Powell summoned to lead digital-gap closure

Powell summoned to lead digital-gap closure

A campaign aimed at narrowing the digital divide in America is imminent as professionals and opinion leaders nationwide have reached out to Secretary of State Colin Powell to head the team.

Unperturbed by the enormous work load placed on Powell by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, retired baseball player Reggie Jackson will soon discuss the idea with Powell.

Jackson, founder Mr. October Foundation for Kids, told the Chicago Defender that Powell fits the stature of leader needed to arouse the interest of the nation towards bridging the divide.

He earlier called for a collective effort by private sources and governments in bridging the information gap among minorities, stressing "penetration is in single digits" among minorities.

A Jackson aide said the ongoing baseball playoffs and Powell's role in coalition-building is delaying the campaign.

"Jackson is busy now because of the playoffs," the aide said, stressing "he will be available to talk more about the idea very soon."

Jackson was set to meet Powell shortly before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

A U.S. Census Bureau report recently released indicated that more than half of all U.S. households had a computer last year, but just 43 percent of African American children and 37 percent of Hispanic children had home computers, compared to 77 percent for whites and 72 percent Asian American homes.

Nine out of 10 school-age children had access to a computer last year, either at home or at school. Computer use at school was nearly equal across income and ethnic lines, the report said.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) commissioned in Chicago a multi-purpose Family Technology Center (FTC) early in the year.

The center has 25 computers, four printers and two scanners. It was meant to serve as the training ground for South Side residents, according to Furmin Sessoms, the executive director of the South Side NAACP branch.

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.

Photo (Colin Powell)