In this episode, we sit down with JC Smiley, Founder of Tech Scene Media, to talk about building community, navigating tech, and creating access where it doesn’t exist.

JC shares his journey—from stepping away from tech for nearly 20 years to teaching himself again and building a platform that connects Memphis’ growing tech ecosystem.

We also dive into:

• How AI is changing how developers work
• Why community is the real advantage in tech
• The importance of visibility and access
• Lessons from building without a roadmap
• Why it’s never too late to get back into tech

This conversation is for builders, creators, and anyone trying to find their place in tech.

🎯 Key Takeaway:

Tech isn’t just about skills—it’s about community, access, and showing people they belong.

🔗 Connect with JC Smiley:

👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcsmileyjr/

https://memphistechscene.beehiiv.com/

🚀 Join the movement:

BIT Voices is building a new kind of tech community—where builders connect, collaborate, and grow.

https://bitvoices.network

In this episode of the Notable & Black in Tech Podcast, B Donald, Major, and Randall sit down with Carol Ray-Holmes—technology educator, Microsoft Certified Trainer, community mentor, and founder of Lady Ray Computer Services LLC.Carol shares her remarkable journey through nearly 40 years in tech, from teaching Microsoft tools and earning dozens of certifications to building an AI-powered platform designed to help people become more competitive in today’s job market.

This conversation dives into:

• Carol’s journey into technology

• What AI means for Black professionals and communities

• Why ethics, equity, and ownership matter in tech

• How her app helps users identify skill gaps, prepare for jobs, and grow in AI

• The power of mentorship, exposure, and opening doors for the next generation

This is a powerful episode about resilience, reinvention, and making sure Black talent is not left behind in the future of technology.

Guest: Carol Ray-Holmes

Host: B Donald Harris

Co-Hosts: Major Phillips, Randall Phillips

Connect with Carol Ray-Holmes:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladyraycomputer-b621769/https://ai-career-launchpad-8c543d2b.base44.appConnect

with NotableBIT / BIT Voices:https://notablebit.comhttps://bitvoices.networkSubscribe for more conversations highlighting Black technologists, founders, and builders shaping the future.

#BlackInTech #AI #WomenInTech #TechCareers #NotableBIT #ArtificialIntelligence #CareerDevelopment #BlackWomenInTech #TechPodcast #DigitalEquity

Notable, Black & in Tech is where real tech conversations happen—from seasoned software engineers to hardware wizards, we're pulling back the curtain on what it's like being Black in tech. In this episode, we welcome back Randall Phillips for a deep dive into the current AI buzz. Is it really coming for our jobs, or is it just hype?

Tune in as we chop it up about:

• AI’s real impact on tech careers
• Misconceptions fueled by social media and Hollywood
• Classic developer stories from legacy code rewrites to TI-83 hacks
• The dream (and danger) of robot DJs powered by AI

🎧 Follow, subscribe, and stay connected with us at https://www.notablebit.com. And don’t forget to find us on Instagram at @NotableBit.

We’re Notable. We’re Black. We’re in Tech. And today—we might be DJing too.

In this episode of the Notable and Black in Tech Podcast, hosts B. Donna Harris and Major Phillips welcome back Benny Smith—a tech innovator and self-taught musician from Memphis, Tennessee. Benny shares his incredible journey from growing up in Memphis to mastering coding on his own and building a revolutionary royalty calculation system that uncovers hidden revenue for artists.

Learn how Benny applied his tech expertise to the music industry, striking lucrative deals with artists like Boosie Badazzand raising $10 million by leveraging data and innovation. From navigating the complexities of streaming royalties to transforming lives through data-driven solutions, Benny’s story is nothing short of inspiring.

Whether you're an artist, tech enthusiast, or entrepreneur, this episode will open your eyes to the untapped potential of data and technology in the music industry.

Don’t miss out on valuable insights that could help you uncover hidden revenue streams and maximize your creative impact.

Follow us for more inspiring stories and practical advice from Black innovators making their mark in tech and beyond.

AI

In this episode of Notable & Black in Tech, hosts B-Donald Harris & Major Phillips sit down with Benny Smith, founder of Turnout Gurus, to discuss the intersection of technology, data analytics, and politics. Benny shares how he uses forecasting models to predict voter turnout, revolutionizing political campaigns and making elections more strategic and cost-effective.

👉 Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome & Introductions

3:40 - What is Turnout Gurus?

10:15 - Predicting Voter Turnout w/ Data Science

18:50 - Lowering the Cost of Elections

27:30 - Why Traditional Polls Are Flawed

35:20 - AI, Data Mining & Political Strategy 🤖

✨ Key Takeaways:

✔️ How Big Data is changing political campaigns

✔️ The real impact of money in elections

✔️ How automation & AI streamline voter engagement

✔️ The future of election technology

Welcome to another episode of Notable & Black in Tech, where we highlight Black tech entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals shaping the industry. Today, we’re taking a different approach—focusing on a newcomer to tech who's already making waves! Welcome our new Co Host: Major Phillips. 💻 Our special guest, Frank Blation, shares his journey from sneaker reselling frustrations to discovering his passion for coding and launching his own social connection app, Ripple. 🌊🔥 🎯 In this episode, we discuss: ✅ Breaking into the tech industry with no prior experience ✅ Learning to code & the challenges of building an app ✅ The story behind Ripple—an interest-based social platform connecting people one-on-one & with communities ✅ How it differentiates from Meetup, Bumble Friends & other networking platforms ✅ Tulsa’s growing Black tech community & entrepreneurship opportunities ✅ Advice for aspiring Black tech founders

Welcome to another episode of Notable and Black in Tech Podcast, where we highlight trailblazers making waves in the tech industry!

In this episode, we sit down with Robert Washington, the founder and CEO of Shelter Share, an innovative app that connects people with emergency shelters during severe weather events. 🚨🌪️

Robert shares his incredible journey—from experiencing a tornado firsthand while holding his newborn daughter to building a tech solution that now helps communities in need. But his story doesn’t stop there! Through accelerator programs, no-code development, and sheer determination, Robert pivoted his app to also serve the homeless population, providing them with access to vital resources.

🔹 Key Takeaways from This Episode: ✅ The reality of being a Black founder in tech ✅ How Shelter Share helps during extreme weather and homelessness crises ✅ The power of accelerator programs for first-time tech founders ✅ Lessons from launching an app with no prior coding experience ✅ Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding your purpose in tech

If you're passionate about tech, entrepreneurship, social impact, or startup growth, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!

Tulsa is rising as a national tech hub, but what makes this movement truly special is the commitment to innovation. On this episode of Notable, Black and In Tech, we sit down with Mikeal Vaughn, founder and executive director of Urban Coders Guild, to explore how his groundbreaking work is transforming tech education for underserved, underrepresented, and under-resourced students in Tulsa. Urban Coders Guild is more than just a program—it’s a movement. With a mission to provide high-quality computer science education, Mikeal and his team are breaking down barriers and creating pathways for middle and high schoolers to thrive in the tech world. From summer coding programs to year-round academic initiatives, students are building confidence, community, and competency, all while preparing for industry-recognized certifications and future opportunities in tech. 🌟 In this episode, you’ll discover: How Tulsa’s Black Tech Street, Tulsa Innovation Labs, and Urban Coders Guild are driving tech inclusion. The challenges faced by underserved students and how Urban Coders Guild is eliminating barriers. The journey from coding basics to industry-ready certifications for students. How this initiative is paving the way for college credit and high school graduation requirements in computer science. Whether you're a parent, community leader, tech professional, or someone passionate about shaping the next generation of innovators, this episode will inspire you to be part of the change. 🔔 Subscribe now and join us as we amplify the voices of Black tech founders, entrepreneurs, and career professionals who are rocking the industry. This is about building a future where everyone has a place—and a voice—in Tulsa’s tech revolution.

Celebrating Black technology professionals throughout the world.

At NotableBIT, we’re proud to celebrate the accomplishments and careers of African-American technology professionals through our many different showcases, podcasts, and more. They’re paving the way for others to follow, and it’s an honor to be a part of their journey.

This episode features the guest and founder of Organizely "Tech" Tai Nahisi.

Tai Nahisi, founder and CEO of Organizedly, discusses her journey from underemployment during the 2008 global financial crisis to creating a workforce utility platform. Organizedly, launched in 2021, provides productivity and efficiency tools for the future of work. Tai emphasizes the importance of self-belief and continuous learning, sharing her experience of using no-code and low-code tools to develop digital solutions. The platform, which includes tools like "Process," converts procedural documents into process maps, aims to support upskilling and reskilling in a digital-first world. Tai highlights the need for digital accessibility and the potential for Organizedly to become a digital marketplace for subject matter experts.