How can broadband close the economic divide? Well, that will be the center of the discussions at ADE’s Digital Empowerment Summit in Newark, New Jersey, April 23, 2010 – Broadband: Closing the Economic Divide.  Relevant and timely, are the two words that come to mind as we speak to the people of Newark and around the nation about the issue of jobs.  Newark is a city facing an unemployment rate of 15.9%, 5.5% higher than the national average. The city of Newark is in need of the opportunities that affordable broadband access is able to offer.  Newark’s Mayor Cory Booker, a guest speaker, is known for his embrace of technology to revitalize the city that is facing higher than average challenges that are a part of our national struggle.

While jobs will be a central theme, the Newark Digital Empowerment Summit will also highlight affordability and accessibility around such issues as quality and affordable education, disparities in healthcare, public safety and engaging in civic issues that impacts unserved and underserved communities.  These discussions will be led by a diverse group of panelists from fields including the public and private sectors, non-profits and academia.

Several powerful voices will be heard, including; Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Actor and Author Hill Harper, CNN Contributor Mario Armstrong, New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortez-Vasquez, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, National Urban League President Marc Morial,  JNET President & CEO David Jefferson and Actor Malik Yoba along with other distinguished panelists and participants locally and nationwide. 

The issue of the “economic divide” is relevant and the discussions must continue to take place, and not just amongst policy makers, but in the communities that are most affected!  The voices must be heard!

As always, our Digital Empowerment Summit’s are open to the general public and are free, however you must RSVP for admission.  Go to our website, www.alliancefordigitalequality.org to RSVP and download the program booklet prior to the event.   If you are unable to attend, you may view the summit in its entirety via our live webcast by logging on to our website at www.alliancefordigitalequality.org.  Join us!

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