African Americans continue to face a major digital divide in the U.S. as 29% of Black households do not have high-speed, reliable internet, or broadband, at home. Black Churches 4 Digital Equity (BC4DE) is trying to address this problem.
BC4DE was born in 2021 with the goal of helping individuals receive discounted internet services through the federal government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. This has now been codified into law as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP offers eligible low-income households monthly discounts of up to $30 ($75 on tribal lands) for internet services.
As part of the BC4DE’s efforts to get the black community online, the coalition hosts enrollment fairs — with fun activities and giveaways — as well as application sessions in churches throughout the country. Leaders from 25 black churches and nonprofits meet weekly to strategize and coordinate efforts.
BC4DE has also developed a resource for churches called the Black Churches for Digital Equity Toolkit and is working to train church leaders to be local champions for digital equity in their communities.
Community Tech Network applauds BC4DE for all its incredible work! We must all unite to bridge the digital divide. Check out the Black Churches 4 Digital Equity website to learn more about their work.
Image: https://www.blackchurches4digitalequity.com/
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