In honor of Juneteenth, we’re uplifting initiatives and organizations that center Black and African-American technologists. Black Lives Matter, and we celebrate these orgs for their contributions toward creating futures for Black people and African-Americans while shaping our industry for the better.

In this post, we shine a spotlight on Black Girls Code!

For more than a decade, Black Girls CODE has been tirelessly opening doors to education and technology for thousands of Black and brown girls aged 7-17. Their mission is more than just teaching coding; it's about narrowing the digital divide for young girls of color and sparking a love for technology that can change the face of STEM.

With 14 chapters in cities across the United States, and a thriving chapter in South Africa, the organization has a broad footprint. Each chapter meets approximately once a month to learn and grow together through a variety of STEM-based enrichment activities. These range from engaging workshops and inspiring panels to thought-provoking film screenings and exciting tech company tours.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we stand in solidarity with Black Girls CODE in their mission. By empowering underrepresented communities, we work together towards building stronger economies and more equitable societies. This is the true embodiment of democracy — the creation of diversity and inclusion that offers a seat at the table for everyone.

We invite everyone in the DEV Community to join us in celebrating and supporting the tireless efforts of Black Girls CODE, this Juneteenth and every day.

Visit their events page to participate in or support their upcoming activities. For those who are able, consider making a contribution on their donation page. Your donations will help fund workshops, programs, and provide resources that are vital in supporting these young, aspiring technologists.

Let's be the change we want to see in our tech industry – diverse, inclusive, and equitable for all. Your support could very well ignite the spark that inspires the next generation of tech innovators. Together, we are creating stronger economies and more equitable societies.

Happy Juneteenth!