Allow me to introduce you to one of the rising stars in the tech world and a proud black founder, Robert Ismo. He's the brains behind Sighlie (pronounced Siff-lee), a company that dabbles in the fascinating field of semantic warehousing. If you're like me and can't quite wrap your head around what that means, just think of it as some seriously impressive data management wizardry. But Robert isn't alone. There's a whole legion of black founders out there, tirelessly working to bring their dreams to life. Just like our athletes, musicians, artists, cooks, and chefs, they're making a huge impact on our culture. These tech visionaries are channeling the same creative energy that gave us icons like Lil Wayne, The Marsalis Family, Trombone Shorty, James Michalopoulos, and Fats Domino. I had the pleasure of meeting Robert at none other than Baldwin & Co. Bookstore. This local gem is named in honor of the brilliant writer and activist James Arthur Baldwin. It serves as a constant reminder of the resilience and genius of its namesake. I am impressed every time I step into the store, and today was no different. Robert is more than just a tech whiz; he represents thousands of founders who have amazing ideas but very few opportunities to secure the funding they need to turn their dreams into reality. Despite the challenges, these founders are determined to stay in Louisiana and represent their beloved state. But to do that, they need a little help from investors who believe in their vision. So, the next time you think of Louisiana's rich cultural tapestry, remember to include the names of trailblazers like Robert Ismo. They're not just shaping the future of technology; they're also carving out a new chapter in our shared history. OHUB Fridays are about supporting Robert and other black and brown tech founders. We are looking for talent to nurture, develop and fund in our ecosystem. If you know someone like Robert, let us know or pass on our information. Together, we can create the opportunities they need to thrive. Join Us www.ohubfridays.com #ohubfridays