Commissioner Lynum presents Broadband Imperatives for African Americans to the Federal Communications Commission

 

Five heads of national Black organizations that included Commissioner Daisy Lynum, President of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, presented three broadband imperatives for African Americans and people of color to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman and members on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at the “State of Black America Broadband Imperatives” Policy Report. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and Congress welcomed the imperatives asking for help from the organizations in reaching underserved and unserved communities.

The three imperatives recommended to increase broadband adoption for minorities and their communities were:

1.    Broadband must be brought directly to consumers, especially at public anchor institutions.

2.    Broadband access must be coupled with relevant online content and digital literacy training that nurtures a culture of youth among African Americans, and helps people value Broadband as an essential service that can improve their lives.

3.    A sustainable Broadband adoption effort must be aligned with key areas such as education, healthcare and employment that improve quality of life for African American consumers.

For more information go to www.jointcenter.org.