Broadband for America (BfA) is on a mission. That mission is to make broadband access to the Internet available to every household in the nation; to provide data transfer speeds to make that broadband experience valuable to users; and to provide the bandwidth necessary for content providers to continue to make the Internet a cultural, societal, and economic engine for growth.
That growth is taking shape in Mississippi with grants, programs and information being disseminated from the halls of Congress to rural counties and urban cities.
Last week, BfA made another investment in the magnolia state.
Recognizing the importance of ensuring Mississippians are provided first class digital citizenry through broadband adoption and use, BfA awarded $25,000 in grants to five organizations.
“Broadband for America is proud to provide these grants because we know that broadband adoption and use will transform the lives of Mississippians by creating new jobs, providing high quality educational opportunities in rural communities,” said BfA Adoption Council member Ava Parker.
What is Broadband?
In short according to BfA’s website: The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed Internet access. Broadband can be simply defined as a fast connection to the internet that is always on. It allows a user to send emails, surf the web, download images and music, watch videos, join a web conference, and much more.
Bolton Mayor Lawrence Butler readily admits he knows very little about Broadband but is ready to sit and learn. “When the classes are offered, I will be there and will make sure others are there,” said Butler. “This is a good beginning to getting and keeping us connected.”
Five organizations each were awarded $5,000 by BfA. These grants will be used to offer free computer literacy training and technological assistance in local communities.
One by one the grant recipients gave credit to U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, who represents the 2nd Congressional District in Mississippi. “If there is money to be found Congressman Thompson can find it,” shared State Representative Walter Robinson to laughter and applause. “Today we have a unique opportunity to provide members of our community with the additional support they need to become upwardly mobile and increasingly productive members of society; goals that are particularly important as we transition toward the information age.”
Thompson was on hand and charged each recipient with the responsibility of doing due diligence with the grants. “We don’t want to have to send the grant repo man to your areas,” said Thompson to a loud out break of laughter. Switching to a more serious tone, Thompson expressed his gratitude for his constituents. “We are fortunate to have the work of the Copiah County Ministerial Alliance, Wesley United Methodist Church, Rural Community Development Center, Bolton Development Corporation and the Glendora Community Development Corporation. These grants are well deserved and will make a difference in our communities,” he said.
Reverend Victor Dixon, chair of the Copiah County Ministerial Alliance, expressed his gratitude for the grant. “We need this and other resources in our area,” Dixon said. “This will enable us to continue our efforts with pastoral computer training and youth outreach.”
Dixon also gave an example of using the Internet.
“I guess I finally understand that almost everything is going paperless. My son recently graduated from Alcorn State University and now it is time for him to find a job. Everyday, I’m asking where are your applications, how is your job search coming? To my surprise he said dad, I’ve done more than a dozen applications online.”
Parker noted that more would be done. “We know that this is just a start, but a great start and we are encouraged by what you are doing here. It fits directly in line with our mission,” she said.
For more information on Broadband for America please visit www.broadbandforamerica.com.
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