Tech Policy

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Joint Center Speaks at MMTC 8th Annual Broadband & Social Justice Summit

On Tuesday, February 7, 2017, the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) held its 8th Annual Broadband and Social Justice Summit, “BBSJ 2017: Connecting to America’s Future.” Spencer Overton, President of the Joint Center, spoke on the Broadband and Social Justice Town Hall: “The New Political Climate and Its Impact on Digital, Financial, and SocioEconomic Disparity in Our Communities: A Call to Action.”

Spencer discussed the Joint Center’s upcoming 5G, Smart Cities, and Communities of Color report, the first in our series of innovation-themed reports. Spencer showed the report’s companion video (to be published soon) which gives an introduction of what 5G is to elected officials, and explains why it is important to future of communities of color.  The report and companion video also examines the challenges 5G could pose to communities of color, and gives specific recommendations to state and local elected officials on how to anticipate and address those challenges.

Opening remarks were given by Tech & Innovation Sector Analyst for the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development Jocelyn James and the panel was moderated by The Pressley Firm Principal Monique Pressely.

Other panelists included:

  • Debra Berlyn, President, Consumer Policy Solutions; Executive Director, Project to Get Older Americans Online (GOAL)
  • Kristal High, Editor-in-Chief, Politic365
  • Rosa Mendoza, Executive Director, Hispanic Technology and Telecommunications Partnership (HTTP)
  • Hilary Shelton, Director, Washington Bureau, NAACP
  • Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
  • Chris Wood, Executive Director and Co-Founder, LGBT Technology Partnership & Institute