ADE Blog - Alliance for Digital Equality | Empowering Communities Across The Digital Divide

Music, Food, Culture… and Technology?

posted 10/29/10

By Jose A. Marquez Leon and Julius Hollis

On Thursday, October 28th, the Latinos in Information Science and Technology Association (LISTA) hosted a Hispanic Heritage Celebration event in Atlanta, GA. In addition to sharing good food, music and culture, the event was an opportunity to discuss the role of technology in the Latino community and how to increase Latino involvement in the fields of science and technology. LISTA was fortunate to have a number of prominent contributors to the evening’s dialogue including those that represent both the minority and business communities. The celebration not only honored Hispanic heritage but also explored how involvement and investment in the technology space will benefit the future of Latinos and all communities of color.

As we all recognize, the world is growing smaller, and competition in the global economy is increasing daily. Unfortunately, the United States is suffering job loss and is also lagging behind in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).   STEM education is especially lacking in low income and minority communities where children often do not have the educational resources, encouragement and learning environment necessary to succeed. In our increasingly digital society, the Internet provides a unique way to connect kids with new learning experiences and make math/science more engaging as well as a potential path to correcting this trend.   Access to high speed Internet is fundamental for expanding STEM education and cultivating the Latino doctors, engineers and entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow.

America’s innovation and prosperity will greatly depend on our ability to provide the country with new business opportunities as well as the necessary tools to master the STEM fields of study. In the near term we must fully embrace modern, cutting-edge technologies such as high-speed Internet. The ability for all Americans to obtain affordable access to the Internet and to seamlessly transmit new ideas and information will take enormous investment in broadband infrastructure. Creating a sophisticated broadband infrastructure will lead to a stronger economy and stimulate job growth. This process will take coordination between both the public and private sectors and in the long run is an essential element to building a robust economy. LISTA and ADE are on the front lines advocating for communities of color and affordable access to broadband technology is an equalizer that will come from the private sector and government working in tandem.

When first rolled out in March, one of the primary goals of the National Broadband Plan was to "ensure every American has access to broadband capability." This is an admirable goal that can be achieved if Congress puts policies into place that promote technological advancement. More specifically, the government’s role should be creating the space for the private sector to investment as laid out in the National Broadband Plan. Congress must enable a commonsense regulatory environment that does not hold back our nation’s potential. Universal access to the Internet would provide a major boost in Latino and African American communities traditionally behind the curve when it comes to digital literacy. Bipartisan Congressional leadership on this issue will promote business growth, increase high wage jobs and further STEM education. Our elected officials can help lay the foundation for a path forward, but we must work together to achieve a common goal of universal access. These are the steps needed to further America’s educational and economic recovery.

We hope Thursday’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration event was a chance to reflect on the progress that has been made in the Latino community and was a solid discussion on how we can guarantee the future is even brighter. LISTA and ADE are committed to show the important contributions minority communities can make in science and technological fields as long as we afford our children with the tools necessary to succeed.

Jose A. Marquez Leon is the National President and CEO of Latinos in Information Science and Technology Association (LISTA). Julius Hollis is the Chairman and Founder of the Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE).