Bridging the Digital Divide and Creating Sustainable Solutions for Connectivity in the Black Community

WHEREAS, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) acknowledges that the digital divide significantly affects historically marginalized communities, limiting access to critical online resources necessary for education, healthcare, employment, and civic engagement; and 

WHEREAS, The NAACP passed a resolution urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modernize the Lifeline Program to provide low-income families access to subsidize broadband connectivity to low-income households; and 

WHEREAS, A McKinsey and Company analysis of the 2020 U.S. Census found that approximately 40 percent of Black American households do not have broadband; and 

WHEREAS, The digital divide encompasses not only disparities in internet access but also gaps in digital literacy and affordability, which are crucial for equitable participation in the digital age; and 

WHEREAS, The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has been instrumental in providing discounts on broadband services and devices to qualifying households, has expired, highlighting the need for permanent solutions to ensure ongoing access; and 

WHEREAS, The expiration of the ACP underscores the urgency of developing long-term strategies that extend beyond temporary measures to address the foundational aspects of the digital divide; and 

WHEREAS, Achieving digital equity requires comprehensive approaches that include improving infrastructure, increasing affordability, enhancing digital literacy, and ensuring that technology solutions are culturally and contextually relevant to the communities they serve. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls for new and sustained federal commitments to replace and expand upon the expiring Affordable Connectivity Program, ensuring that future initiatives provide continuous support to those most in need. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP advocates for the establishment of permanent programs that address the affordability of internet services, the availability of necessary digital devices, and the enhancement of digital literacy across all age groups in underserved communities. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP urges local, state, and federal governments to invest in robust internet infrastructure, particularly in rural and urban areas where such investments lag significantly. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports the development of policy frameworks that incentivize private sector partnerships to bridge the digital divide, focusing on innovative solutions that are sustainable and scalable.