About The Yard @ AfroTech
Purpose
The Yard @ is a signature initiative of the Center for Digital Business at Howard University, designed to strengthen the presence, visibility, and influence of HBCUs at major technology and business conferences. Rooted in Howard's commitment to excellence and opportunity, the initiative connects HBCU students, alumni, faculty, and industry leaders with the people and organizations shaping the future of technology, business, and innovation.
Through strategic partnerships, curated programming, and community engagement, The Yard @ amplifies HBCU contributions, expands access to professional opportunities, and creates meaningful connections between the HBCU ecosystem and industry. What began at AfroTech has evolved into a broader platform for advancing HBCU leadership, collaboration, and economic opportunity.
Get Involved
Collaboration fuels the impact of The Yard @ AfroTech. We welcome partners, alumni, and allies who share our vision to celebrate HBCU excellence and expand access to technology, research, and entrepreneurship. You can get involved by supporting student travel scholarships, co-hosting engagements, sponsoring spaces that bring The Yard to life, or contributing resources that help connect talent to opportunity.
Meet the Team
Executive Director, Center for Digital Business | The Yard @ Initiative Lead
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Executive Champions
Dr. Allison Morgan Bryant, Vice President of Corporate Relations, and Dr. Kweli Zukeri, Associate Vice President of Web Innovation & Strategy, serve as executive champions for The Yard @ AfroTech.
Together, they provide institutional advocacy, strategic guidance, and cross-functional support that strengthen Howard University's presence at AfroTech and advance its commitment to expanding opportunity, visibility, and engagement across the HBCU ecosystem.
Our Journey at AfroTech
2023: Origins
With seed investment from Microsoft, Howard piloted its presence at AfroTech through panels and community activations, laying the groundwork for what would become The Yard @ AfroTech.
2024: The Yard @ AfroTech
In partnership with Blavity, Howard launched The Yard @ AfroTech, a dedicated space amplifying HBCU excellence and building community. The activation welcomed hundreds of attendees, engaged more than 30 organizations, and generated new connections and partnership opportunities. It also supported 120 students from Howard and other HBCUs in attending AfroTech.
2025: Partnership with Blavity
Building on the momentum of 2024, Howard University entered into a multi-year collaboration with Blavity (2025–2027), becoming a Major Partner Sponsor of AfroTech. The partnership established a larger, more visible presence for The Yard @ AfroTech, expanded opportunities for HBCU engagement, and secured conference access for 100 students from Howard and other HBCUs annually.
2026 & Beyond: The Yard @
In its third year at AfroTech, The Yard @ continues to grow as a signature initiative of Howard University's Center for Digital Business. With expanded programming, strategic partnerships, and cultural experiences, The Yard strengthens its role as a platform for HBCU engagement, innovation, and opportunity.
Beyond AfroTech, Howard is advancing plans to bring The Yard @ to other major technology, business, and cultural gatherings, extending its reach and creating new opportunities for collaboration across the HBCU ecosystem.