David Smith’s Post

Celebrating Juneteenth: Empowering Black Talent in Tech Despite making up 12% of the US workforce, Black professionals account for only 8% of the tech industry. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the end of slavery in the U.S. As we honor this day, it's crucial to reflect on how we can bridge historical gaps and foster a more inclusive tech industry. Initiatives like Google's Tech Equity Collective and the Black Genius Academy are working to bridge this gap by providing resources, mentorship, and career exploration tools specifically for Black talent. To further support this mission, it's crucial to focus on community outreach, partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and targeted programs that equip Black youth with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in tech. Let's use this Juneteenth to commit to actions that will foster a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem. Check out these resources for more information on how we can all contribute to this important cause.

This powerful article by LeRon L. Barton highlights the reality for Black professionals navigating the tech industry. LeRon’s personal account sheds light on the persistent barriers and biases Black individuals face in tech—a field still dominated by homogeneity, where representation remains a pressing issue. The article discusses how being one of the few Black voices in tech impacts identity, mental health, and career progression, and why creating truly inclusive workplaces requires more than just surface-level diversity initiatives. At StreetCode, we’re committed to supporting underserved communities with the skills, mentorship, and networks they need to thrive in tech. This isn’t just about representation; it’s about building a tech industry where everyone’s voice and experience are respected and valued: https://lnkd.in/gYvPn5eA #tech #technews #equalaccess #futureleaders #techeducation

On #Juneteenth, we honor Black experiences and the importance of representation, equality, equity, and inclusion. At #FullstackAcademy, we believe diversity drives innovation in tech around the world. African Americans have shaped the tech landscape with their groundbreaking inventions and contributions. Read our blog to learn about Black pioneers in tech and why diversity in the field matters: https://lnkd.in/gB4YfPF7

Celebrating Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom and Innovation Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, the historic day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans were finally emancipated. This day is not just a reflection on our past but a celebration of our progress and potential. As Black professionals in technology, we honor our ancestors’ resilience and courage by breaking barriers and driving innovation in the tech industry. Our contributions to science, engineering, and digital innovation are a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom and equality. On this Juneteenth, let’s celebrate our achievements, support one another, and continue to pave the way for future generations. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive and dynamic tech landscape. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #BlackTech #Innovation #Freedom #BlackExcellence #BiTTC #BlacksInTechTwinCities

Today, millions of Americans join to celebrate Juneteenth, a day that honors the freedom and resilience of the Black community and is also a symbol of the importance of diversity and inclusion. Lumen Technologies has a big focus on allyship. Juneteenth is an important opportunity to demonstrate allyship - to learn and listen and be intentional about your support of those around you. It’s also a chance to take some time to reflect on your own journey of learning and allyship, and to support causes and organizations that advance racial justice and equity. Juneteenth is a day of celebration, but also a day of action! Let’s celebrate the freedom, joy, and creativity of the Black community. Let’s celebrate the diversity and inclusion that make us stronger. And let’s celebrate cultures that value inclusion and empathy as much as innovation and excellence.

Honoring Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Equality Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed that all enslaved people were free—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day symbolizes liberation, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality. At The JPI Group, we stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, clients, and communities. Here’s how we’re celebrating: 1. Education: Let’s learn about Juneteenth’s significance. Share this post to spread awareness and encourage dialogue. 2. Amplify Voices: Highlight Black leaders, artists, and change-makers. Tag them in your posts and celebrate their contributions. 3. Community Support: Support Black-owned businesses and organizations. Share their stories and promote economic empowerment. 4. Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that lies ahead. Join us in honoring Juneteenth. Together, we can create a more just and equitable world. 🙌🏾🖤 Learn more about Juneteenth: https://lnkd.in/gqvPZFF  #Juneteenth #TheJPIGroup

As we celebrate Juneteenth, it's essential to recognize the profound historical significance of this day beyond its commercialization. Juneteenth commemorates the moment in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is a powerful reminder of the long and arduous journey towards freedom and equality for Black Americans. For companies, Juneteenth should serve as more than just a day off on the calendar or an opportunity for marketing campaigns. It’s a call to action to embed the principles of freedom, equity, and justice into your core values and everyday practices. Here are a few ways to honor Juneteenth meaningfully within your organization: 1. **Educate and Reflect:** Host workshops, seminars, and discussions about Black history (outside of Black History month) and the significance of Juneteenth. Encourage employees to engage with this history to better understand the context of current racial issues. 2. **Promote Equity:** Assess your company policies and culture to ensure they promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes hiring practices, pay equity, and creating a supportive environment where all voices are heard and valued. 3. **Support Black Communities:** Partner with and support Black-owned businesses and organizations. Invest in community programs that uplift and empower Black individuals and communities. 4. **Ongoing Commitment:** Commit to anti-racism and inclusion beyond Juneteenth. Develop long-term strategies for diversity training, policy reforms, and community engagement. Remember, honoring Juneteenth means embracing its principles every day. Let this day inspire continuous efforts toward creating a just and inclusive workplace and society. In short, please do not put up “Happy Juneteenth” social media posts if your company does not include African Americans in your leadership, board of directors, or around the table where decisions are made. It is time for real change. #Juneteenth #Equity #Inclusion #BlackHistory #CorporateResponsibility #Diversity

As Black History Month comes to an end, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the incredible achievements and stories of those who have shaped history. This month has been an important reminder of the impact that African-American, Caribbean and African people have had on the world, especially within the IT industry. At Franklin Fitch, we are taking active steps towards diversity, equality and inclusion through our focus on inclusive infrastructure as well as our partnership with Tech Talent Charter and Programme One. Alongside this, we believe it is integral to keep informed about Black History and what we can do to support diversity within the tech industry in the UK. To find out more about our initiatives or educational sources about Black History Month, follow the link in the comments below!👇 #BlackHistoryMonth #EqualityForAll #CelebrateDiversity

🌍 As October begins, so does our celebration of UK Black History Month. This year’s theme, Reclaiming Narratives, is about more than just reflection. It’s about taking ownership of stories that have shaped Black heritage—stories that have often been left untold or misunderstood. At Snyk, we’re committed to doing more than just talking about diversity and inclusion—we’re living it. This October, we’re spotlighting the voices, experiences, and contributions of the Black community through a series of meaningful events: 🍽️ Black-Owned Business Lunches: In our main hubs, we’ll be savoring diverse dishes from local Black-owned restaurants, all while supporting and promoting economic empowerment. 🖤 Black@Snyk Discussions: A space for us to come together, share, and learn from each other’s stories, as we explore the theme of reclaiming narratives. 🗣️ Anti-Racist Conversations Workshop: Led by Abena Akuffo-Kelly, this workshop will give us the chance to engage in open, honest discussions about race in the workplace, helping us grow as individuals and as a community. 💻 Keynote on Bias-Free AI: Our keynote speaker will guide us through the challenges of eliminating bias in technology and what it means to create a more inclusive future in tech. 🥂 Themed Happy Hours: Bringing our community together to not just celebrate but also learn more about Black culture in a meaningful and engaging way. Join us in learning, supporting, and uplifting Black communities. Together, we can help shape a future where every narrative is honored, and every voice is heard. 💬 #ReclaimingNarratives #BlackHistoryMonthUK #LifeAtSnyk

I’ve spent years immersed in research, examining the deeply embedded hatred for Black women within American institutions. My entire dissertation examined the systems designed to marginalize us, documenting the historical and ongoing struggles faced by those pushed to the furthest margins of society. Every single day, I dissect mechanisms of hatred and exclusion, trying to understand how and why such systems continue to persist and more importantly, how to disrupt them. And yet, despite all this deep knowledge, I am still shocked by this election outcome, as though all the evidence, including my own lived experience, wasn’t enough to brace me against this painful moment. There's a particular kind of agony that comes alongside academically documenting systemic injustice, making it visible through YEARS of research and scholarship, and watching helplessly as those systems seem to reassert themselves. It is a deep sorrow that comes not only from seeing a system perpetuate harm, but from the ache of knowing that those of us who stand at the margins will continue to be forced to bear the weight of this choice. We’ve known, intellectually and historically, that this hatred exists. But in moments like these, that hatred isn’t just a theory or a statistic; it’s a reality that touches our lives, our communities, and our very ability to hope. Black women, we did our very best. Onward. In solidarity. ✌🏾