What has COVID-19 taught us about the Digital Divide? Technology access, adoption, education, and health have become the center of focus for many of us. Digital equity and inclusion must be part of the overall conversation about DEI. Associations can be a part of the answer.

Join Association Chat as we talk with special guests Mai Moore and Tréyah Gray about the dangers of internet inequality and the steps that EYEJ, an organization focused on empowering youth and exploring justice, are making to ensure that change happens in Cleveland...and everywhere!

The City Club of Cleveland held a powerful online event on the digital divide on February 18, 2021. In it, they shared this information:
- Nearly 15 percent of American homes have no internet access.
- Advocates of the push for internet as a public utility say lack of access creates lasting socioeconomic effects, as well as carrying the potential to impede the practice of other rights, such as free speech.
- Without it, thousands of school children have been left behind due to lack of access.
- One year into the pandemic, this equates to a full grade loss for some of our poorest and most disadvantaged students.
- Public school enrollment has significantly decreased nationwide, with a 16 percent average drop in kindergarten enrollment.

While using technology to continue classroom sessions was the obvious alternative to in-person schooling, for many parents and guardians internet access continues to be a luxury difficult to afford even prior to the massive job losses prior to the pandemic.

Several key issues, such as net neutrality and the shortage of affordable laptops, have also resulted in internet inequality for those with less economic access to the internet and funds to purchase technology.

What are local, state and the federal government doing to ensure citizens have sufficient access to the internet? How does the concept of net neutrality impact the push to address income internet inequality?

More about EYEJ?
Concerned about the prevalence of poverty-level living environments, the disconnect between society and resources, and the extent of violence among African-American children prompted Mai Moore and the late June Antoine to organize with other Plymouth Church UCC members, including Gloria Sturghill, Pamela Ford, Jan Larsen, Aisha Violette, and Shaundra Cunningham, in 2013.

EYEJ strives to be a connector between community and children, to provide life skills and personal development tools to students in grade six through age 25. Our focus is the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, but we work with young people all over the United States.

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