Meet Phyllis Edwards, An Advocate and Problem Solver

March 17, 20230 Comments

Meet Phyllis Edwards, An Advocate and Problem Solver

Phyllis Edwards makes no bones about her high-tech capabilities. Yes, she knows her way around an electronic device, and she can effectively use the internet, but she doesn’t consider herself “tech savvy.” That’s why she got involved with Connect 313.

Edwards is the 2023 chair of Connect 313’s Policy, Advocacy and Ecosystems committee. She brings to the role a lifetime of activity on behalf of people whose voices aren’t getting heard.

Most recently the executive director of Bridging Communities, a Detroit nonprofit that supports equitable housing, Edwards now serves as a project development consultant focused on eldercare and community development.

“When COVID-19 hit, I realized that my senior citizens, thegrandparents, didn’t have connectivity to technology to help their grandchildren with homework,” Edwards shared. “I alsoknew that online access, and the right tech devices for telehealth,were not an option and that social isolation was going to be an issue.”

Always an advocate and problem solver, she began looking for a solution and knew she had to get involved.

Edwards first encountered Connect 313 early in its formation, learning more about the ambassador program, attending meetings and later, establishing a tech hub at Bridging Communities. When she participated in the 2022 Detroit Digital Inclusion Week, she was convinced the timing was right for a deeper engagement.

“I’m interested in systemic change, so when the policy and advocacy committee became available, I signed up and was elected to lead the group’s activities. I believe that people who want to make changes need to be at the table when those changes are being made. That’s what I’m working on at Connect 313,” Edwards said.

It’s no surprise that this energetic and passionate advocate raised her hand to volunteer. Her first career was in Michigan’s child protective services and its foster program. While there, and because she traveled throughout state, she served as a culture ambassador to help build inclusion and diversity across state employee ranks.

What’s more, Edwards understands the ever-shifting dynamics of policy and funding within the nonprofit space. While at Bridging Communities, she was able to align the organization with the credentials needed to be competitive for available fundsin the Detroit market.

Now, she gearing-up for her new role at Connect 313.

“I’m in the process of building our committee and ensuring there’s continuity between 2022 and 2023 goals. As important, I’m looking at the policies that are out there, whether state,federal or local, and communicating those policies, and identifying how they impact the people and communities we serve,” Edwards explained.

Edwards believes equality of the entire digital eco-system is critical and must be part of a long-term plan. Her vision is a system that embraces the physically challenged, seniors who don’t have technology, and people with devices who don’t know how to use them, then provides access, connectivity and the training people need to fully engage.

“We want to make sure that as we move forward in this new digital world, we don’t leave people behind as they have been left behind before. It’s simply too important that we bring everyone along.”

Detroit has many resources and opportunities for residents. Click here to learn more: https://connect313.org/resident-resources-2/.

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Angela Meyers on Being Part of the Solution

March 7, 20230 Comments

Angela Meyers on Being Part of the Solution

Angela Meyers experienced the digital divide in Detroit firsthand when she saw children and seniors in her own community struggling to access and use technology. That inspired her to join Connect 313. 

“The Wi-Fi connection in our area had the lowest speeds and the highest prices,” she says. “I wanted to be part of the solution.”

Today, Angela is helping to drive solutions as Connect 313’s Vice Chair of the Special Projects & Shared Resources Committee. In this role, she looks for creative ways to get involved with the community and finance digital inclusion initiatives.

“What interests me most about Connect 313 is the community involvement. It is a collective effort by the City of Detroit, local and national businesses, and the community,” she says. “The idea that we are all working together to reach one goal really grabbed my attention.”

By offering digital literacy programs, supplying devices, and increasing internet speeds for people across the city, Angela hopes to make the digital world accessible for everyone. 

“Our priority is the opening of our neighborhood tech hubs across the city and supplying the essential services Detroiters require for employment, healthcare, and education. Connect 313 is on the right track,” Angela says.

In addition to working at Connect 313, Angela is a Member Advocate with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She graduated from Henry Ford Community College in 2014 with an associate degree in general studies and is currently a senior at Wayne State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a marketing emphasis. 

Angela is also a deejay and owns Musical Dynasty Disc Jockey Services. Since 2016, her company has hosted Feeding Detroit’s Homeless, an event that provides Detroit shelters with hot meals and other necessities.

“By transforming Detroit into a digitally inclusive city, Connect 313 is closing the divide,” Angela says. “I want the people of Detroit to know that we are making a significant amount of effort on their behalf, we value their opinions, and we want them to be a part of the process and have their voices heard.”

Have a suggestion for closing the digital divide in Detroit? Submit it here: https://connect313.org/suggestions/

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Dr. JR Sledge is a Leader in IT Training

February 6, 20230 Comments

Dr. JR Sledge is a Leader in IT Training

Born and raised in Detroit, Dr. JR Sledge was taught early on to dream big. 

“I learned that I could achieve whatever I put my mind to,” he says. “This was instilled in me at home and within the Detroit Public School system. As a result, I’m compelled to pay it forward and help others reach their potential.”

Paying it forward is exactly what JR is doing. He’s Detroit’s Senior Managing Director at Per Scholas, a national nonprofit that aims to advance equity and diversity in the tech industry. He is also Connect 313’s newly elected chair of the Structure and Operations Committee and a Connect 313 board member. It’s a role he eagerly took on after connecting with former colleagues who suggested he participate in our election process. 

“My areas of focus are all things Detroit and all things equity,” he says. “As a leader in IT training and Workforce development, it’s my aim to facilitate, not only the closure of the digital divide, but also the closure of the economic divide as it relates to tech for people of color. For me, this work begins with structure, policy, and guidelines.”

JR earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at University of Detroit Mercy and a Doctor of Education degree from Wayne State University. He previously served as an adjunct professor for Wayne County Community College, assistant superintendent at Inkster Public Schools, and an employment outreach specialist in the Civil Rights Inclusion office of the City of Detroit. 

In his new role at Connect 313, JR is committed to making sure the voices, values, and needs of all Detroit residents come first – no matter their zip code. He’s using his knowledge and experience to ensure equitable opportunities for all with a focus on simplicity and efficiency.

“I love the pride of the people of Detroit. Our city’s ability to lead and set trends that the rest of the world follows is like no other place on the planet,” he says. “Together, we will close the digital divide in our region.”

Have an idea for bridging the digital divide in Detroit? Let us know on our suggestions page here: https://connect313.org/suggestions/.

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Bartel Welch is Passionate About STEAM Education

February 6, 20230 Comments

Bartel Welch is Passionate About STEAM Education

Making STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education fun, engaging, and thought provoking, especially for kids, is Bartel Welch’s passion. The founder and executive director of CODE313 is Connect 313’s newly elected chair of our Digital Literacy and Skilling committee. 

His nonprofit’s new 7,500 square foot STEAM eXperience Center at 2987 Franklin Street in Detroit’s Rivertown district is also one of Connect 313’s 22 Neighborhood Tech Hubs. In addition, CODE313 received our Youth Advocate award during Detroit Digital Inclusion Week last year for its dedication to creating learning opportunities and career pathways for young people.

“Connect 313 has helped connect us to other people and organizations, opening doors we may not have been able to open,” he says. “My goal as chair of the Digital Literacy and Skilling committee is continue to push the envelope of technology curriculum – getting it into more schools and organizations – and figuring out where the gaps are between school and the working world, so our students are ready for today’s high-tech workforce.”

Bartel was born and raised in Detroit. He attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cass Tech high school. In college, he started out pursing medicine, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, and attending medical school at Wayne State University. Along the way, he discovered his true passion is entrepreneurship.

“I started my own company doing web design, logos, branding, business cards and more,” he says. “In 2009, after Detroit’s bankruptcy, I worked for a marketing agency that worked with the auto industry and that role really opened my eyes. When I started to travel and go into boardrooms and see other people working in this field, I saw there were not many people who looked like me. I had to do my own research to find out why. That’s how CODE313 was born.”

CODE313 is dedicated to providing equitable access to STEAM education. Their facility in Rivertown features a drone cage, robotics, esports, 3D printing, laser cutting, classroom space for teaching coding and more. The center is expected to serve 2,000+ students per month.

“The digital divide is definitely solvable,” Bartel says. “It just takes a team effort and it’s a constant effort that needs to be applied. It’s not going to happen overnight. What’s rewarding to me is seeing the results, seeing the excitement on the youth’s faces, seeing people get jobs. With that, I see the future being much brighter.”Want to get involved? Learn more by visiting connect313.org.

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Steven Henry

Steven Henry Takes on New Role as Manager of Connect 313’s Community Ambassador Program

January 4, 20230 Comments

Steven Henry Takes on New Role as Manager of Connect 313’s Community Ambassador Program

 

Throughout his career as a community advocate and grassroots organizer, Steven Henry has worked to build trust and engagement with Detroit residents. Affable and articulate, Henry will now bring his innate communication skills and programming acumen to his new role as manager of Connect 313’s community ambassador program. 

Deeply rooted in the city, Henry, who holds a master’s degree in social justice from Marygrove College in Detroit, is rolling-up his sleeves and getting to work doing what he’s passionate about and dedicated to: building digital equity across the neighborhoods of Detroit.

“I live and breathe Detroit,” Henry said. “And COVID 19 exposed all the negative consequences to residents who are not fully connected in the 21st century. In my experience at the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance (ONA), I found homes without high-speed internet, and people without the appropriate devices not able to access healthcare, education, and work during lockdowns. These folks are disadvantaged and that has to change.”

Communities often have more agency than they think, Henry says, and there are options and resources to be leveraged. He believes that’s where Connect 313’s community ambassadors can be most effective. 

In his new role, he plans to build visibility for each ambassador within his or her designated district through participation in community events, neighborhood fairs and within existing outreach services. The challenge and the reward, he says, is educating ambassadors new to grassroots organizing.

“My goal as manager is to grow the team’s skills and knowledge and elevate the ambassador function to a higher level as we more fully flesh-out this program,” he explains. “We’ll take what we’ve learned and move to greater things while expanding our reach to deliver more resources.”

Along the way, Henry will continue building on the trust Connect 313 and its partners have earned among Detroiters while working on greater buy-in from the public he serves. 

“That makes the difference,” Henry said. “And that’s what Connect 313 is all about – how the community ambassadors will effectively carry out the organization’s mission of a fully digitally inclusive city.”

He fondly recalls the first computer classes offered at the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance, which also serves as a Connect 313 Tech Hub and is where Henry served as an early community ambassador. 

“Initially, there were just one or two people participating. But as we spread the word, more and more students engaged. Today, classes are typically full and there is sometimes a waiting list,” Henry said.

He credits ONA’s success to both programming quality and consistency, along with responsiveness to the community’s needs.   

Henry’s first brush with community outreach was in the healthcare field, where he collaborated with a variety of organizations focused on wellness initiatives. 

“I quickly learned the value of visibility and transparency when engaging fellow city residents,” Henry explained. “It’s essential to build trust and deliver on promises among people who are often underserved and, sometimes, under-delivered to.”

Now, as Henry marshals a team of ambassadors across each of the city’s seven districts, he’ll be striving to link Detroiters to available digital resources while demonstrating to participants the power of advocating for themselves. 

“With oversight of the entire city, I will be working to create this wingspan of inclusive options across all of Detroit’s districts,” he says. “I see the community ambassador role as a key element of Connect 313’s mission to bridge the digital divide.”

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Connect 313 and City of Detroit Honor Digital Inclusion Superheroes

October 24, 20220 Comments

Connect 313 and City of Detroit Honor Digital Inclusion Superheroes

Detroit’s Digital Inclusion Week (DDIW) recently revealed what many in the city already know: That Detroit is humming with digital superheroes working hard to ensure students, residents, small business owners and community organizations have the devices and digital skills they need and affordable, reliable internet access.

And, if you’re wondering why work in the digital equity space is so important, take a look at how investigators from The Markup recently uncovered that Detroiters are paying big money for slow internet service. The report shows white residents are paying the same price for faster speeds.

During Day 2 of DDIW, Connect 313, the City of Detroit, and sponsor DELL honored four digital inclusion champions working tirelessly to connect Detroiters across the city. They are:

· Small Business Hero: Rachael Allen, Operations School

· Digital Inclusion Advocate(s): Detroit Community Technology Project

· Digital Inclusion Nonprofit: Detroit Residents First Fund

· Youth Advocate: CODE 313

The ceremony took place on the campus of Wayne State University. The Small Business Hero of the Year award went to Racheal Allen, CEO of Operations School. Focused on small businesses and nonprofits, from start-up to grassroots to mature, Racheal has channeled her passion for operational excellence to help hundreds of organizations adopt tech systems and best practices.

“I started Operations School because leveraging technology and embracing automation is especially challenging for entrepreneurs of color due to the digital divide,” Allen says. “That’s where my team and I can really help.”

Detroit Residents First Fund was recognized as the Digital Inclusion Nonprofit of the Year. The nonprofit was formed in 2016 with support from the Ford, Kellogg, and the Erb Family foundations. DRFF dispersed some $175,000 in tech support stipends to Detroit nonprofit leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through unrestricted grant funds for tablets, laptops, subscriptions, and internet access, we helped several organizations continue to be productive and successful despite the world shutting down around us,” said Daija Butler, director of systems planning at the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. “This award gives us the motivation to keep doing what we’re doing.” 

The Detroit Community Technology Project earned the Digital Inclusion Advocate of the Year award for its commitment to making community technology accessible to all Detroiters. Since 2014, the project has developed comprehensive programming and organized to help decentralize tech resources, making technology that’s rooted in community needs and strengthening connections between neighbors and the planet.

“This has been a decades-long journey of community-led digital justice work,” said Katie Hearn, director of the Detroit Community Technology Project. “[This award] is an acknowledgement of the many visionary Detroiters who have modeled what it means to have community at the center of solutions.”  Knowing the challenges ahead, it’s this legacy that will guide our shared commitment to connecting the disconnected and realizing digital equity.” 

CODE 313, which provides equitable access to STEAM education, received the Youth Advocate of the Year award for its dedication to creating learning opportunities and career pathways for young people. Since 2019, CODE 313 has served approximately 50,000 Detroit students at more than 55 schools, providing coding camps, interactive classes and workshops. CODE 313’s STEM Academy became a Connect 313 Neighborhood Tech Hub this past summer to expand its programming and its reach.

“Technology and learning are how we help children, families, and communities break the cycle of poverty and empower people of all ages to dream, aspire and achieve,” said Bartell Welch, executive director of CODE 313. “Thank you to Connect 313 and the community for this recognition.”

Detroit Digital Inclusion Week took place October 3-7, bringing together resources, experts and members of the community to advance the conversation around digital inclusion and engage the many partners working to create and sustain true equity in Detroit.

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A Connect 313 Grant is Keeping Families Together

September 12, 20220 Comments

A Connect 313 Grant is Keeping Families Together

The bond between a parent and a child is one of the most important relationships in a child’s life – and it’s critical for their development. But, for kids with incarcerated parents, the separation adds a barrier – one Developing Despite Distance (3D) aims to break through.

“When [kids are] connected to their parents, they show up better in schools, on their sports teams, and in their community spaces because they’re getting that support,” says Tiffany Brown, 3D’s Founder and Executive Director. “My mother was incarcerated when I was a teen and we maintained a positive connection, despite me only being able to visit her one time in almost 4 years.”

The Detroit-based non-profit supports young men, ages 10-18, whose parents are incarcerated. The 3D team helps with letter writing, group counseling, field trips, and prison visits, all of which are key to nurturing parent-child relationships. Unfortunately, during COVID, prison visits stopped for nearly 2 years. Even now, visits are still restricted behind plexiglass walls.

To keep kids connected, Tiffany applied for a Connect 313 tech grant. The grant gave 20 children Chromebooks that they’re using to communicate with their parents.

“It felt like Christmas when we pulled those Chromebooks out that day,” Tiffany says. “I think the more we can provide access and minimize barriers, that’s exactly what we need to be doing for young people, just give them the opportunity and they’ll take it beyond what even we are thinking about.”

Although Tiffany says nothing compares to face-to-face visits, the laptops provide families a key tool to send emails and photos and get near-instant feedback from their parents, who are often hundreds of miles away. They also hope to add video chat capability soon.

“I know that parenting from prison can still be effective with the right level of support,” Tiffany says. “I’m really thankful for this [grant] and I’m thankful that the Connect 313 team made it really easy for us to apply. [This kind of support is what] non-profit leaders, like myself, have really, really been hoping for and dreaming of.”

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Join Us for Detroit’s Digital Inclusion Week

September 8, 20220 Comments

Join Us for Detroit’s Digital Inclusion Week

Digital inclusion brings opportunity, education, and connection. Ensuring all Detroit residents have access to the digital world is Connect 313’s fundamental goal.

Join us October 3-7 as Connect 313 hosts Detroit’s fourth annual Digital Inclusion Week, a 5-day event that promotes digital equity and highlights digital inclusion efforts happening across the Motor City. Throughout the week, Connect 313 will celebrate the organizations and leaders helping to  bridge the digital divide, activate partnerships and activities to increase community engagement, and connect Detroit residents to free information and resources.

“A big portion is connecting with the community where they are. You can’t assume that people know what’s out there,” said Kaleena Louis, Connect 313’s Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem vice chair who’s been working to help plan the event. “This year we’re looking forward to putting on an amazing week for the city that will have more in-person engagement.”

The event includes special events, panel discussions, hands-on activities, and more. Detroiters who attend will have the opportunity to take part in one of Connect 313’s free digital empowerment workshops.

This year, on day 2, Connect 313 will host its Inaugural Research Symposium. More than a dozen academic professionals will gather to reflect on the past decade of digital inclusion and highlight modern-day initiatives through presentations, workshops, panels, and roundtables. The Research Symposium is designed to be a day of learning. Speakers will cover numerous topics including digital equity and inclusion, supporting children in the classroom, creating digitally accessible neighborhoods, and more.

The full schedule is as follows:

  • Day 1 – Leadership and Stakeholders
    • Learn from digital inclusion leaders through talks and panel discussions.
  • Day 2 – Academic Research Symposium: A Decade of Digital Inclusion
    • Amplify digital inclusion research from the last decade through interactive presentations, panel discussions, and screen-side chats.
  • Day 3 – A Focus on Small Business
    • Offer tangible support to local entrepreneurs to help them run and scale their companies.
  • Day 4 – Connected Communities
    • Provide interactive opportunities for Detroiters to learn, engage, and become more digitally connected.
  • Day 5 – The Future is NOW: Engaging Youth in a Meaningful Way
    • Engage with Detroit youth to help increase awareness and opportunities that exist in the digital world.

Don’t miss this amazing week! Register for Detroit’s Digital Inclusion week here.

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Connect 313’s FREE Digital Literacy Playbook is Available Now

September 7, 20220 Comments

Connect 313’s FREE Digital Literacy Playbook is Available Now

Digital literacy is key to bridging the digital divide. But, ensuring people have the basic skills they need to be comfortable and confident online can be difficult, especially in tech’s ever-changing environment. That’s where Connect 313’s Digital Literacy Playbook comes in. You can access free online resource now, by clicking here.

“Some people say they don’t want to use digital technology because there’s too much to learn, but that’s just fear,” says Shadora Ford, Connect 313’s Special Projects and Shared Resources chair. “I want people to get over that fear by teaching them and finding creative ways to do so.”

Connect 313’s new Digital Literacy Playbook is designed to helps people learn basic digital literacy skills and gain confidence. It includes a digital literacy curriculum and users guides to help people find a device, connect to the internet, and get started with video calling.

“It also includes tips for learners, educators, and organizations to help them utilize the playbook,” says, Qumisha Goss Connect 313’s Digital Literacy and Skilling Committee management lead who helped build the Digital Literacy Playbook.

In addition to the playbook, watch our Instagram page for Tech Tip Tuesday, our social media campaign that share simple tips and resources – including digital discounts and tech terminology. There’s also an information library to help people find, evaluate, and use information, as well as cyber security education to ensure people keep their passwords and accounts information secure.

Using the curriculum Connect 313 created, participants can take or teach online computer-focused courses. Examples include “Introduction to Computers,” a class that teaches people how to use a mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Those a bit more familiar with technology can take the “Basic Computer Skills” course, which teaches users how to manages files, use a flash drive, and the Internet.

“It’s not that [people] don’t want to be involved, it’s that they’re afraid of not knowing,” says Naimah Wade, Connect 313’s Director of Research and Learning. “Give yourself permission to make mistakes… jump in even if you’re nervous about what you don’t know. You may be wonderfully surprised.”

For more information about the Digital Literacy Playbook, visit Connect 313’s website.

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Rescue Plan Funding: Eight states and localities committing Fiscal Recovery Funds to improve access to reliable, high-speed internet

June 13, 20220 Comments

Rescue Plan Funding: Eight states and localities committing Fiscal Recovery Funds to improve access to reliable, high-speed internet:

In a Press Release issued by the Biden-⁠Harris Administration  announced over $25 Billion in American Rescue Plan Funding to Help Ensure Every American Has Access to High Speed, Affordable Internet.  The City of Detroit is listed as an example of how this work is successfully being carried out.

“Detroit, Michigan will begin construction this summer, using $10 million in Fiscal Recovery Funds, to pilot a fiber-to-the-home connectivity project to approximately 2,000 homes in the Hope Village neighborhood with affordable 1 Gig service.”

To learn more about Detroit’s Fiber to home project checkout our blog post about why this work is important and the City of Detroit’s Digital Inclusion & Equity Page for updates.

You can read the full fact sheet detailing the funding for the American Rescue Plan Funding here.

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