Do Increased Numbers in Broadband Access Among Black Homes Mean we are Moving in the Right Direction?

An article by Navarrow    View Comments

The Latest Pew Report show a pretty significant increase in  broadband access in black homes over 2009. So much so that the New York Times online did a story about it here.  While my first reaction is that of excitement I want to make sure we don’t get too confident. While the growth is significant, our numbers pale in comparison to mainstream America. More and more people are beginning the realize the importance of having access  to the Internet.

In the NY times article it states:

“the fact that a greater percentage of African-Americans say lack of broadband access is a disadvantage. particularly for obtaining career information, “speaks to a recognition within the African-American community that digital connectivity is essential, even — and perhaps especially — during hard economic times.”

This recognition needs to be spread even further within the African American and Hispanic communities.  The current increase can not lead to complacency. The value  proposition in the areas of Job creation, education and Healthcare information can continue to bring more minorities online if we make sure it’s communicated. So the next time you hear or read something about the growth of broadband adoption among minorities just  say ” That’s great but there is still a ways to go!”