Today is Juneteenth which to many is considered America's second independence for African-Americans. On June 19, 1865, two months after the Confederate defeat and almost three years after Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation, a quarter of million former slaves in Texas learned of their freedom. And it was on this day these former slaves celebrated their newfound freedom. African-Americans around the country have been celebrating this date for years.
And in 2020 because of the protests and fight for racial justice, Juneteenth has become even more important. Corporations, states and cities have officially called Juneteenth a holiday and that includes big tech companies like Facebook, Google, Twitter. And a lot of these companies just learned the meaning of Juneteenth. While these gestures are appreciated, these tech companies have not done a good job with diversity and inclusion internally.
In a recent NPR story, Black people in Silicon Valley are demanding more from tech giants and startups when it comes to racial justice.
And that is why some Black techies are doing what they need to do bring attention to the issues in tech industry this Juneteenth. Here is a list of four virtual Juneteenth Black tech events that are taking place. From addressing mental health to addressing bias in A.I. to representation in gaming, there is something for everyone.
Juneteenth Conference
Juneteenth Conference is a free virtual tech conference made for and featuring Black people in technology. The conference celebrates Black Excellence and promotes community for Black people who are severely underrepresented in the tech industry.
This two-day conference features panels like Empowered by Imposter Syndrom, Combatting Bias in Machine Learning and Innovating on OUR STEM Education.
Day of Healing with Black Girls Code
Self-care and self-preservation are acts of liberation. In observance of Juneteenth, we wanted to create a safe space where our community could feel heard, nurtured and free. Join Black Girls CODE virtually on June 19 for a day of healing through the arts and conversation featuring poets Aja Monet, Chinaka Hodge and facilitator Autumn Brown. The event is free.
RSVP here: bit.ly/bgcjuneteenth
Juneteenth 4.0 Celebration
The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a fundamental change in the way we live, work and relate to one another. It is a new chapter in human development, enabled by extraordinary technology advances commensurate with those of the first, second and third industrial revolutions.
To this end, while big tech, large venture funds and brands have made public statements signaling their support of the Black Lives Matter Movement, is essential that our entire ecosystem of academics, researchers, technologists, professionals, executives, big tech CEO's, founders, funds, philanthropists and government back up their performative rhetoric with financial resources into the Black tech, startup and venture ecosystem.
OHUB & ThePlug are joining forces to commemorate Juneteenth and present the new order of opportunity to ensure that Black Americans and beyond are equitable represented in the future of work, fourth industrial revolution and beyond as a path to shared prosperity and multi-generational wealth for all with no reliance on pre-existing multi-generational wealth. Branded Juneteenth 4.0, this three hour virtual event will feature influencers, Black technology ecosystem builders and white allies that are committed to this definitive purpose of creating #racialequity.
RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-40-celebration-tickets-108825742726
Axis Replay presents Juneteenth Celebration
Axis Replay's Juneteenth Celebration will take place online and feature panels on the history of Juneteenth, reform and change, the importance of voting, and inclusion in gaming. There will also be a Fortnite tournament. You can learn more about this event here and register at https://www.juneteenth.gg/.
