Recognizing February 15th - 21st as the 10th Anniversary of the Black Family Technology Awareness Week.

WHEREAS

, The Mayor’s Commission on Technology (“MCOT”) will be

coordinating citywide activities for the 10th Anniversary of the Black Family Technology Awareness Week (February 15th to February 21st ); and

WHEREAS

, To promote this initiative, MCOT is partnering with the School District of Philadelphia, IBM, Sunoco, Black Data Processing Associates, National Society of Black Engineers, Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, and various local African American operated for and non-profit organizations, to assure that Philadelphians have the technical skills and knowledge necessary to compete in the Digital Age; 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

, The purpose of Black Family Technology Awareness Week supports and advances Mayor Nutter’s goal of making Philadelphia the country’s premier education city, by reducing the high school drop out rate and increasing the number of Philadelphians with 4-year college degrees; 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

, 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; n

ow, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

, That we recognize February 15th through February 21st as the 10th Anniversary of the Black Family Technology Awareness Week.

FUTHER RESOLVED

, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution is presented to representatives of the Mayor’s Commission on Technology as an expression of appreciation of this legislative body.

End