Afrotech: A Microblog
The bird app is slowly falling apart so I’m going to track thoughts here instead.
Sunday morning
Flight to Austin is filling up with Black folk. I like it. I counted— 6 of the 12 first class seats were Black people.
Can’t serve alcohol on the ground in Texas before noon. Who knew?
The wh*te woman sitting next to me on the flight had commentary on the alcohol law, “These old white mean trying to teen use how to live our lives” you mean… Like ya pappy?
Sunday evening
I’m about to watch Black Panther 2 - Wakanda Forever and I’ve successfully seen zero commercials about it. The only thing I already know is Coogler directed and Chadwick isn’t in it. I’m excited and have already decided to watch it again. But IMAX?! I’m so excited! It’s almost overwhelming in size bc I haven’t been to a real IMAX screen in a long time. Will report back.
The edit of Wakanda Forever was brilliant. I had the privilege to watch it in a theater full of Black people who talked back to the screen. But the quiet genius of the edit was in the well placed silences. Someone comes on screen looking incredible (the wardrobe was, again, phenomenal) and we, the audience would gasp or hoot in approval. When a particularly pointed line was uttered we would squeak in agreement. Jokes were funny and we laughed. And the genius is that there was no spoken language from the film itself during the gasps, hoots, squeaks and laughs. So the audience was able to fully enjoy the film— out loud, in public, with friends and strangers— and not miss any of it bc of our reactions.
Monday
I opted out of a group exercise in this breakout session because they usually… I usually have to balance taking over and just getting it done with letting people participate. What’s our group name. is a 30 second conversation… but other people may have specific inputs based on whatever. But I’d just pick the first adjective-noun combo that came to mind. and move forward
Oh! The Big Question at the end was one I already knew! I do riddles and puzzles for fun so seeing one of them pop up here was startling.Also… that totally means I’m in the right place.
Apple meeting is super full. Interesting.
My secret sauce is synthesizing and responding. Plus decisiveness. Let’s move. I’m a huge fan of getting things done and ITERATING to improvement. Trial and error is a bid deal.
My unique perspective is definitely my superpower.
Tuesday
Took a break. In retrospect… should not have done this. It was the last full day. BUT I did drive around Austin. This city is beautiful. I have my criticisms but none of them are necessary to include here. (Also, philosophically I’m opposed to complaints for complaining’s sake. What is the point if you’re not going to don something about it? And I’m not because Austin isn’t my city.)
That said, I found a Japanese book shop and grabbed a couple things.
I also had the BEST tacos I’ve ever had in my life. Note: I’ve spoken more Spanish in Austin than I ever do in Florida and I’m tickled by the overlap. Anyway, I ordered and was served in Spanish. It was a food truck that sets up in an abandoned car wash which feel random but I DON’T CARE because it was incredible. And a Gordita is a flat almost sandwich thing… not that nonsense they serve at the major drive through chain. And it’s SO MUCH BETTER.
Wednesday
The last day of the Expo Hall. I met with a few recruiters and made some connections. I’m not looking to move now but I am looking to build relationships now. People are not tools that can be picked up and put down on a whim based on your own needs. Take care of people when you can. And always take care of the people who take care of you.
That’s a part of my philosophy, too. I am going to collect these notes.
Lastly, Black women are incredible. Everyone here looks amazing. The men are cool but the women are STUNTING on them. Real bad. I may be biased and I may be projecting but go look at the pictures and see if you can tell me different.