Joint Center Recognizes Commissioner Geoffrey Starks for His Commitment to Digital Equity for Black Communities

Joint Center Recognizes Commissioner Geoffrey Starks for His Commitment to Digital Equity for Black Communities

Starks officially steps down from the Commission today after announcement in March

WASHINGTON — The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies commends Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Geoffrey Starks amid his official action to step down from his position. Commissioner Starks, a steadfast advocate for digital equity and policy solutions that ensure fair and inclusive access to technology, has played a critical role in shaping policies that impact Black communities and underserved populations.

During his tenure, Commissioner Starks championed broadband expansion through his support of Joint Center-endorsed programs such as the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. He fought against discriminatory ad targeting and worked to address the misuse of data in employment and lending. His leadership in the FCC’s efforts to close the digital divide has been instrumental in ensuring historically marginalized communities have greater access to reliable and affordable internet services.

“Commissioner Starks has been a tireless champion for digital equity, who brought a critical perspective as the only Black commissioner on the Commission — until Olivia Trusty is confirmed by the Senate,” said Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad. “His work to bridge the digital divide has touched the lives of countless individuals, particularly in Black communities. We are grateful for his dedication and leadership, and we look forward to working alongside him as he continues to fight for fairness and opportunity in the tech space.”

Joint Center Technology Policy Director Danielle Davis, Esq., added: “Geoffrey Starks has been a transformative figure, not only in the FCC but in the broader conversation on technology and equity. His resignation is a loss for the Commission, but his legacy of championing underrepresented communities will continue to guide and inspire us. We are hopeful to see the future opportunities where his vision and influence will continue to drive change.”

​Commissioner Starks has been a longtime friend and partner with the Joint Center, actively participating in several of our initiatives aimed at promoting digital equity in Black communities. Notably:​

• 2022 Future of Black Communities Summit: Commissioner Starks delivered opening remarks and participated in a panel discussion on technology policy priorities for Black communities. The conversation addressed issues such as discriminatory ad targeting, online disinformation, digital hate speech, data misuse in employment and lending, broadband access obstacles, and tech policy solutions to ensure the safety of Black Americans online.
• Emergency Broadband Benefit Outreach: In January 2021, former Joint Center Technology Policy Director Dr. Dominique Harrison met with Commissioner Starks to strategize on disseminating information about the EBB to underserved communities. This initiative aimed to provide financial assistance to low-income households for broadband services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19 and the Digital Divide Briefing: In April 2020, the Joint Center hosted an online policy forum featuring Commissioner Starks. The discussion focused on the concept of a “connectivity stimulus” to ensure that all communities in the United States remained connected and had access to online education and economic opportunities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. ​
• Support for FCC Nomination and Renomination: The Joint Center consistently supported Commissioner Starks’s leadership at the FCC. In February 2018, we recommended his nomination to the U.S. Senate, citing his exceptional qualifications and commitment to inclusion. Following his nomination, we urged the Senate to confirm him swiftly, and upon his unanimous confirmation in January 2019, we commended the Senate’s decision. In April 2023, we joined other organizations in signing a letter supporting his renomination, emphasizing his dedication to policies that benefit all Americans.

The Joint Center recognizes Commissioner Starks’s significant contributions and looks forward to his continued leadership in shaping policies that impact Black communities and the broader landscape of technology and communications.

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