the numbers are in from a recent study of people and how they connect to the internet and african-americans connecting through broadband has increased dramatically since 2005 according to the pew internet and american life project. the actual numbers show that an increase from 15% to nearly 40% of broadband use by african-americans. attributed to the increase in usage is the ubiquity of broadband in most areas spurning a decrease in overall price. at present level at&t is offering its basic dsl package at around $15.

funny how statistics catch up with theory? for those that remember, i challenged the coming-of-age for african-americans in the tech sector as a key element in our overall community success. i’m glad to see that our community is starting to statistically represent itself in a positive light. broadband internet, as my newly dsl-connected grandfather can attest, opens users to a world of youtube, cnn.com video, and abc.com tv shows. it also allows for more casual browsing and interactivity since the growing pains of slow dial-up are eliminated.

additionally highlighted in the article were the different methods of why internet use had increased, including the popularity of the sidekick from t-mobile with african-americans. the most interesting about this fact is its reiteration of how technology is commonplace in the community. while it does bridge the digital divide in its most basic definition, we also need to remember that these services and products are still consumables going to wealthier corporations.

this brings me to my continuous challenge: blacks need to look past simply consuming technology and learn how to build it. black tech, through tech. the greatest music of its kind was invented by black people and slowly exploited. only recently have we seen a resurgence in black ownership. the most popular automobile model, the chrysler 300, was designed by a black mind, only for the profits to end up to a german company. the horizon of ybp’s and their technological integration into daily necessities is now. we need to make sure that we, at the minimum, know and understand how these innovations work so that we may support each other in building our own.

skills in microsoft excel, software development, web design, and gadgetry will not idly become buzz words that have passive magic powers. these are today’s essential functions, like speaking clearly, typing, and writing, that will continue to redefine what is valued in society. these skills will help us standout and progress.

not sure where to start? check out the ten steps to joining the tech community ratrace as well as the howto category. (article via chicagotribune, image via gettyimages)