In Durham, North Carolina, approximately 300 Django developers gathered from all over the world for DjangoCon US. This event showcased the knowledge of the community and celebrated its cultural diversity and the diversity of its hosting city. The event was located at the Marriot Convention Center, in the heart of the city. There were many resturants and smaller attractions.
Location Diversity Index: Good
The Location Diversity Index is a check against events in the United States for cultural diversity. Durham, North Carolina served as a wonderful backdrop for this conference. Known for its vibrant culture and diverse community, it was an excellent choice for a smaller Python conference, measuring at Good with the primary demographic only making up 56% of the population. This reflects the inclusive spirit of Python conferences, welcoming individuals from all walks of life.
Diversity at a Glance
While diversity at the conference was notable, the conference appeared to have less than 10% Black attendees. That said the presence of black attendees did feel greater than conferences significantly larger.
Even though there is room for improvement, the conference made strides in addressing the racial diversity of the conference. Conversations about how to improve this have already started.
Events:
DjangoGirls Durham
DjangoCon hosted a DjangoGirls event in in the Caktus Group space. The event featured a MAJORITY of black participants.
Black Python Devs Ice Cream Social
The conference kicked off the night before with the Black Python Devs Ice Cream Social at Durhams The Parlour, our first official in-person event! 10 members attended and enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere for many folks to meet for the first time.
An ice cream parlor, with its universal appeal, served as a sweet alternative to an event in a bar, making it easy for attendees who do not drink to feel included. There were also diary-free options for those with sensitivities.
Black Python Devs Open Space
The Black Python Devs Open Space was another engaging event, drawing nine Black Python developers along with two allies. The conversation was focused on what we could do with zero funding. Topics ranged from new events around contributing to open source and helping members find job opportunities. These types of events are essential in fostering a sense of community and belonging among underrepresented groups.
Fun at the BoxCar Bar + Arcade
Many Black Python Devs members retreated to the Barcade (A combination of bar and arcade). The following morning was filled with many speakers telling each other, “That was SO MUCH FUN!”.
Speakers:
One of the highlights of the conference was the diverse lineup of speakers. Eight Black speakers took the stage, bringing a unique perspective to the discussions. Their talks covered a range of topics, from Python best practices to the importance of diversity and inclusion in tech.
The playlist of talks from our members as well as some other notable presentations will be made available on the Black Python Devs YouTube Channel
The Python Conference in Durham, North Carolina, demonstrated the power of the Python community to bring together people from diverse backgrounds. While there is room for improvement in terms of representation, the organizers took steps to create an inclusive environment through targeted events and a diverse lineup of speakers. As Python continues to evolve, it is essential that its community does so as well, with events like this contributing to its ongoing growth and inclusivity.