Building Black innovation

Inside The Post Building two weeks ago, entrepreneurs, creatives, founders and learners came ready to listen, ready to ask questions. 

They were ready to talk about what it means to build something meaningful in Black tech — and to build it together. Black Tech Midwest’s latest Sip & Tech Mixer was a space where people showed up with their stories, their ideas and their willingness to learn from one another.

Founder Omar Perkins Jr. said that was intentional. 

“When I got into this tech world, I started meeting people who had so much invested into this community,” he said. “What we are trying to do with Black Tech Midwest is make sure your voice is heard — and you can hear other stories. I guarantee you that everybody in here didn’t have a linear path.”

Moderated by Brianna Tobias, the panel featured Kristy Jackson, founder of SheCan Connect Global Network; Teri Green, CIO and vice president of Lite Technology Solutions; and James Christian Hill, CEO of Alambda Systems. 

Their conversation moved across trust, infrastructure, market research, corporate experience and the realities of building in tech as Black professionals. Hill discussed the role trust plays in any ecosystem. 

“Trust is really important — even the economy is built on trust,” he said. “Dollars are promissory notes. If you want to build an economy that is self-sustainable, you need to be patient and have an understanding heart.”

Jackson said the challenge isn’t a lack of resources — it’s participation. 

“We don’t run short on infrastructure and resources,” she said. “What we run short on is engaging and people showing up. You have to show up and participate — and invest.”

She pointed to Perkins’ work as an example of what it looks like to build infrastructure with intention. 

“It costs to grow. It costs to be in the room,” Jackson said. “I want to recognize Omar for showing us what it looks like to create that infrastructure. Continue showing up, because the resources are out there.”

Perkins said he created Black Tech Midwest because he saw how different communities talk about technology based on their socioeconomic positions — and how those differences shape opportunity. 

“In some places, they use it for propaganda to spew hate,” he said. “Other places say, ‘We’re going to use it, and we’re going to be a community.’ When I saw how much technology means for scaling — and making sure we don’t just become consumers — I got excited and intentional.”

He said naming the organization Black Tech Midwest was deliberate. 

“I felt that calling it Black Tech Midwest would give it a broader perspective,” Perkins said. “I love St. Louis to the fullest. It keeps me sharp as a knife.”

During the Q&A portion, tech startup entrepreneur Vernon Johnson asked the panel for advice. Jackson encouraged founders to gain experience inside established companies. 

“I think it is important for entrepreneurs to work in a corporate environment,” she said. “If you are running a business, you need to understand how a business runs. The best training is to do it.”

She said her own corporate experience — which didn’t come until her 40s — changed how she coached entrepreneurs. “It was a game changer for me,” Jackson said. “I could speak the language.”

Another attendee asked the panel to imagine what a Black innovation district could look like in St. Louis. Hill pointed to Kinloch. 

“Missouri is home to one of the nation’s oldest fully autonomous Black towns,” he said. “We are working with the mayor and the city manager there to have an innovation workshop — building microchips, LED systems, supplying the streets and the fire department.”

Jackson said early-stage founders often skip a critical step: market research. She added that founders often overspend too early. 

“Make sure you are starting lean,” she said. “So often in the early stages, founders put money into expenses that aren’t even necessary yet.”

One guest offered advice instead of a question.

 “Make sure that you solve a problem,” Tanikka Dennison, director of operations for Cross Tech Consulting, LLC. “Business isn’t about you — it’s about what problem you are solving and how you can do it more, differently and better than anybody else. You have to be willing to do the work — and be willing to pivot.”

The next Sip & Tech Mixer presented by Black Tech Midwest will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20 at The Post Building, 1190 Cole Street.

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