Honoring Juneteenth: Reflecting on History & Empowering Change

#juneteenth #blacklivesmatter #meta

While our community spans the globe, and many of our members may not be intimately familiar with all the holidays and significant events we observe as a company, Juneteenth holds relevance for people worldwide. And for that reason, we'd like to take a moment to acknowledge the significance of this historic holiday and what it means to all of us here at DEV.

On this day in 1865, Union civil war soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, bearing news that the war had ended and that previously enslaved Black individuals in the United States were now declared free.

We now refer to this day — June 19th — as Juneteenth. It is an opportunity for Americans to celebrate a significant milestone in the journey toward freedom for all people. It also offers non-Black Americans a chance to uplift Black joy while reflecting on our nation's history. Because of that, DEV officially recognizes Juneteenth as a holiday. We believe it is important to provide our team with the opportunity to commemorate this day. Family and community hold great significance on Juneteenth and it's crucial to make space for folks to come together in local gatherings and celebrations; to share meals and organize cookouts; and to attend musical performances, historical reenactments, and street fairs.

While there is still much work to be done in achieving a truly equal society, we recognize that we cannot sustain the long-term fight without taking time to celebrate achievements and reflect on the ongoing need for change.

DEV serves as a hub for programmers and technologists to come together, engage in discussions about technology, learn, teach, and find inspiration. However, none of these activities can be effectively or safely accomplished within a system that fails to empower all individuals. As members of the DEV community, we have the opportunity to be agents of positive change. Let's stand united in pursuit of a better, more equitable tech community.

Happy Juneteenth, everyone! Let's spread joy and unity as we commemorate this significant day. And in the spirit of celebration and progress, let's strive to be excellent to one another. ❤️ ✨