Philly’s Project NorthStar conference is looking for speakers

The Project NorthStar conference, a three-day event Oct. 3–5 aimed at providing Black and Latinx professionals with “connections, education, and opportunities,” is looking for speakers.

Organized by San Francisco-based nonprofit Black & Brown Founders in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, the event was named after Frederick Douglass’s anti-slavery publication. The idea has its roots in Mayor Jim Kenney’s visit to Texas megaconference South by Southwest 2017, where Kenney said the rooms did not match our city’s demographics.

“Project NorthStar will allow Philadelphia residents and attendees from outside the city to access vital information and tools that can set them on the path to success,” Kenney said. “It is my hope that they will also experience Philadelphia in a way that shows them our city is the ideal location to build a diverse tech business.”

The event recently relaunched its website with information on economic inequality among Black and Latinx people and a call for presenters from the Black and/or Latinx communities who are interested in giving 10-minute solo lightning talks, leading group coaching sessions, or speaking on a panel.

“We not only want to share details about the event there, but the context around why Project NorthStar is needed,” said Aniyia Williams, the Philly-born founder and executive director of Black & Brown Founders. “Massive wealth inequality exists for Black and Latinx folks in America, and the innovation economy is producing opportunities that can help close those gaps.”

Early bird tickets for the conference are also live, starting at $159.