On 23 April 2025, Black Python Devs celebrated it’s second birthday. We’re honored to reflect on this day and amazed in the growth we’ve seen.
We learned a long time ago that the best way to build a community devoted to sharing Python to so many people around the world is to empower and support the leaders of the community and those who lead their own respective communities.
The BPD and greater Python landscape has changed significantly since 2023. As we enter our third year, I wanted to share some of lessons learned from many folks on our leadershisp team.
Dedicated Space together
I think for me it’s the fact that I wouldn’t be able to discover some great folks without this community. You know you are part of a community but it’s hard if there is no space dedicated to exchange together. This is one thing I really enjoy with Black Python Devs. See that we can face the same situation even if it’s not the same country or continent, and celebrate the success of those whose talks have been selected or those who are coming together for an event. It’s easier to create relationships and help others who might be interested in leadership position to ask questions to us, leaders.
Sarah Abderemane - France
Integrity in action
Something I’ve learned is that true leadership is integrity in action—leading consistently by example, not just instruction. BPD is a community built on this principle, where members are empowered to step in, contribute, and lead in their own right. It’s this foundation that rolls out the red carpet for both new and seasoned members to thrive and keep the “torch burning”
Sandra Ashipala - Germany
Giving folks leverage
For me having been opportuned to work not only with folks remotely here but also onsite. And these are the majors i have discorvered and learnt.
The fact that there many folks who have greatly been hoping to join a community thats concerned about them and thier complexion as Devs. We have really brought this to them.
Giving folks the leverage to handle specific tasks, this isnt just building them personally but also building them mentally in dealing with people with different idealogy from theirs.
Working with different minds as Leaders here have greatly shaped how I tend to respond to matters and making sure, not stepping on toes intentionally.
Emmanuel ‘Nuel’ Egwu - Nigeria
You cannot go far alone
I have learnt about the power of team work. You cannot go far alone. You need people to move with you. Through the Black Python Devs events we have had [Black Python Devs Leadership] we had last year, team work is one thing that stood out. From working with @Nuel and @sandramsc , I enjoyed everything.
Another thing is I have learnt is that admitting that you don’t have enough capacity to handle à certain task. It is never wrong to admit that you can’t handle it. This one has really helped me in my current job when I admitted I had little knowledge with Oracle databases . This gave me the opportunity to learn from the team and I can say I have seen much growth.
Plus good thing my company works with many DBMS flavors eg PostgreSQL, MSSQL, Oracle and Mysql. I am happy I have got the exposure I needed.
Doreen Nangira - Kenya
Learning from others
It has been a wild ride on my end since my accident and I could not really commit that much to BPD related meetings (not all I will say), but while working alongside you all, I was able to get help from some folks in here.
If not team work then delays in one person’s tasks would lead to failure of the team. We are more powerful together. Since I joined here I learned a lot particularly from Abigail Afi Gbadago, Jay Miller, and Dawn Wages.
In fact, BPD made me a better leader for this and for my other communities. I am grateful to be counted among this team.
Steve Yonkeu - Cameroon
Community Kindness
It’s been amazing to be part of this amazing community. Since becoming more actively involved, I’ve learned the true meaning of community kindness and how important it is to create space for others to show up, grow, and feel seen.
I’ve also had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented and generous people. Thank you all for the amazing experience so far
Damilola Oladele - Nigeria
A sense of belonging
I’ve learned people crave a sense of belonging. They seek connections within a group that has similar interests, has gone through similar struggles, who appreciate their help, and values their input. I’ve noticed the group they want to belong to the most is a group that wants them to be there. We provide that sense of belonging 24/7 virtually in our Discord. People want that sense of belonging in person too. Building up existing events, workshops, conferences, etc. helps ensure there is something local they can attend to feel that belonging in their own communities. When people from our community connect with people from their local community, it really becomes OUR community.
Lazouich Ford - United States
Black Python Devs has evolved into a much larger project that I could ever believe. I’m humbled by the amazing leaders that I see. I know there is so much more to do and I’m encouraged by the team that is actively involved and leading our Black Python Devs.