MLK Day and the pursuit of equitable internet access

As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, we are reminded of the ongoing pursuit for equity, justice, and the civil rights leader’s legacy and vision of a world with equal access to opportunities. Google Fiber aspires to be a part of this dream, by helping to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusivity in our increasingly connected world. 

Everyone deserves fast, reliable internet at an accessible price, and the ability to put that internet connection to use - to connect to opportunity. We’re grateful to work with many organizations across the country that put that principle to work every day, helping their clients and constituents get more out of their lives, both online and beyond.  

Here are a few ways our incredible community partners are marking this important day across the country:

• Austin, Texas: The Austin Area Heritage Council’s Annual MLK Oratory Competition showcases fourth to sixth-grade students from local schools delivering speeches centered on Dr. King's dream. 

• Kansas City, Kansas: The Metropolitan Community College Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Luncheon, provides 5 MCC recipients with a full-tuition scholarship for one year. 

• Huntsville, Alabama: 2024 MLK Unity Breakfast hosted by The Delta Theta Lambda Education Foundation supports scholarships, leadership development, and training for exceptional students.    

• Atlanta, Georgia: 2024 MLK Days of Service and the MLK Sunday Supper are events to get the local community volunteering for projects that support 50 nonprofits and schools. This week, volunteers from the GFiber team served at C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Mobile Food Pantry in Atlanta, GA, packed meal bags and prepared for meal distribution. 

• Research Triangle Area (Raleigh-Durham), North Carolina: United Way of the Greater Triangle’s MLK Day of Service supports a full day of health programming at the Boys & Girls Club Raleigh. 

• Charlotte, North Carolina: YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s 30th Annual MLK Holiday Breakfast celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The GFiber local team will also volunteer in a MLK day of service at Samaritans Feet.

GFiber is proud to be a small part of these efforts, and others, working towards a more equitable and just world.

Of course, there is still more work to be done. We will continue to push forward to make the internet more accessible and to help others harness the power and opportunity of the internet. You can help too! One small way to act right now  — the Affordable Connectivity Program helps make high speed internet available to millions of US households through a $30 a month subsidy, but this program will end in April 2024 unless Congress acts to allocate additional funding. There is a bill before Congress to extend funding for this critical program. Take a moment to let your Congresspeople add your voice on the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 to keep that connection strong for everyone.

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Posted by Jess George, Head of Digital Equity & Community Impact