In the early days of March, Karen Kama woke up before dawn, determined to make a difference in her neighborhood in Reading, Pennsylvania. Armed with flyers, she set out to inform local residents about an important program hosted at her local library, which focuses on teaching individuals how to navigate the internet effectively.

Reading, a city where nearly two-thirds of the population identifies as Hispanic, sees Kamas determination reflected in her bilingual flyers that offer information in both Spanish and English. This initiative is crucial given the significant number of residents who may not have access to the same digital resources as others.

Just a year ago, Kama herself was a newcomer to the digital world. She shared her transformative experience of discovering the internet: how it enabled her to communicate with her Spanish-speaking neighbor through Google Translate, engage in brain games, and access her medical test results online. Most importantly, she expressed deep joy in teaching her community about the myriad benefits of the internet. "I'm so grateful for it because now I can tell somebody else how to do it," she remarked, beaming with pride at her newfound abilities.

Kamas journey is emblematic of a larger issue affecting millions of Black Americans who find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide a term that encapsulates the disparity in internet access between different demographic groups. Historically, people of color have been at a greater disadvantage compared to their white counterparts when it comes to accessing the internet, a critical resource in todays society.

The Pew Research Center has been investigating internet usage among U.S. adults since 2000, consistently revealing that Black and Hispanic Americans lag behind white respondents in terms of internet access. This lack of connectivity can have profound consequences. Internet access has been proven to enhance health outcomes, improve job prospects, and boost psychological well-being. Claudia Ruiz, a senior analyst at UnidosUS, a civil rights organization, aptly stated, "I like to joke that you give me an issue, and I'll tell you why internet connectivity impacts it." Conversely, those without access experience a multitude of adverse effects.

Accessing the internet hinges on three critical factors: availability in ones location, affordability, and the necessary tools to utilize it. Unfortunately, many marginalized communities find themselves lacking in all these areas, leaving them disconnected in an increasingly digital world. Nicol Turner Lee, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, emphasized that internet access is a vital social determinant of well-being that can significantly enhance quality of life.

The racial digital divide is stark, as illustrated by Pew's latest survey conducted in June 2024. Findings revealed that while 83% of white respondents subscribe to home internet, only 73% of Black and Hispanic adults do, highlighting a troubling gap in connectivity. The disparity is even more pronounced in some urban areas; research by McKinsey shows that Black households in cities like Chicago and Baltimore are twice as likely to lack high-speed internet subscriptions compared to their white counterparts.

At its core, the racial divide in internet access serves as a reflection of the broader income divide, which is a primary driver of broadband adoption. Alisa Valentin, broadband policy director at Public Knowledge, noted that income disparities dictate access to technology. Current Federal Reserve data indicates that for every $100 in wealth held by white households, Black households possess only $16, and Hispanic households, $22. Such financial barriers contribute to the stark contrast in internet adoption rates, with 92% of Americans earning over $100,000 having home internet compared to just 57% of those making less than $30,000.

To understand the roots of this digital divide, one must look back to the 1930s and the concept of redlining, which emerged during the New Deal era. The Federal Housing Administration created color-coded maps to designate neighborhoods as more or less risky for mortgage lending, systematically discriminating against predominantly Black neighborhoods. Although the Fair Housing Act of 1968 outlawed such practices, the legacy of redlining has persisted. A FiveThirtyEight analysis indicated that neighborhoods formerly marked as redlined continue to be disproportionately inhabited by Black, Latino, or Asian populations.

This historical discrimination extends into contemporary internet access. Studies show that neighborhoods that were previously redlined often have inferior internet speeds compared to those deemed less risky. Research conducted by The Markup and the Associated Press revealed that across 38 U.S. cities, internet providers frequently offered subpar plans to less white neighborhoods, further exacerbating the inequities in connectivity.

Critics argue that internet providers lack the economic incentive to invest in infrastructure in these communities. An AT&T spokesperson stated their commitment to expanding high-speed internet but emphasized the economic factors that guide their decisions. However, many community advocates assert that this amounts to systemic racismwhether intentional or notwherein marginalized communities remain last in line for technological advancements.

The discussion around digital redlining continues, with some experts suggesting that while income is the primary driver of broadband access, racial disparities also significantly contribute to the problem. A 2018 study from USC highlighted that even when controlling for income, certain areas exhibited notable racial disparities in fiber deployment.

Cid Espinal, who trains seniors in digital literacy skills at the Reading Public Library, has personally witnessed the disparities in access. He pointed out the stark contrast in service availability across geographic boundaries in Reading. A mere 1% of homes in Reading can access fiber, compared to 41% in neighboring Wyomissing, showcasing the lack of competitive options and consumer choice.

Internet service providers such as Comcast have been criticized for their pricing structures. In Reading, Comcast's internet plans begin at $35 per month but can escalate to $83 after an initial promotional period. Espinal lamented that the lack of competition allows Comcast to dictate prices without concern for consumer needs. Despite Comcasts stated efforts to provide low-cost options, community members often find themselves trapped in a cycle of limited choices.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has attempted to address these disparities by establishing digital discrimination rules, but implementation has faced significant hurdles and remains unfulfilled. The recent rules aim to define digital discrimination based on its effects rather than intent, a shift that has led to legal challenges from industry groups.

While the focus on closing the broadband gap has primarily been directed towards rural areas, its essential to recognize the diversity within these communities. According to the 2020 census, nearly 14 million rural Americans identify as people of color, challenging the stereotype that rural issues primarily affect white populations.

Unfortunately, even when broadband access is available, speed and affordability remain critical barriers. A revealing Pew survey found that one in five individuals without home internet cited cost as their primary obstacle. Advocacy groups stress that the majority of federal funding has historically been allocated to infrastructure expansion rather than making internet access affordable for those in need. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted some changes in this regard, leading to programs aimed at reducing costs for low-income households.

Digital literacy is another crucial component of bridging the divide. Many individuals lack the skills needed to utilize available technology effectively. Programs that provide not only internet access but also training can empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape confidently. For example, partnerships between nonprofits and service providers aim to equip underserved communities with both tools and knowledge to thrive in todays digital world.

As individuals like Dorothy Burrell, who transitioned from being a participant to a teacher in a digital literacy program, demonstrate, its possible to inspire hope and confidence. The importance of internet access is underscored by testimonials from individuals who view it as essential to their daily lives. Phyllis Jackson, a retired administrative assistant, expressed her unyielding commitment to maintaining her internet connection, stating, "I will find some waycutting down on food or heat or whateverbecause it's really necessary. I live alone, and the computer's like my best friend."

Ultimately, the digital divide is a symptom of the choices our society has made, impacting not only communities of color but also low-income and rural populations. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to equity that encompasses all marginalized groups. As we continue to advance technologically, we must not forget those who have been left behind in the process. As Claudia Ruiz eloquently put it, "We're sprinting before so many of us can even walk." With the ongoing discussions about AI and digital advancements, we must first tackle the fundamental barriers of connectivity that persist in our society. Advocacy and community engagement are essential to ensuring that every voice is heard, and every individual has the opportunity to participate in the digital age.