The technology gap between the haves and have nots is as old as technology itself, but the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a startling imbalance. Too many American families lack access to reliable, high-speed broadband or adequate home devices required to keep pace with school, find employment, or conduct primary life tasks. In response, the National Urban League just released its Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion – a policy prescription for closing the digital divide. This session brings together the plan’s authors, industry experts, civil rights leaders, and government officials for a deep-dive discussion. The group tackles multiple strategies for expanding broadband access and building tech literacy across rural and urban communities. In this new era of tech, we leave no one behind.

 

REMARKS:

Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League
Jessica Rosenworcel, Acting Chair, Federal Communications Commission 
Robert Smith, Vista Equity Partners 

MODERATOR:

Joi Chaney, Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy and Executive Director, Washington Bureau, National Urban League 

PANELISTS:

Maurita Coley Flippin, President, and CEO, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council 
Blair Levin, Leader Writer, Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion 
Edward Smith, Executive Director, Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion  
Angela Siefer, Executive Director, NDIA 

 

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