Getting Blacks Online is Not a Challenge, That of Ownership a Much Broader Issue Is!

// November 15th, 2009 // Rants

I have three areas of  interest in technology Fashion, Women and Blacks! Fashioncamp is a great outlet, Girls in Tech , Silicon  Stilettos and Webgrrls are great for women!

Blacks in Technology… we’re still finding our way! There is sites such as Black web 2.0,; groups such as  Blacks in Tech, Beta and the Black Media Professionals, which I organize!

Onlone I want information to be the latest even trend forward and innovative1 I’m not finding that! Where are the black web innovators.  They exist a know a couple of them,  I just can’t  “find” them! And neither can our young men and women who can be inspired by these role models!

For now I get my Tech fix at NextNY and NYTech and Mobile Mondays

Lately I’ve been in discussion of with several separate groups on the issue of Blacks in Technology or bridging the digital divide! The assumption is that we are not  represented online!

Facebook seems to be able to find my 71 relatives and get even the least tech interested online! Few of them own a web presence! Even fewer are seriously exploring an online business as a business venture!

When it comes to technology my concern is that we are followers not leaders! As a rule innovation is not our concern, and as such while the web is  affecting the social structure of many countries! That same effect is not being experience in the Black community! Our kids are playing games, not creating them:  We are, renters not owners!

NY has one of the most generous and prolific tech communities there

is no reason for that disparity! Much of this is available free or at a low cost, simply by getting up and reaching out! T here is also serious dollars , sponsorship and funding available with the help to get you there!

Yes there are a few of us online! Many however are covert! Many Blacks who are online choose a safer “whiter” face for fear of typecasting… and a perceived economic backlash!

But the web is neutral… it’s global, that’s why from symbols to graphics and imagery “whites” images make up about 90% of what is commonly seen on the web! The game of access it a tough one.

I am a woman, I am Black, both minorities in NY’s tech community! I will never hear, how will your being a woman affect ROI on your site! At last years PodcampNYC… I was asked How would your models being black affect your ROI on your site.

How did you get into technology?

As I encounter people, in DeMarketplace project it is the question I am asked most , my answer is the same as many females in technology!

I have a father who was a computer programmer, or my brother codes!

The next question inevitably… I mean as an African American, where did you get all this info in technology! Firstly I am not an African American: I am a Trini of African descent! That’s a big cultural difference in the way I perceive and engage, which is my argument culture affects how we engage online!

secondly

Did you not hear me… my father was a computer programmer my brother codes!

Yes Blacks have been in technology way back… at least in my native trinidad! I am still trying to find the historical data here! So why am I now focused on bridging that divide… It’s becoming an huge gaping hole! Our kids are entering colleges at a disadvantage! If our children are to compete they need to upgrade their mastery of the tools!

I am In Technology So that my son will be able to say

My mother was in technology that’s why I am!

Please support attend and discuss at

Culture + Creativity + Collaboration + Community = Commerce.

November 17th Join Me At WEB 2.0 Birds of a Feather (see Below)
Take advantage of living and working in one of the best trade centers!
Check out the various schedules, register and attend

BUT TECHNOLOGY IS NOT MY THING!
If You’re in business today Technology is your business! You need to keep up to date with technology! It is only in old Kung Flu flicks that the man with the stick wins! Not Sure- Take advantage of free or heavily discounted expo passes to explore the opportunities! We speak of change that impacts our community. “CHANGE” can be achieved with a series of small actions- today is the last day for many free offers so please check the sites. if you are unsure of how these events impact you it is an opportunity to “shop” the potential!

Web 2.0

http://www.web2expo.com/we bexny2009/public/content/w hats-free

InteropNY
Discounts end today http://www.interop.com/newyork/downloads/iny09_confntbk-web.pdf

http://www.interop.com/newyork/registration/

NY Entrepreneur Week

http://www.nyew.org/

This is a busy week in New York’s Tech and Business Calendar!
Take advantage of living and working in one of the best trade centers, Check out the various schedules, register and attend

November 17th
8:00pm Tuesday, 11/17/2009

Doing More with Less by Design; Culture + Creativity + Collaboration + Community = Commerce

Bonnie Sandy
at the Westin New York at Times Square (270 West 43rd Street) in the New Amsterdam, room:

Wednesday 18th-
I’ve asked the members of Black Media Professionals to Join Beta’s event-

Culture + Creativity + Collaboration + Community = Commerce.

How Local businesses perceive and use 2dcodes, Google Wave and Augmented Reality will affects their design and usability. Bridging the digital divide and getting technology into the hands of non traditional audiences, often means paying attention to the cornerstones of

Can the rate of adoption be affected by design? How does our perception of values affect the survival of tech products?

Designing product, sales and marketing to maximize results with less resources can help organizations cut cost and develop an extremely loyal customer base ! Separate the facts from the hype and build what works!

Explore what is needed to serve and bridge a gaping (and potentially lucrative) digital divide.

DeMarketPlace is a virtual network & incubator, centered in Brooklyn, designed within the constraints of doing more with less! The goal was to create a methodology and model which, while identifying and testing tools that could be used, could easily be adapted in any country with whatever existing resources were available! Thus giving local businesses access to a Global Market, in the shortest time possible!

Show your support

• Post comment at http://www.web2expo.com/webexny2009/public/schedule/detail/11352

• RSVP – Let me know you’re coming! let’s talk about Adding some color to the web!

• Register to attend_ Remember- There’s still time to register for the free events! Deadline for Free registration is Tomorrow 15th

• If You’re not sure this use this option and at least visit the expo hall!

See what Free at http://www.web2expo.com/webexny2009/public/content/whats-free
If You’re not sure this use this option and at least visit the expo hall!
If you are registered for any Web 2.0 Expo package you automatically have access to Web2Open and other free events. If you do not have a badge and would like to attend Web2Open for free, register for an Expo Only pass using code webny09opn now through November 15, 2009. This pass will give you access to Web2Open, Hybrid Sessions, Keynotes, the Expo Hall, and BoFs.

See Web 2Open schedule http://www.podcampfoundation.com/web20openguide.pdf