Intersectionality: Digital and Racial Equity

At Center for Digital Equity at Queens University of Charlotte , we understand the intersectionality of our work to make Mecklenburg County the most digitally equitable community in America and many other critical community needs. In our modern society, digital equity is intersectional with nearly any other opportunity we have today. Solutions rarely, if at all, exist without the ability to acquire and take advantage of technology and the internet.

As a staff and within our community council, we dedicate time and attention to both learning and discussing these intersections in greater depth. These evergreen topics help guide our work and root the creation of solutions within those intersections.

Below is based on a series of questions I proposed to OpenAI 's #chatgpt. I've lightly edited the response produced by its generative AI machine. It helps establish a clear and connected foundation for the intersection of digital and racial equity.

###

Digital equity refers to fair and equal access to technology and the internet for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or location. This includes access to high-speed internet, digital devices, and digital literacy skills. Digital equity is critical because it enables individuals to access information, resources, and opportunities that are essential for personal and professional development in a modern society, economy, and democracy. Without digital equity, certain individuals and communities are at a disadvantage and are less likely to succeed in today's digital world.

Racial equity, on the other hand, refers to the fair and equal treatment of individuals of different races and the elimination of systemic barriers that disproportionately affect people of color. This includes ensuring that individuals of all races have the same access to opportunities, resources, and services.

The intersection of digital equity and racial equity is particularly important because people of color are disproportionately affected by the digital divide, which is the gap between those who have access to technology and the internet and those who do not. For example, according to the Pew Research Center, in 2019, only 57% of African American households had a high-speed internet connection at home, compared to 74% of white households. This digital divide can exacerbate existing racial disparities and perpetuate systemic barriers for people of color.

To address the intersection of digital equity and racial equity, it is important to ensure that all individuals have access to technology and the internet. This includes providing digital literacy training and access to digital devices for those who do not have them. It also includes investing in infrastructure and policies that support high-speed internet access for all communities, particularly for low-income and communities of color. Additionally, it is important to ensure that digital platforms and services are inclusive and culturally responsive and that people of color are represented in the technology workforce.

In conclusion, digital equity and racial equity are closely interconnected and both are crucial for ensuring a fair and just society. Addressing the digital divide and promoting digital equity for all is necessary to achieve racial equity and eliminate systemic barriers for people of color.

###

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. How might your voice be included and help guide the pathway to digital equity?

To bring your time and talents to bare in support of making Mecklenburg County the most digitally equitable community in America, as an individual or as a company team, reach out to us here.