisions a future where access to technology is not only expanded but also equitably distributed, giving Black entrepreneurs and tech talent the tools to succeed in an industry that has traditionally excluded them. His call to action stresses the urgency of engaging with this transformative moment in history, positioning tech as the catalyst for addressing systemic economic challenges that have long held Black communities back.
The metaphor of “lighting a fire” reflects Billingsley’s vision of sparking a movement that starts with Black Tech Street and spreads nationally and globally, igniting a wave of transformation. This fire symbolizes not only the empowerment of individuals but also the collective reimagining of Black wealth, innovation, and leadership on a global scale. Through this initiative, Billingsley aims to drive a cultural shift that will inspire generations of Black entrepreneurs and innovators to shape the future of technology and entrepreneurship.