The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies’ Media and Technology Institute is shining a spotlight on broadband access and adoption in minority communities this week.  Following an evening kick-off event featuring FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, the Joint Center hosted a luncheon yesterday to release their new report “Broadband Imperatives for Communities of Color.”

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski delivered brief remarks before speeches from FCC Commissioner Michael Copps and Congressman GK Butterfield.  Copps welcomed the new report and discussed the opportunities broadband brings into minority communities via enhanced education, health care and other opportunities.  Butterfield, who represents the fourth poorest district in the country, said broadband is essential to bringing economic recovery to his district and the nation.

The report’s policy recommendations were shared by Dr. Nicol Turner-Lee, who recently joined the Joint Center staff after leading broadband discussions at One Economy for several years.  The recommendations include mandating that government-assisted housing have broadband connections, encouraging young people in minority communities to play a major role in efforts to increase broadband adoption, and working to ensure that the expansion of broadband in low-income areas results in enhanced access to education, health care and employment opportunities.  The report was produced in partnership with:

• National Black Caucus of State Legislators
• National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women
• National Conference of Black Mayors
• National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials
• National Association of Black County Officials

Click here to read the full report and watch the video below to see what a representative from One Economy had to say about it!

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