The South Rises Again: HBCUs at the Forefront of the AI and Tech Revolution

In my recent reflections on "The South Got Something to Build" and "From Wall Street IPOs to Community Crypto: The Revolution Will Be Digitized", I've explored the burgeoning role of the American South in the cryptocurrency revolution and its potential to empower marginalized communities. The narrative I've been building—of access, opportunity, and a region reclaiming its story through technology—is being powerfully affirmed by recent developments, particularly within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The exciting news from North Carolina A&T, establishing a new aviation program and becoming the first HBCU to award a degree in Artificial Intelligence, is not just a headline; it's a testament to the South's ongoing rise as a hub of innovation and economic opportunity, with HBCUs leading the charge.

I have been developing an upcoming course "Artificial Intelligence, Physics, and the Social Order," which directly addresses the critical intersection of AI, law, education, and society. This course aims to equip students with a sophisticated understanding of AI's transformative potential and its implications for law, policy, and society, while also evaluating the role of HBCUs in fostering innovation and diversity in the field of AI and contributing to a more inclusive tech ecosystem. This academic endeavor mirrors the real-world impact we are now witnessing.

The recent 2025 State of Black Venture Report by BLCK VC provides a comprehensive picture of Black professionals within the venture capital ecosystem, highlighting both challenges and opportunities that underscore the critical role of institutions like North Carolina A&T and initiatives rooted in the South. The report reveals that Black investors are increasingly integrating generative AI tools into their investment workflows, with significant usage in due diligence (51%) and competitive analysis (49%). This shows a clear embrace of advanced technology to improve efficiency and gain deeper insights. Black investors also show a strong orientation towards innovation-driven and technology-enabled industries, including AI/Machine Learning.

However, the report also highlights persistent challenges. Black investors are still significantly underrepresented, particularly in decision-making roles, and the early-career pipeline is shrinking. Black fund managers face persistent capital gaps, with a median fund size of just $20 million, significantly below the industry average. They primarily rely on individual limited partners (LPs) rather than institutional funding, limiting their ability to scale and compete in later-stage deals. Furthermore, these managers overwhelmingly focus their investments at the earliest stages (Seed/Pre-Seed).

Despite these systemic barriers, Black investors continue to lead, integrating innovative strategies and fostering resilience through peer mentorship. BLCK VC, which has a chapter in Atlanta, plays a vital role in professional development and community building for Black investors, providing crucial networks and educational programming. This is where the burgeoning ecosystem in the South, and specifically Atlanta, becomes incredibly significant.

Atlanta, Georgia, is rapidly becoming a critical hub for blockchain technology and adoption in the New South. This resurgence of economic activity mirrors the region's historical role as a center of innovation and resilience. The potential for economic empowerment through crypto and AI is not just theoretical; it is about creating access and opportunity for marginalized communities.

My involvement with #LAExecutive9, #DealTeamSIXX, and the #BlockchainBoyz, highlighted at Atlanta Tech Week 2025, is a testament to this transformative potential.

During our day at the Biltmore, we showcased builders and innovators in government/municipal solutions using Web3, artificial intelligence in financial solutions, music and education. The strong undercurrent to that was the representation of diverse builders, investors, educators, entrepreneurs and creators from HBCUs and/or working her in Atlanta.

Following Atlanta Tech Week, I got to participate in a panel hosted at The Gathering Spot and #HBCUniverse “Capital in Color: Fundraising for Founders” panel that highlighted the need to get funding to these very founders and ecosystems. The moment couldn’t be more urgent or compelling. The video highlight reel they made was 🔥🚀.

An AI and Web3 focused venture fund helmed by Deal Team SIXX is uniquely positioned for outsized impact in Atlanta as the New Tech South rises. Given that Black investors are already using AI and targeting high-growth tech sectors, a fund deeply rooted in this insight and community can capitalize on the evolving landscape. By providing catalytic capital and embracing alternative models like revenue-based financing or venture debt—which the State of Black Venture Report suggests can be particularly impactful for founders outside traditional VC networks—Deal Team SIXX can bridge the capital gaps faced by Black fund managers.

The report's call for LPs to allocate long-term capital to emerging Black-led funds and partner with organizations like BLCK VC is a clear path forward. Deal Team SIXX, operating from a key hub like Atlanta, can serve as a crucial partner in this effort, supporting early-stage ventures led by diverse founders and helping them scale. This approach aligns with the report's recommendation to "operationalize equity through practice" and "reevaluate what risk and readiness look like in a changing venture landscape".

The South, with its rich history and growing technological infrastructure, has a unique opportunity to lead the way in harnessing the power of AI and Web3 for economic empowerment. It is a chance to rewrite the narrative, create new pathways to prosperity, and ensure that all communities share in the benefits of this technological revolution. The collaborative spirit, exemplified by institutions like North Carolina A&T and organizations like BLCK VC, coupled with targeted investment from groups like Deal Team SIXX in Atlanta, will drive this inclusive future. This is a call to educate, to innovate, and to ensure that the promise of technology is realized for all communities. The South is indeed rising again, this time powered by blockchain and artificial intelligence.

#TheSouthRisesAgain #HBCUExcellence #AIRevolution #CryptoNews #TechForGood #InclusiveInnovation #AtlantaTech #BlackInTech #VentureCapital #DealTeamSIXX #OnThePathOfThePolymath #10in5 #ItsHappening #BlockchainBoyz