Join us in Mobile, Alabama, at the historic Port of Africatown for a unique national gathering of the Community of Excellence (COE) — a new collective merging the worlds of culture + innovation, technology, and economic development.
From February 3–7, 2026, partners from across the country will convene for immersive site experiences, place-based strategic sessions, community engagement, and collaboration with philanthropic partners, real estate innovators, and civic leaders.
Registration opens January 6. Please contact Stephanie Glenn, the Director of Investor Relations and Development at RUNWAY Roots at stephanie@runway.family for any additional questions.
The Community of Excellence
The Community of Excellence (COE) is a cohort of ten cities—including Birmingham via Tech Birmingham, the Africatown region (Prichard and Mobile), Chicago, Milwaukee, and others—exploring the intersections of culture, real estate, innovation, and narrative change.
COE aims to build local innovation hubs that combine culture with inclusive economic development, ultimately forming a federated real estate portfolio across participating cities.
View of the Clotida
Jessica Norwood
Why Port of Africatown?
For too long, the Africatown Region has been overlooked and underinvested.
Located just north of Mobile, Alabama, the Africatown Region has a powerful history as the site of the last known slave ship, the Clotilda, arrived. After arriving in Alabama, the ship was scuttled and burned to hide evidence, but its wreckage was eventually discovered in 2019 in the Mobile River. The survivors of the Clotilda later founded Africatown, a community where their descendants still live today.
Raised in Mobile, Jessica Norwood, CEO and Founder of RUNWAY Roots, invites partners to imagine new economic systems rooted in repair.
What to Expect
Photo from Our Sunday Vistor on this history of Mardi Gras, started in Mobile, Alabama
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Guided experiences
Water-based site tour led by local historians
Conversation with community leaders, cultural stewards & Dream Lab partners
Vision presentation for Africatown’s emerging innovation district
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Narrative shaping + community-of-practice workshops
Real estate + innovation strategy sessions
Case studies + design challenges across COE cities
Special guest: Elyse Douglas (East Freedman) on heritage-led real estate innovation
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Engagement with local and regional civic leaders (pending availability)
Investor + philanthropic briefings
Power-building briefings from Runway
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Shared meals featuring local chefs and artisans
Curated gift bags highlighting Mobile-based makers
Optional cultural activities celebrating Africatown and Gulf Coast including Mardi Gras
Our Attendees
This intimate gathering is for a select group of leaders and donors — an opportunity for deep, distinctive storytelling that connects place, capital, and imagination.
Participants include those working in or funding the South and operating at the intersection of real estate, culture, preservation, innovation and technology.
Save the Date: February 3 - 7, 2026
Registration opens January 6. Please contact Stephanie Glenn, the Director of Investor Relations and Development at RUNWAY Roots at stephanie@runway.family for any additional questions.