A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak at the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists about the challenges African American leaders face today. Since the convention's focus was technology, I decided to speak about the ever-growing technology gap between the urban rich and poor, and how this gap relates to the future of our children. The urgency of the issue really struck a chord with the audience.
Technology can be a great equalizer.
The information superhighway provides free information to anyone-anyone, that is, with access to a computer, a modem and the knowledge to use it. And so it is also true that technology can segregate by wealth and experience. Those who fail to surf the technology wave are excluded from job markets, from educational opportunities, and most of all, from information. As Mayor of a large American city I face many challenges, but none greater than reversing the gap between the urban rich and poor. Our children already face many educational barriers.