Our Mission
How a pandemic and a reckoning led to a movement.
JuneteenthConf exists because Black technologists deserve more than a seat at someone else's table. We're building our own — with the sessions, mentorship, and community to make it permanent.
The Spark
In June 2020, a pandemic had the world at home and the murder of George Floyd forced a national reckoning on race. Michael Brown, a software engineer at Microsoft, channeled grief into action — organizing the first Juneteenth Conference in just 16 days.
20,000+ Viewers
The inaugural virtual event drew over 20,000 live viewers, proving the demand for a space that centers Black technologists. Business Insider covered the story, amplifying the movement.
Year Two
The conference returned with an expanded lineup, deeper community engagement, and the launch of mentorship programming to support Black professionals beyond the event.
Building the Table
JuneteenthConf grew into a full nonprofit with three programs — Conference, Accelerator, and Mentorship — and a board of directors committed to long-term impact. The theme "Addressing the Digital Divide" anchored two days of sessions.
The Return
After a strategic pause, JuneteenthConf returns to Chicago for its most ambitious event yet. Two days, 20 sessions, a keynote by Madison Butler, and a community dinner cruise. The theme: Building Our Own Table.
"I wanted to create something that celebrated us — not as a reaction, but as a declaration."— Michael Brown, Founder