Welcome to *Black Out with Ian & Rashad*! In this engaging clip, hosts Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap dive into the recent controversies surrounding Afro Tech, discussing its impact on the Black community's representation in the tech industry. Afro Tech has been a pivotal platform for bridging the gap between Black culture and technology, but recent criticism has sparked a conversation about its true essence and purpose. Rashad and Ian kick off the episode by giving a well-deserved shoutout to Morgan and the team at Afro Tech for their relentless efforts in creating a space where Black innovation and technology thrive. They address the absurd comparisons being made between Afro Tech and social events like Freaknik, shedding light on the unjust narratives that undermine the significance of Afro Tech as a professional and empowering movement. Ian Dunlap expresses his concerns over what appears to be a coordinated effort to delegitimize Afro Tech by pushing a negative narrative. He raises thought-provoking points about the broader implications of this smear campaign, especially in the context of the current political climate. Ian emphasizes that such criticisms only hurt the Black community’s progress in an industry where representation is already scarce. Rashad Bilal counters the misconceptions by highlighting examples from other cultural and professional gatherings. He draws parallels to events like the World Economic Forum in Davos and the UN General Assembly, where networking and social activities are also prevalent. Rashad points out that nightlife and social interactions are integral parts of any conference ecosystem, contributing positively to networking and business growth. The hosts make a powerful call to unity, urging the Black community to stop publicly tearing down efforts that aim to elevate them. They discuss the wider impact of these negative narratives, stressing how public criticism can discourage investment and support from corporations. Both Rashad and Ian implore listeners to consider the long-term damage that overzealous criticism can inflict on collective progress. In a spirited dialogue, Rashad and Ian reiterate the importance of internal unity and private conversations for constructive criticism. They argue against airing grievances publicly when it can be detrimental to the entire community and movement. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the broader implications of failing to support Afro Tech and similar initiatives. Rashad and Ian caution against the risks of losing critical platforms that provide employment and opportunities for the Black community in tech and beyond. They implore the audience to think critically and act responsibly to ensure the continuation and growth of Afro Tech and similar endeavors. Join Rashad and Ian for an enlightening conversation that underscores the importance of solidarity, constructive criticism, and the collective advancement of the Black community in the tech industry. Don't miss out on this insightful episode! **Hashtags:** #BlackOutPodcast #AfroTech #TechIndustry #BlackCommunity #Unity #IanDunlap #RashadBilal #Podcast #TechConference #RepresentationMatters #Networking #SupportBlackBusiness #Innovation #InvestFest #DEI #BlackExcellence #TechTalk Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy