The National SCLC’s Legacy and Digital Transformation

Founded in 1957, the National SCLC has long been at the forefront of the civil rights movement. It is widely recognized for its role in championing nonviolent protest and securing key victories in the fight for racial equality. As the organization transitions into the 21st century, its need to maintain relevance in an increasingly digital world has become more pronounced. This is where Devon Dassaw’s work as a web developer becomes critical.

In his role, Dassaw contributes to reshaping how the National SCLC connects with modern audiences, streamlines its operations, and amplifies its voice in national and global conversations. The digital platforms he develops allow the organization to engage with a younger generation of activists, expand its reach, and facilitate smoother communication across local and national chapters. Through his leadership in this domain, Dassaw ensures that the organization’s online presence mirrors its powerful legacy while adapting to contemporary challenges.

A Visionary Web Developer

Devon Dassaw’s work is not just about coding websites—it’s about creating experiences. He approaches web development with an understanding of the user experience, ensuring that every platform he develops is intuitive, engaging, and effective in fulfilling its purpose. His focus on web accessibility is particularly relevant in his role with the National SCLC, where he works to ensure that the organization’s online resources are easily navigable for all users, including those with disabilities.

Dassaw’s expertise in digital asset management is a significant advantage in this role. Managing the SCLC’s online presence means not only developing websites but also overseeing the vast array of digital content that comes with it. From online petitions and campaigns to multimedia resources and educational tools, Dassaw ensures that these assets are organized, up-to-date, and readily accessible to the public. His ability to stay ahead of digital trends enables him to integrate innovative features, such as e-commerce capabilities for the the organization, social media integration, and digital storytelling tools that bring the history and mission of the National SCLC to life.

Strengthening Online Advocacy

A key part of Devon’s role is to enhance the National SCLC’s online advocacy efforts. In today’s world, digital platforms are essential for any organization aiming to mobilize supporters and influence public policy. For an advocacy organization like the National SCLC, having a robust digital presence is crucial for organizing marches, rallies, and voter registration drives. Through his work, Dassaw helps the SCLC create digital campaigns that are visually compelling and effective in driving action.

Devon Dassaw leverages social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization to increase the visibility of the SCLC’s initiatives. His digital marketing strategies powered by Google SiteKit, Google Analytics and other data tools enable the organization to expand its audience, reach new demographics, and galvanize public support. From coordinating online media (digital print and graphic) to designing campaign websites for key social justice initiatives like the annual Selma to Montgomery March in Alabama, his work plays a direct role in advancing the organization’s advocacy goals.

Collaborating with Civil Rights Leaders

Working as a web developer for an iconic civil rights organization means that Devon Dassaw collaborates closely with activists, community leaders, and decision-makers who are shaping the future of social justice, namely the current president of the National SCLC, DeMark Liggins. His role requires not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the values and mission that the National SCLC embodies. Dassaw’s ability to translate these values into digital platforms allows the organization to stay connected to its roots while embracing modern tools of engagement.

In 2016, at a pivotal turn in the SCLC’s direction and efforts, Devon Dassaw was connected to current president and CEO DeMark Liggins and tasked with building, designing and optimizing the National SCLC’s first iteration of its website. As a result, Devon was able to help user in a more prominent digital role of the SCLC. DeMark and Devon have worked closely ever since from building other websites, creating graphic assets and ensuring that even the most techologically disadvantaged members of the SCLC community were able to access and engage with the SCLC online.

Since taking the helm as the SCLC’s web developer, Devon Dassaw has not only built and designed websites for the SCLC, but Devon has also been the first line of defense when any of the SCLC’s websites have gone down, been under attack from nefarious entities or whenever content that did not reflect the goals and morals of the National SCLC were present online. Devon Dassaw works diligently to ensure the National SCLC is always accessible and well-represented online as much as it is in person.

Through his work, Devon Dassaw has gained a unique insight into the inner workings of the civil rights movement today. His position places him at the intersection of technology and activism, where he works hand-in-hand with influential leaders to ensure that their message is communicated effectively online. In this collaborative environment, his role is critical in enabling activists to harness the power of digital media to advocate for systemic change.

Bridging Entertainment and Social Justice

Devon Dassaw’s background in entertainment further enriches his approach to web development for the National SCLC. His experience as an actor, singer, comedian, and DJ informs his creative process, enabling him to think outside the box when designing digital platforms. By blending artistic creativity with technical skill, he brings a fresh perspective to the development of online tools that engage and inspire users.

This unique skill set allows Devon Dassaw to approach web development as both an art and a science. He understands the importance of storytelling in driving engagement, which is why he focuses on creating platforms that are not only functional but also visually compelling and emotionally resonant. Through his work with the SCLC, Devon Dassaw is able to combine his love for entertainment with his passion for social justice, using both to build digital platforms that amplify the organization’s message.

Empowering Grassroots Movements

At the heart of the National SCLC’s mission is empowering local communities to advocate for their rights. Devon Dassaw plays a vital role in supporting these grassroots efforts through his digital platforms. By developing user-friendly websites and online tools, he provides activists with the resources they need to organize, educate, and mobilize their communities. Whether it’s creating templates for local chapter websites or developing databases that allow activists to track their progress, whatever the demands of social justice and online impact call for, Devon Dassaw’s work ensures that the SCLC’s mission is supported at every level.

Dassaw’s commitment to empowering grassroots movements extends beyond his work with the National SCLC. He is actively involved in community initiatives that promote digital literacy and creativity among young people, with a heavy impact on the southeast United States. By teaching digital skills to the next generation, Dassaw is helping to cultivate future leaders who can continue the fight for social justice in a digital age.

Devon Dassaw is not new to advocacy. In previous years, Devon has worked as the Community Liaison for the National Parks Conservation Association, where he advocated for protections for United States National Parks, lobbied at the local and state level and lent his acting skills to portray one of Florida’s key historical figures, Lancelot Jones, who was pivotal in the shaping and preservation of national parks in South Florida, also known as the Suncoast Region. The parks Devon visited and worked with include Biscayne National Park (in his native Miami, FL), Dry Tortugas, Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Parks.

In his work, he was also pivotal in getting local and community groups to visit national parks, support and advocate for protective legislation and even participated in trainings of young people in the space of advocacy, partnering with such people and groups and Mahogany Youth and Outreach and Julia Yarbrough (multiple emmy award winning broadcast journalist). Devon Dassaw brings this experience to his work with the National Southern Christian Leadership Conference and all of its online efforts.

Conclusion

Devon Dassaw’s role as the web developer for the National SCLC is a testament to his ability to merge technical expertise with a passion for social justice. Through his work, he is helping to ensure that the organization remains at the forefront of the civil rights movement, even as the fight for equality transitions into the digital world. His approach to web development is characterized by a deep understanding of user experience, a commitment to accessibility, and a creative vision that draws from his diverse talents in entertainment and digital assets management.

In a time when the digital landscape is critical to the success of advocacy organizations, Devon Dassaw’s contributions are invaluable. By creating platforms that engage, inspire, and mobilize supporters, he is playing a key role in advancing the mission of the National SCLC and ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire future generations. His work serves as a reminder that technology can be a powerful tool for social change, and that those who harness it can help shape the future of justice and equality.