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'Blacks in Tech Conference' in Minneapolis

Technology has revolutionized how we live and operate in the world.

MINNEAPOLIS - The Twin Cities has a booming technology sector and it is an industry where diversity is growing.

Technology has revolutionized how we live and operate in the world.

And in the Twin Cities, a group of men and women are trying to increase diversity in Minnesota's tech industry.

The Twin Cities will host the first national conference aimed at increasing the number of black men and women in technology jobs .. giving black entrepreneurs and innovators a chance to network.

The conference, BITCON, is normally held in Silicon Valley.

Sharon Kennedy Vickers, St. Paul's chief information technology officer and conference organizer, wants to make Minnesota a key location in the country to launch and grow technology products that have a positive social impact.

"I think there is a strong desire to create a diverse tech space here in the Twin Cities and the tech community, they are looking to us help them and build and inclusive tech economy. There is a strong desire and also a need to attract diverse talent," she said.

Minnesota tech entrepreneur, Clarence Bethea, raised $1.7 million in nine weeks for his business, Upsie, which sell warranties.

Upsie works with the same insurance carriers that back the big retailers, offering you the same warranty but at a price that is actually affordable.

"When we think about tech we think about Elon Musk and Steve Jobs of the world. We need to change that perception of what a tech founder is," he said. "I want that next high school kid looking to get into tech to say, 'I don't want to be a basketball player. I don't want to sell dope on the street. I want to be like Clarence and go start my own tech company.' If we can start to achieve that scale, I think this country will go in an interesting direction when you start to see more black and brown founders."

The conference will take place in October. The registration fee is $99. Information can be found at bitcon2018.com.

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