Recognizing February 11th - 17th as Black Family Technology Awareness Week.

WHEREAS, The Workforce 2000 Initiative will be

coordinating activities citywide for the 9th Annual National Black Family Technology Awareness Week, Sunday, February 11, 2007 to Saturday, February 17, 2007; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of Black Family Technology Awareness Week is to change how African Americans perceive Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); and recognize that vigilance, education and exposure are necessary to insure Digital Equity and that African Americans are able to qualify, compete and participate in today’s Knowledge Economy; and

WHEREAS, Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce NTIA Report entitled "Digital Divide" show that even though all racial groups now own more computers than they did in 2001, Blacks and Hispanics still lag even further behind in the levels of PC ownership and on-line access; and

WHEREAS, Now, more than ever, as Philadelphia becomes the first major city to go wireless, and increases e-government, we need to expand awareness about the opportunities that exist in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math related industries and jobs; and

WHEREAS, That during Black Family Technology Awareness Week,

events will take place throughout Philadelphia to disseminate information and help African Americans understand the many ways in which technology will continue to have a major impact on how they learn, work, live, and play; as well as understand the contributions they have made thereto;

now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we recognize February 11th through February 17th as Black Family Technology Awareness Week.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution is presented to representatives of The Workforce 2000 Initiative as an expression of appreciation of this legislative body.

End