230 tweets per second.
Let that number sink in for a bit.
That's the pace of discussion Twitter has seen around Black Lives Matter since George Floyd's death on May 25. The total is more than 340 million tweets, illustrating what a central hub Twitter has been during these weeks of national protest—and in the years leading up to this moment of truth.
Today, Twitter celebrated Juneteenth through a fascinating range of efforts amplifying Black voices, including billboards placed in major cities that have been epicenters of the recent protests.
I've been on Twitter a disturbingly long time—a bit over 12 years. In that time, the platform has changed in countless ways, many of which, candidly, made me debate whether it was worth sticking around.
But the past year or so has proven Twitter to be a perhaps surprising force for progress in a tech industry with Ayn Rand-esque laissez-faire tendencies. While Facebook has fidgeted uncertainly about issues of racial diversity, limiting the spread of fake news and gatekeeping the president's posts, Twitter has often taken a different approach.
For example, both Facebook and Twitter today removed a post by President Donald Trump that violated copyright law, but before the footage's owner filed for the takedown, only Twitter had already labeled the patently misleading post as "manipulated media."
But as recent weeks have made clear amid the many brand statements supporting racial equality, outward actions aren't always reflective of internal realities. Again, Twitter has much to show on Juneteenth for its ongoing efforts to recruit and support minority employees, such as through its Blackbirds account and via the daily work of God-is Rivera, Twitter's global director of culture and community.
Every social platform has a long way to go in terms of making people of all genders and ethnicities feel welcome and safe, and some days it feels like we'll never get there. But after 12 years on Twitter, I find myself unexpectedly more optimistic than ever about the role it could play in creating a true sense of digital community.
Whether you agree or not, you're welcome to come connect with me at @Griner on Twitter so we can hash it out there!
Sending my warmest wishes of support, joy and safety to each of you as we celebrate freedom for all,
David Griner
Creative and Innovation Editor, Adweek
David.Griner@Adweek.com
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