On January 15, 2010 at The University of Southern California’s (USC) campus, the Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) brought together a diverse group of policymakers, thought leaders, and media from across the country at their Digital Empowerment Summit in Los Angeles, CA:  “The State of the Underserved American in the Midst of the Broadband Revolution.”  Television host Tavis Smiley, actor Hill Harper and CNN Contributor, Mario Armstrong moderated the event which featured a robust mix of community leaders and elected officials.  Dr. Victoria DeFrancesco Soto, of Northwestern University presented ADE’s position paper, “Empowered or Disenfranchised During The Digital Age?  An Epic Moment for Communities of Color.”  Representing America’s Mayors from coast to coast were prominent speakers including the 41st Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, who delivered a keynote address, former Mayor of Miami Manuel “Manny” Diaz, and the 58th Mayor of the City of Atlanta, Shirley Franklin.

With standing room only, ADE also had viewers from around the world tune in to their live webcast during the event.

ADE’s summit was held just weeks before the Federal Communications Commission is expected to present lawmakers with our nation’s first ever National Broadband Plan, and hours after ADE filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opposing rules or regulations that would negatively affect the unserved and underserved among us.  The event highlighted a national panel of experts who discussed the role of wireline and wireless broadband access and adoption in addressing some of the most critical issues facing underserved communities in our country today, such as access to a quality and affordable education, disparities in healthcare and economic development in low-income communities.

Click here to read ADE’s Chairman Julius Hollis’ closing remarks.