Black tech organizations grow amid calls for racial justice

Amazon applied science manager Dr. Nashlie Sephus has lived in New York City, Atlanta, Silicon Valley, and Seoul while pursuing her education and work in machine learning. She knows the look of a community that's thriving from technology and innovation, but she didn't see that growth happening in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi. That's why last week she concluded an 18-month process by signing contracts to secure 12 acres of land that will be home to the Jackson Tech District. The Bean Path, a nonprofit organization created by Sephus, will operate a maker and innovation space on the land. There will also be restaurants and residential lofts spread across eight buildings, all located near the historically Black Jackson State University.