May 2025 Issue

Hello all. A bit like buses, you wait for ages and then two come along (almost) at once! Yes, this is our second newsletter in as many months– but it is a quick read!

Quick reminder about who we are and what we do: Data, Tech & Black Communities CIC is a small not-for-profit organisation working with diverse communities of Black/Black heritage people and our allies, to ensure that data and data-driven technologies (e.g. AI) enhance the lives of Black/Black heritage people, rather than curtail or surveil them. Our members are  Black and of Black heritage, but we proactively work with friends and supporters from all backgrounds and organisations allied with our work.

This newsletter exists to keep this community informed of our work and about data and technology news that’s especially relevant  Black & Back Heritage communities.

What have we been up to?

EdTech report & Advocacy Toolkit on 7th June. Book your tickets!  

Last month, we asked you to hold the 7th June in your diaries to join us in sharing the final report about how Educational technology applications (EdTech) are used in schools and how it impacts on Black and Black heritage children (and all children more widely). 

More importantly, working with Defend Digital Me we’ve developed a toolkit to help parents, guardians, community organisations to raise awareness of the importance of data collected by EdTech tools and feel confident to advocate for their children and protect their data.   

The event will take place on 7th of June from 1:30pm till 4:30pm. This is a ticketed event. Get your FREE tickets here

What else have we been up to?

We’re still working on our website. Finding the time to get this all done can sometimes feel impossible when balancing work, childcare, caring for elders, etc. But we will persevere and have everything ready by the event date! If we are a bit blurry-eyed on the 7th of June, you will know why!

But if you have a few hours to spare each month, and would like to collaborate in ensuring that data-centric technologies help Black and Black heritage lives to thrive, then do get in touch admin@dtbc.org.uk. How to become a member will also be available on our upcoming website.

Out and about

We have mostly been immersed in report writing, toolkit development, and event planning. However, Tracey did find time to join Aké Achi (who was involved in the EdTech Community project) and lead Black Europeans (amongst many other brilliant things!). Black Europeans held an event that drew in delegates from across Europe to discuss, strategise, and celebrate our presence in Europe. Follow Black Europeans to learn more about their work.

Recently, we attended a closed event hosted by UNICEF to discuss how data collected by EdTech should be governed. It’s great to see these important conversations happening, and we were there to ensure the impact on Black and marginalised communities isn’t overlooked. 

See you next month with the new website & links to free resources!

We’ve deliberately kept this newsletter brief to focus on the June 7th event. Next month’s edition will have the usual updates on the uses of data and data-centric technologies in relation to Black communities. If you have thoughts, news to share with us, or want to get involved in any way, do get in touch: admin@dtbc.org.uk

Please pass this newsletter on– and book and share our event on June 7th in Birmingham. 

PS- if you are not a subscriber our newsletter, you can join here.