By Larry K. Williams, president and CEO of TAG
As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this month and look ahead to Black History Month in February, TAG’s Social Justice and Equity Task Force is proud to set ambitious goals for 2022 and beyond.
Having supported and encouraged the entrepreneurial mindset for decades, the first goal set by our Task Force is:
1. to ensure black technology entrepreneurs participate fully and equitably in Georgia’s growth economy with unimpeded access to resources and opportunities equivalent to non-black entrepreneurs.
This should go without saying, but the struggles continue for many as TAG and TAG-Ed remain dedicated to fostering inclusive opportunities in the innovation economy. The second goal of equal importance is:
2. to ensure our technology industries in Georgia reflect the overall available workforce, with proportional representation of this demographic in technology industries.
The third task force goal is:
3. to ensure that Black technology professionals continue to advance into managerial and senior leadership positions, achieving representation in these ranks commensurate to their demographic representation.
These three initiatives are only part of the overall strategy for 2022 by TAG and TAG-Ed to promote entrepreneurial ventures that sustain our workforce and economy now and into the future. Of all U.S. states, Georgia has the 7th highest percentage of minority-owned startups, which is impressive, while placing 9th nationally for startups in general.
As we continue to improve those numbers through innovative and supportive opportunities, it is encouraging to know past initiatives are bearing fruit while affirming we are advancing on a good path to further success.
